Welcome to the wonderful world of hand quilting! I'm probably in the minority that does not find hand quilting with W&N difficult...probably because I've never used other batting. I use a hoop (mostly - sometimes not) in my lap; use Roxanne quilting 'between' needles - usually size 11 and a Thimblelady thimble. All of those tools are ones I have evolved to over the years as being the most comfortable for me. I also use a rubber fingertip (like used to be used for counting money/paper) to help with pulling the needle through and sometimes even small pliers. Also like Thread Heaven conditioner.
Ask away with your questions and we're all here to help.