Crafty, to add to the abundance of help, you can get a cheap machine at Walmart. It is a good place to start with a machine. You may outgrow it but you may also take slow baby steps into quilting. All you really need is a machine that does basic straight stitches, A zig zag is always a plus. Try to find a 1/4 inch foot. If there is not one with the machine, you can use masking tape or post it notes to mark your machine. While visiting a fabric store, ask around, clerks and shoppers for info on where classes or meetings may be. If you find a guild in your area, they usually have yearly dues but give you a meeting or two grace where you can go just to try it out. Most sewers are willing to help with free advice. It is out there, you just have to look and ask. Of course this is the best place to be but hands on help may be what you need to really get started.
Good luck and enjoy the craft.