Welcome to the Quilt Board!
You've gotten some great advice so far, I just want to expand on a few things.
Pre-washing, as mentioned it is a personal preference and good reasons for both...but I don't mix washed and unwashed...it's less likely to shrink in different amounts.
Sewing machine, you said it hasn't been used much and suggestions of oiling and cleaning are good...but if it has been more than a couple of years since it's been used it might be worth the cost to take it and have it serviced, especially if it has been stored in a basement there maybe rust forming on the parts inside.
Pattern style/size, I agree that you picked out very challenging patterns and like you when I first started I picked something with a greater difficulty than I was able to handle ... it's been years since I've even looked at it again let alone considered finishing it....so I really agree with the others to consider choosing something a little simpler.
Spend time on YouTube...I think you can find most anything on there, even lessons on beginners quilting...just in case you don't have a local quilt shop or someone that can give you advice along the way.
As you've seen already you will get tons of great advice on QB. Also, you might want to check out the tutorial section as well as any QB rules.
Again, welcome and we look forward to seeing your progress!
