Thank you everyone and great tip to try a chair Joe's mom. Think I'll go for the thimblelady one and treat myself to a thimble as well. I like using a hoop, but never tried a lap one so think it better so see if I get on with using one before splashing out on a Barnett one.
Elnan I came across Jeans YouTube videos yesterday and googling found I can get an Aunt Becky here so going to order one and see if I can do it with some practice
xx