hrmom26, you are going to love quilting! All the advice is good. Do get a cutting mat, rotary cutter and ruler. A major key to success and minimal stress is accurate cutting. These tools make it very easy (sign up for Joann's coupons and use one for the ruler, mat or cutter...the mat and cutter are often on sale too). I think you are on the right path thinking a small project before the lap size quilt suggested by others. A table mat or runner would be a good start...make three or four blocks of your choice and then join them. Choose a backing and small piece of batting. Quilt by sewing through all layers in straight lines following the lines in the blocks. Cut the edges cleanly and square up the mat/runner. Then find a youtube video to show how to bind the mat/runner. This will give you experience in all skills need to make that first lap quilt!