Welcome to the quilting board from New York state! You'll find a lot of support here. Just like in regular life, there are some who aren't 100% supportive, but most are nice and helpful.

I agree with others who have suggested buy some cheaper fabrics from JoAnn's and cut away. You could also take a 'Quilting 101' course. They tell you how much to buy and what to cut, show you how to cut.

I've never had an issue like yours. I read something years ago that I found funny. Spouse says "Let me get this straight. You buy a big piece of fabric. Cut it up into tiny pieces. Sew pieces together, to make a big piece of fabric?" Yes!

I think I know what you mean. I have some with cute bears on it. Haven't cut it for two years now. Maybe someday a pattern will come to mind and I can get the rotary cutter near that cotton.