Hi Misty, Basically a cutting board is a protective cutting mat you put your fabric on & cut with a rotary cutter without damaging anything (tabletop, countertop, etc). Using a mat & rotary cutter is faster than cutting everything by hand with scissors. You'll learn a lot here & we're glad to have you. :) Welcome from Florida!:)

Hello and welcome from New York. I would start off by going to a local quilt shop and take a basic class. Some shops allow you to use their machine in the shop while taking the class. They will give you a list of supplies that you will need to start yourself on your quilting adventure. If you have a Joann's nearby they usually have sales on the cutting mat, ruler and rotary cutter to get you started. Good Luck!

Hi Misty, welcome from northern California! You will enjoy it here. There is lots of help available and lots of friendly people!

Welcome from Michigan!! I too am self taughter!! Is got a cheap walmart machine until I was sure I wasgonna stick to it. Start with simple blocks then branch out! Good luck!!

I sent you a long PM but since that time, Joanns Presidents sale, they have on line at least just about all Fiskar
stuff for 50% off, what a deal.

Welcome to the Board from San Gabriel, California

Welcome from Michigan!:)

Greetings and welcome from New Hampshire.
Don't know your financial situation. So, just in case you're not in a position right now to spring for a high-end machine, I recommend the Jem Platinum. It's a great smaller machine, sells for c.$400 (make sure they throw in the attachments and carrying case) and does everything my bigger machine does.
I shopped around locally to get the best price.

Hello, and welcome from Michigan!

Hi from Ohio!