I started with the 45mm blades, then eventually decided I really prefer the 60 for most jobs (I do have the smaller ones for curves though, but I mostly grab the 60).
I can't help with needles, I bought some straw needles (longer than average) for hand applique, and now that's what I use for everything, evening binding. the only disadvantage to these is the eye is pretty small.
No such thing as a dumb question...