I am a self-taught hand quilter. I've done 'big stitch' quilting w/pearle cotton and like the look for some quilts but it is not my 'go to' method. I normally use regular hand-quilting thread and #11 quilting 'betweens'. For most (I think) hand quilters, thimbles are the trickiest tool to find the correct style and size that works for you. I use the Thimblelady thimble on the middle finger of my right hand. I also use a rubber finger tip on my index finger of that hand to help pull the needle through the sandwich.
I tend to use a hoop in my lap because it makes it easy for me to find where I've left off quilting. Sometimes I use no hoop. I usually pin-baste my quilt sandwiches but for queen and king size I now tend to thread baste as it lessens the weight of the quilt in my lap while maneuvering it to quilt.