What part of SC? May I suggest looking for a guild near where you live? You'll get lots of friendly advice on how to make a quilt.
Agree 100% that getting on the floor to layout a quilt is out of the question - at least for me.
Rotary cutter I like the '45' blade, suggest that it be one where you can retract the blade enough that you don't accidentally cut yourself. Get yourself a nice cutting mat and ruler to go with it - all available at Walmart, by the way. Watch video's on you tube, visit us here and find a quilt shop that offers classes that is reasonably close to you.
Welcome to our world, by the way!