All you need is a basic machine ...it will do wonders..you only have to upgrade when you want to do more then the limits of your machine...I started learning by actually doing...I read alot and then sat and went at it...Ive been quilting now almost 20 years and its something my wife and I do together...I make the tops she does the quilting machine..I use a Brother CE5000PRW to carry back and forth to quilt group and always use the same machine from the start to finish of any projects, even though we have several sewing machines. Do yourself a favor and join a quilting group...don't be intimidated by others who have sewn for ages...everyone has to start somewhere..you learn so much in a group (and get great advice and inspiration)and its a great time to be amongst those who love the same thing.