Do the best you can given your skill level. Less than perfect is fine if it is your best.
The more you piece/quilt the better you become.
Heed the tips of the experts. They usually make life easier and your projects prettier.
It's not a race. Some people like to do things fast and get a lot done. Others like to savor the journey. Just because someone else made 10 quilts last month doesn't mean you have to as well.
You don't have to make king size quilts to be a quilter.
Not everyone uses pre-cuts, has EQ for designing their quilts or Accuquilt for cutting.
Buy the best you can afford but if you can't afford it don't get it. You don't need the latest and greatest machine or every ruler or gadget around to be a quilter.
It's an expensive habit/hobby.