I always tell those people this is the way that works for me. Sometimes I have to show them the door.

It also does not have to be the right hand. (I am left-handed) :-)

After many years on this earth and hearing people say there is only one right way to do something, I have learned it does not matter how you do something as long as it gets the job done and works for you. Most of my quilting is not done the way the "quilt police" would do it and I am happy and satisfied with my quilts. I think that is really what matters the most---self satisfaction. If I had had to do it the way they recommend-----a frame and rocking the needle with a thimble, I would have quit a very long time ago. Ignore them.

Oh dear,
I'm glad your family members or not members of MY family....we'd likely have lots of 'alpha dog' disagreements! :D

I don't use a thimble.
I push the needle with the NAIL on my index finger, right hand.
I use a hoop, balanced on my knee, curled up in my comfy chair.
I mark with a *pencil*. Washable, sure, but still a graphite pencil.
I quilt with a less-than-traditional larger thread - usually a Sulky 12 weight cotton or 10 weight crochet thread.
I use a larger regular sewing - not quilting - needle to accommodate the larger thread.

I guess *I* don't do anything "The proper way"! :D :D :D

Jan in VA