Welcome from central Texas - you will enjoy this great message board filled w/so many caring, sharing quilters. I love this board & have learned SO MANY tips & new techniques.
I learned by going to a class put on thru Adult Education classes (when I was in my mid 50's). Don't think I would have ever learned "on my own".
As for a machine, I'd love to have one of the fancy ones most on here have...but I still use the very BASIC PLAIN JANE I had over 25 yrs ago when I learned. (I hand-quilt)
Good luck & look forward to hearing from you again.
Have a blessed day & may all your quilts be filled w/love. :lol: