Notion guru
If you are hand quilting for the first time make sure you use polyester batting or wool batting. Wool is pretty expensive for first time projects. You will do fine, however, hand quilting takes practice, practice, practice. Also decide weather you are going to use a hoop or not as it is very difficult to change once you get accustomed to one way or the other. I use a baby spoon for under the quilt surface and find it successful and saves many sore fingers. Also, try using rubber finger tips (found in office supply stores) for pulling needle through the fabric.
Good Luck,