I learned to sew on my mother's Kenmore, all my everyday sewing machines have always been Kenmores since I left home and I have always just used the regular replacement needles in whatever size/type needed (denim, ball, leather, etc.). I have used them for everything from fine tailoring of clothing to home dec long before I ever did any quilting. Kenmores were always meant to be easy to use for everyone, and every one I've ever had has sewn like a dream, only replaced when the newer model had too many bells and whistles for me to ignore. In more than 40 years I've only owned three of them, plus I still have my grandma's machine from the 40s or 50s, and love them all. I would take your little beauty in for a good cleaning/tune up (check your lqs, most of my lqs have a sewing machine service) and then get sewing - she'll give you years of faithful, loving service and still be humming along like the champ she is. If you are just starting out on this wonderful quilting journey, you should start with a machine like this one, maybe someday down the road you will heed the siren call of a machine with more bells and doodads, but start with this little darling, she will help you enjoy the trip for a very long time.
PS - don't forget to download the manual, it will give you the info you need to start using this little treasure.