I use Betweens needles with the larger eye. As a lefty, I can’t seem to use a thimble. When my fingers get sore I use Udder Cream which helps a lot. I have actually altered my fingerprint so I can’t open my phone using it! I love hand quilting and actually belong to a group which meets every Wednesday. I have learned a lot from those quilters. I basically use Hobbs 80/20 batting though I love wool but my grandson is allergic to wool and he is my greatest fan. I use a 14” hoop at home or an antique frame the size of a card table. I use hand quilting thread and often wax it..easy and really stops the knots!
I melt Gulf wax in a coffee can that I sit in boiling water. When it is melted drop the thread in ( make sure you keep out an end ing of thread. Otherwise it will never be able to unwind,). Bubbles will come in the wax. When it stop bubbling remove the thread and set it on a paper towel to dry. It never knots and it is so nice to use.
Welcome to the board from Yorkville, Illinois.😁