Welcome from Northern Indiana!
Are you planning on piecing by hand or just the quilting by hand? There has been some great advice so far and I also recommend starting with something smaller before jumping into such a huge project. You will find the QB a great source for ideas and advice as you work your way through it. If you want to start with something small I recommend looking at Mystery Quilt #10 by paintmejudy. Its a simple pattern and she gives instructions from small table runner size to a full size quilt.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/blocks-...s-t263249.html
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!
