thank you all for your suggestions, I just finished basting my quilt so it is good to go and I will try to quilt without a hoop (my house is too small for a frame).

It was a challenge to baste it. I layered it on the floor and pin it, them move to a 3 x 5' island and basted it the way Sharon Schamber does. I did not have boards that she is using on hand.

My quilt is Joseph's Coat that my friends MIL started 20 or more years ago, it was 3/4 done. All hand pieced and I did not think that it should be machine quilted. I have a whole winter ahead of me..........

I use a frame that is about 8 foot long - takes up a lot of space so I have to be ready to quilt & finish it in a reasonable amount of time.

I have never quilted using a frame. In fact, even in the 30s and 40s, many women quilted without frames, so it's not new. It takes some practice to get your stitches even on the underside.

I also quilt with an l8" hoop. I've used it for over 30 years. I have, however, quilted very small items without a
hoop and it works fine for that I believe I might have a
little trouble with a bigger quilt and no hoop.

I use a quilting hoop. I don't have room for a frame.

I still use a hoop. That's how I learned 30 years ago, and I can't seem to make a switch.

It can be done either way it's just a matter of preference. I prefer to use a frame so it keeps the guilt the same tension all over when I'm quilting. This helps me keep my stitches the same size. You can try it both ways and see what you like best.
Which ever way you choose welcome to the fine art of hand quilting. I just love the peaceful feeling I receive when I'm rocking the needle away, while I quilt. I wish you many happy hours of Quilting. :-D :-D :-D

i took a class @ ncqs on not using a hoop... i love it, my stitches are actually more even, and the tendonitis in my shoulders is much better...

and, i can cuddle under it while i quilt it... we are getting snow here tonite (yuck) and will be cuddling under the quilt i'm doing for mom tonite! well, after i get off this board!

I use a hoop but it is only because that is the only way I can sort of keep my stitches even. I use a lap hoop. I have tried it without a hoop and just can't get it right. Try it both ways and see what is best for you.

I've tried using a hoop and it always seems to get in my way and my arms get very uncomfortable using it so I don't anymore. I pin and baste a lot and then just relax on my couch and quilt away. I've done small projects and queen sized quilts too.