I've always hand quilted with a wooden frame and just rest one side of it on my knee so the hoop will tilt towards me. I baste with a tack gun, so easy! I clip the tacks once I finish the section I'm working on. I too start in the center and work my way out and then around the center. I've never sewn in a wrinkle.

Ok, I'm hoopless also. We were in a museum in Lancaster, PA, and the ladies, in period dress, were quilting without a hoop or frame. They said they have always done it that way, and that women in the past have also quilted without a frame or hoop. I like that if I want to quilt, I don't have a lot to take with me to make it a real portable craft.

No hoop here either. I just fold the quilt to a manageable lap size and get busy.

I baste then don't use a frame. I like the look of an occasional wrinkle in the back.