Advice for newbies
One thing I wish I would have done:
Kept my mouth closed about offering/promising to make quilts for other people until I had made one or two!
I think it takes actually making (and finishing) a quilt to truly appreciate the cost, time, and effort involved in making one.
Also, IF one feels compelled to offer to make something - put limitations on it! Such as size, pattern, colors/fabrics you have available.
What one might be thinking about making would be a lap or couch quilt from fabrics on hand - and the recipient wants a "to-the-floor king-size bed covering" made from $15.00/yard fabrics.
IF the recipient wants something other than what you have available - that depends on your assets. For some, it is a hardship to buy a lot of new stuff. If it is a hardship, I think it is okay to ask for help in purchasing the needed items. (Besides, people tend to take better care of things they have some investment in!!!!)