I think you might want to start out on a practice sandwich before jumping right in on the quilt itself. I agree that finding some tutorials, or a book on hand quilting would be the way to get started. (My preference is the Thimblelady method, and her book is called 'Perfect Hand Quilting without Pain'). When I began hand quilting, it was with needles I picked up at JoAnn's or Hancock's. After reading several books, I ordered some of Roxanne McElroy's betweens, and I couldn't believe how much better things went. So I would urge you to buy some quality needles.