I am a beginner here but my QS quilt took most of the afternoon to cut out, as I fussy cut the flowers for the nine patch, an afternoon to sew all together, a morning to sandwich and that was hand basting with a friend to help. It took just a little over four weeks to hand quilt and that was keeping at it most evenings. I know there are so may variables but once I got into it I just wanted to keep going untill it was all done!
I agree with DebraK, there is nothing like experience, just go for it!!!!!! We were all beginners at one time!
Gal