I began quilting about 2 years ago, when I retired. I had not sewen for about 20 years. I found a class at the technical school and go to it faithfully. I would recommend you find a class either at a school or a local quilt store, or a mentor with experience. I also made a lot of friends in the class, and they also help with color, cutting, and patterns. I have a Sauder sewing table which is in the middle of the wall; when doing a large project, I use the table to the left on the sewing table and a chair to support the weight. I use an inexpensive Singer for piecing, works just fine, it is nothing fancy. At school we use Berninas or Janomes. Once you get started, you get the bug.