Looks like you have gotten a lot of good suggestions. Letting your friends know your desire to start quilting may yeild a lot of advice/information - and maybe a machine... I told people about my daughter's wish to sew, and she was gifted with an older kenmore. Straight stitch only, yes, but a good solid machine, that will help her quilt AND be powerful enough to hem those jeans!
I started the quilting process with scissors, a template and scraps from my children's clothing. Have patience and keep at it. (Recently I found Bonnie Hunter's website - quiltville - and have started using some of my husband's shirts for quilts... No, not the good ones!! :lol: He wears through the elbows on his.)