I also use a large oval frame, so I can sit back in a comfy chair while quilting. A smaller frame for smaller projects, too. It does take a while to get used to it. Try it with a thimble and without, see which you like better. I use a thimble.
Hand quilting was the one and only thing I needed a lesson on - I couldn't get the hang of it otherwise. (this was before the internet). And your stitches will get smaller and more regular as you go along.
It doesn't have to take a long time, when I was in my prime, I quilted 5-6 hours a day and figured on 2-3 weeks to get a bed sized quilt done. Don't forget you could also do "big stitch" quilting.