I did everything by hand for the first 4 years that I quilted, I only started machine piecing when I need to get something to the quilting stage quickly, I was making a coverup quilt for my Dad when he was going through cancer treatments.
So, bare necessities are fabric, batting, needles, thread, and either a rotary cutter, ruler, and mat, or something with which to make stencils and a good pair of scissors.
I do mostly machine piece now, though all applique and quilting are still done by hand.