My number one piece of advice would be - buy a 1/4" foot for your machine. When I finally got mine, everything started coming together so much better. 2nd - starch before cutting the fabric. 3rd - but most important - enjoy your new hobby.

My tip would be: buy fabric you love. I made the mistake when I first started by buying fabric from collections or things that seemed safe color wise. It wasn't until I went with the brighter colors and stronger patterns I love that I really completed a project. It's ok to not make your project whatever strikes your fancy.

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I didn't know about starch until I started reading this board! I had never used it before!! How did I now know about such a simple wonderful thing!!! And I love spray baste - absolutely hate pinning, and get much smoother results with the spray

Success depends on proper preparation (measuring, cutting, consistent seam allowance, pressing). Start with easy patterns and progress to the more advanced.

starting with learning colors, washing, ironing, starching!

Relax and enjoy the whole process.

Start with a simple pattern and learn to use the rotary cutter and mat. Then practice the 1/4 inch seam on some scraps. Use the same sewing machine if you are borrowing one to complete the project. A beginner class is great for learning. Never EVER let your fabric scissors touch paper, and keep a seam ripper and thread snippers handy! Don't worry about those mistakes, it will give your quilt character and make it uniquely yours. Quilting is fun!

Don't be afraid of failing, be afraid of not trying.

finish your project even if you think it's not "perfect".

Join your local quilt guild. There are usually quilters at all levels and you will find that you will gain much from them all. The more experienced quilters often teach techniques at guild meetings. And among the new quilters, you will find friends to share your new learning curve! Workshops sponsored by guilds are usually only a fraction of the cost for the same class at a quilt show or at a quilt shop. And, many guilds hold frequent "yard sales" where you can buy books, fabric and tools at much less than retail cost.