I use a 6 x 24 and an 8.5 square, decent cutting mat and a thin 24 inch metal ruler. As the others have mentioned, you don't need a vast collection of expensive stuff. Make each block, sash and seam accurate and keep check as you go....the end result should be pretty spot on. Don't be too hard on yourself, or lose your motivation. Each quilt or project teaches us a new technique and is a step in the learning process. Another thing is to press your work as you go....not iron...wiggle and move that iron a lot and you will get a lot of distortion. Now, have a think and make some adjustments and get your top morphed into a quilt.....look at it, love it and see how much better your next one will be. Oh, and don't forget to show us....we love pics and you will get lots of encouragement and ideas for your next one.....happy quilting from the land of Aus.