Please remember, these are just my opinion...
For needles, i like size 11. They seem tiny when you first start to use them, but work well. (I use the John James big eye quilting size 11 - easier to thread the needles.)
As to hoops, I like a smaller one. It is less difficult for me to manage. (I also carry my work a lot of places so I can work on it while waiting for others.)
Thread... Hmmm... Perhaps someone else would be better to ask, as my tendency is to use the same thread I piece with. Not good, I know.