Sorry, Bella, being the obsessive old biddy that I am, I was immediately distracted by the dimensions of your project. Do you always only leave 1 1/2" on each side for finishing your projects?

Using a scroll bar of 18" and with 8" or 10" stretchers would eliminate a lot of the awkwardness....17 x 17 would be difficult for anybody...I don't have a clue how needlepointers manage their unwieldy projects...lots of aspirin and patience? :)

The project is 14x14 and the frame is 17x17 so that's a 3 inch buffer plus I have additional fabric that goes beyond the 17x17 frame, although it is now off the frame and in a hoop. I'm just getting back into x-stitching after a 30 year break and I'm learning a lot of new things. Thanks so much.

Oh! :) I get it! I also am a long-term "returnee". Ran into a lot of age-related obstacles...eyesite, physical difficulties, ignorance of "new stuff"...amazing advances in EVERYTHING...and I found I wanted to try it ALL! :) Remember, it's all just cross stitch, basic as you want, technically involved as you like... My weakness is hand-dyed fabric...and the embellishments...love the charms, glow in the dark floss, intricate patterns...Oh, boy! :)

I gave up using hoops years ago because I had such trouble getting the ring marks out of the fabric from the hoop. I would use binder clips to roll up the excess fabric if the piece was bigger, or I would put it in my scroll frame floor stand for the really big ones. I recently purchased a Q-snap frame and I do love it. It is fairly light and keeps the fabric tight making it easier to work on. it is all a matter of finding what works best for you. :)

Bella, I almost always work on a 17x17 plastic adjustable frame. I bought it over 20 years ago and also bought one 20x20. I can turn the frame on its 4 sides and 4 corners giving me 8 positions to work. Just be careful when turning sideways to keep stitches running in the same direction. I should mention I lay the frame on a flat surface.(kitchen table).

I'm one of those who doesn't use a hoop, or frame, but I don't do a lot of large projects. My walls are full, and I have more pillows than anyone logically needs!

I use q snaps I have arthritic hands these are 'kinder'. to me. I also use a grime guard and make sure I take my work off the snaps when stopping for the day.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and ideas!

V, are you kidding about floss that glows in the dark? I've never heard of it. That would be great for holiday projects. You're a fount of wisdom.
Bella, I don't know how experienced the stitchers are that use no frame or hoop, etc. I can only speak for myself and wish that I could use one of those contraptions. I don't know why I can't use them. I have tried and tried. I think the overall appearance is much better and the stitches look more uniform. Except in my case. So now I no longer worry about it. I stitch for fun and relaxation and am pleased with the outcome of my work overall.
I say do what works for you. This is our hobby not some gig in a sweat shop.

Bella I have been stitching for over 30 years and have always used a 7 inch plastic and metal tension hoop. They are getting harder to find so I purchased several a few years ago for each of my different projects. I usually have several projects going at one time. I do all sizes of projects from small to very large and this type of hoop has always worked well for me. The thing to remember is to use whatever way works good for you because there are no set rules.