I agree with everything said and would like to add - before sewing your blocks together, do look into 'quilting as you go' [QAYG]. It's rather simple to do on your domestic machine, much easier than handling the whole quilt in the machine, and will save you lots if you can't afford to pay a quilter. Do you have a quilting guild nearby where you could do some basic lessons? Spending time with a like-minded group each week is a lot of fun, and you will pick up heaps in tips.
Welcome to the board from me and please, please, do post pics of your work for us.