With my first quilt - about 12 years ago, I didn't even know about rotary cutters, or mats. I hand sewed my first 3 quilts. They were quite primitive looking I think.
A good tutorial or good basic book would have been very helpful. The most inspiration I still receive is getting together with other quilters, of all levels. And I have a friend who is a gifted quilter who is patient and encouraging not only to me, but to all quilters.