To cut cost I would reccommend not buying patterns or books. That is unless it is a pattern or book that you absolutely love. There are quilting books available at most libraries and an abundance of patterns online. www.QuiltersCache.com is a great site for free patterns. There is an abundance of info on this Quilting Board, just do a search. There are alot of websites that have how-to information for beginning quilters. If you are a visual person and need to see a demonstration there are plenty of videos on YouTube. A 45mm or 60mm rotary cutting blade is versatile, you wont outgrow them. Use a coupon to get a good sized cutting mat, if you buy one that is too small cutting yardage will be more difficult. If your mat is too big you may not have a place to put it. Good luck on your quilting journey.