I am a beginner at quilting and have just completed my first quilt, Queen Size with a lap hoop ($20.oo) the width of my finger tip to elbow size. I had to baste my quilt first and did feel a little awkward hand quilting to begin with but after the first couple of evenings I was away! I think you will iether like it or hate it! I love it and even though I have a machine which can do quilting I just love to hand quilt and look forward to the evenings when I can sit down and relax, put my feet up and start quilting! I am sorry I cannot help with anything other than the hoop as I have no other experience, but I can truely say it is easy and enjoyable! Do give it a try even if you have to borrow one to have a go with!
Gal