Hi
I took a beginners hand piecing class. By the time it was up I had the basics enough I could figure things out.
I do both hand and machine. I like being able to drag small projects with me, work lunch hour, Dr. office, hotel rooms when on trips.
I started so long ago, before rotory cutters were common. I used sandpaper and cardboard and marked the wrong side of the fabric and cut it with sissors.
Get a good rotory cutting matt, ruler, and cutter.
The rulers I use most are the 6.5x24.5 and the 12.5x12.5
You don't need every new gaget that comes down the pike, but some of them are really fun.
Get a good pair of sissors and hang a ribbon on them and don't cut anything but fabric with them.
Make a couple small things to start. Feels good to finish. With each new project try something new.
Welcome to the fun.