Welcome aboard! I just started quilting last fall and this is what I've learned so far.
I really don't recommend a quilt with any curves in it if you are new to quilting and sewing. I discovered this the hard way with my first quilt project. It still isn't finished. Precision may not be absolutely necessary when quilting but if you are precise in your cutting and sewing everything gets much easier to fit together. I found it very difficult to cut or sew the curves on my quilt with any degree of precision and am paying the price now in trying to fit the mess together. It's far easier to get the results you want with straight lines. Can you adapt your circle to an octagon shape or applique it onto another piece of fabric to give yourself a square with straight lines to build from? Either option will make things easier in the long run.
For equipment I highly recommend as large of a cutting mat as you can afford and have room for, a good quality rotary cutter, and a 24x6" acrylic ruler to start with-you'll buy more rulers as the need or want comes up. If you've never used a rotary cutter they're like magic compared to scissors. You'll also want a 1/4" foot or a seam guide for your sewing machine. These tools will make accurate results easy.
If you don't have the cash, don't worry, many beautiful quilts have been made with nothing more than scissors and a needle and thread.
Good luck with your project and please keep us posted on your progress.
One other thing: We love pictures here.
Rodney