Hello and Good Morning,
I'm also new to quilting. So far this is what I have learned...
1. Quilt where you can.
2. Quilt what your comfortable with... ( you don't need "special space unless you want to create it). I use the kitchen table and the livingroom on my lap for paper piecing.
3. Hand piecing is fun
and your stitches get better with time and " will not fall apart if you manage your 1/4 inch seams" and my grandmother's and great grandmothers quilts were hand quilted and are going strong. I think it's all about seeming.
4. I use my little janome for everything so far, boo boos and all. I'm going to be quilting a queen size quilt on the baby but, it's free motion and I'm not going to be holding my breath doing it. I plan on drinking tea and taking deep breaths and letting my cats help.
5. If you can sew a seam and measure - your good to go... lol
In my opinion... just relax.. ( I'm having to get my head around thread and needles) lol... I gave up on perfect seams and cutting. I figure - I can be creative and call it " unique" ... lol
Have fun. And go for it.