Check your local public library. Mine has tons of books on quilting which might be helpful. Look for the ones for beginners. Most helpful to me when I started a little over 2 years ago was a class for beginners at my local quilt shop. The drawback was that I had to buy the book, all tools and fabric from that shop as well as pay the fee for the class. However, I learned such good basics that I think it was worth it, and I have a large throw sampler quilt to show for it. Also, see if there's a quilt guild in your area. Someone in that group might be willing to help you simply for the love of quilting. Someone else mentioned churches--mine has a prayer quilt ministry where one can learn some basics at no charge and do a good deed at the same time. Finally, buy the best fabric and thread you can afford and get a 1/4 inch foot for your machine. I hunt for quilt shop sales as much as possible, so I pay only $4 to $6 per yard for really good fabric. Good luck! You will get hooked.