A very good list that MHollifiel has given, and one more point to add ------
9. Be careful whom you share your plan and project with ... quilters are known to share exciting news!
As for all the talk about your choosing a too ambitious project for a first time ... in quilting, there's never too ambitious of a project, when it's something that you reeeeally reeeeeeeally want to do. So go for it with your love of your Love, and you'll do a spectacular job!!!