No hoops and no frame; tried both and prefer nothing ... just me and my quilt, which is pin-basted and I take the pins out as I go. Re: quilt weight & convenience ... in hot/warm weather, a large quilt is frequently spread out on my big cutting table where I do long straight grid marking (w/painter's tape) & stitching. I leave the small areas for cold weather, when I sit on my bed with my back up against the headboard (+ a big comfy pillow behind me); the light from a tall bedside/table lamp shines right where I need it and, with the quilt on the bed (and covering me), again there is no quilt weight problem + it keeps me nice & warm. I have a large wicker basket (w/handle) that holds all my hand quilting goodies; it goes wherever the quilt & I go.