Welcome to our wonderful friendly family. No question is a dumb question on here. No you do not have to have a sewing machine but it will sure speed up the process. I'm sure that when you do get started that you will have some questions just ask and I promise you will receive a lot of advise from some very experienced quilters. Don't forget to post pics of your work in progress and finished quilts we all love to see what others are doing. Congratulations on your marriage and happy early Birthday.