Howdy from Texas. You are going to love quilting & also this quilting board. It's full of information & friendly people. Here are a few essentials you will need:
Self healing cutting mat
Rotary Cutter
Acrylic ruler
1/4" foot for your sewing machine (this is not necessary but very helpful)
Walking foot for your sewing machine (for when you actually begin to sew all 3 layers together....quilting the quilt)
For me, if all I had were those items I could make a quilt. Actually, the mat, the cutter & the ruler are the only true essentials in my mind.
Patterns & tutorials are free all over the internet. Quilter's Cache ...
http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html is a great place for free block patters in all sizes.
I would say start with a simple block & make something small. Maybe a pot holder or a table runner to get the hang of matching seams & piecing.
You can do this & on top of all that...it's great fun!