I, too, use the thimble that has the metal piece in the tip. Really like it but mine is from Clover. Haven't seen the pink one. The hoop I use was from JoAnn's but is some sort of "plastic" like PVC pipe. I remember using an oval wooden one and didn't like it. It didn't stay fastened and too flimsy. I'd like to watch you quilt without a frame of some sort. This entire thing is doing what works for each of us--no right or wrong as long as we get to the end with a good product that pleases us.