Patience and a good seam ripper!

Extra needles for your machine. Nothing will peeve you off more than getting in a great groove, breaking a needle and not having back up.

Otherwise, everyone else said what I would say. :)

Welcome and enjoy the ride! Your first quilt WILL NOT be your last. :o)

Oh yeah, one more essential...THIS BOARD! I'm pretty new to quilting myself, but I have learned SO MUCH from this board. The wealth of knowledge is unbelievable. Use the search feature linked at the top of this screen, you can find an answer to almost any question!

I agree about JoAnns, google them and sign up for there sales flyer at a store. Most things will eventually go on sale at 50 or 40 % off. Thats the time to buy. I buy mostly quilt shop fabrics tho as i feel the quality is a much better grade than what joanns offers. tho they are starting to carry some better quality now. also if you join a local guild most quilt shops will give a discount if you show your membership card.

good luck --the best pins glass head and long [you can iron over them] largest cutting board ----6 1/2 square ruler+6 1/2x24--can cut across fabric--rotary cutter---iron+water spray bottle-- starch--mechanicle pencil[sharp thin line use softly]spare bobbins spare machine needles---seam ripper[yes you will need it]hand needles[ i like milliners/straw size 9] longer+will take beads---invest in a 1/4 inch foot for ypur machine------+fabric+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++!!!!!!!!!

you will never have all you need LOL

All of the above suggestions. Plus, a 1/4" sewing foot for your machine and also a walking foot if you can afford it or find it. Those 2 feet are my best friends. A good quality seam ripper and a sense of humor for when you make the same mistake 3 (or more) times in a row. :) Best of luck!