Welcome from Northern California, about 30 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. I think you are off to a wonderful start in your quilting life! That is going to be awesome. I made my first quilt MANY years ago, it was Aqua and White, and was lined with a wool blanket and tied.

Tying versus machine all depends on you and what you use as a batting! I know several people who piece their quilt tops and then tie or pay someone to machine quilt. I'm working on my free-motion machine quilting skills, but I'm pretty sure that however you choose to "finish" this quilt, it will be loved by the person lucky enough to have it!

Hi. Welcome to the board