Welcome Constance! You'll find lots of information on this board. There are some really nice tutorials that will help you start with the basics. At first, I started with just a Fiskars set with a rotary cutter, a cutting mat and a 6x24 ruler. If you sign up for the newsletter at Joann's and you will receive a flyer once a month or so that has a coupon for 40% off. This will help with the pricier equipment items. In fact, the flyer I just got yesterday says they are having a 40% off sale on sewing and quilting cutting tools Dec 31-Jan 3. You can find 100% cotton at your local goodwill or salvation army if you look in the men's section and pick up xxl or xxxl men's shirts. Or sometimes, you can find fabric there too. Keep an eye out for garage sales in your area too, if you are up to traveling around, you can find great buys there. Welcome to the wonderful world of quilting!! :lol: