Do a simple nine patch pillow size by hand. You will learn how fabric needs to be manulipated and then move to machines. Also don't strive for a fancy machine at first.
Look for a quilt shop that sells and repairs machines. They may have a good simple used one for little $$. At this point in your quilt journey you just need a machine that goes forward and backward with little backward.
Also since you are just starting, look for a basic book and do the projects.