In Answer To Your Question...

  The last time you saw this photograph (in this post), I got a question from one  of my online friends. I couldn't answer her directly, but as I also teach this to my students - and others might like to know - I thought I'd reply publicly.
This was the comment suz posted: "this looks like it is going to be a lovely project. I am curious though... this is the 2nd time I've seen embroidery set into a hoop like this. I've  always placed my work over an "inside" hoop and then placed the "outside  rim over the fabric and "inside" hoop. Why do you set it up like this?  Doesn't the hoop get in the way?  I'd love to know the advantages to this  and/or if I've been doing it the wrong way all these years. Your work is  beautiful, so there must be an important reason for this. thanks "   First. Thanks, suz for your comment and question. Yes,  I do hoop  this way on purpose. It doesn't mean you've been doing it wrong. Instead, I prefer to say that perhaps you could do it differently.   Whether I a hoop or scroll frame, I always mount it so that what will  become the front of the piece is nestled down inside. That way, I will  always handle the back of the fabric when I'm stitching, rather than the front side. You're right that it sometimes gets in the way of my being able to stitch, but I just re-hoop the piece so I can keep on working.   Even though many of my pieces will be washed after I'm finished  (especially counted thread pieces), I want to do everything possible to  avoid soiling the front of it. Mounting the fabric this way is one simple thing I can do. Another is to never (ever) snack while I stitch. (Food residue on your hands is the easiest way to soil your fabric.)
Natural hand oils can soil your needlework, too, so I frequently wash  my hands, and avoid hand creams (except Neutrogena Norwegian  Formula hand cream, which is pH balanced and non-greasy.) If you're  like me and concentrate on creating beautiful, heirloom-quality pieces,  these steps will help give your pieces the best chance for a longer life.
I hope this answers your question, suz. You (or anyone else) can always send me a direct email anytime you see something you'd like to know more about. Please include your return email so I can write back. Thanks again!
I'm working on the Headstart quilts today. Playtime for me. Happy Friday. I hope you get to play, too!