buy 1 book: Better Homes and Gardens
Complete Guide to Quilting. It has marvelous photos and copious directions for most every quilting techniques. Study it as you piece. I would look for an older machine which will be cheaper. I sew most on my Singer 401A slant needle) 58 years old). Sews like a dream and will embroider, etc. You just have to adjust manually but it will do most everything the newer ones will do. Welcome to the Board and welcome to quilting. I hope you love it as much as I do!