These are some of the things I use. I love the thimble with the brass cap, seems to really hold the needle, It is the first thimble I bought 27 years ago. I also like piecemaker betweens and colonial needles. I use and 10 or 11. I also love my oval hoop, it is between 18 and twenty inches. I also use a flexible clear tape by nexcare for my finger underneath you can buy it at the drug store, I put a couple of layers on. I have to feel th needle when it comes through the back.
The main thing is enjoy and don't get discouraged when you first start. It takes a little time to get a rhythm.
The following site have some of the things I use.
http://jeansimpressions.com/more.html