A quest to bake bread: what do I need to get started?

I’ve never made my own bread (other than quick breads) and after receiving a very seductive King Arthur Flour Co. catalog, I’ve decided it’s time for me to try it out.

Is there anything in the way of kitchen equipment I need? I have a KitchenAid mixer with a dough hook attachment, a couple of 8×4 loaf pans, and plenty of mixing bowls and baking sheets.

Also, what tips or advice would those of you who’ve baked bread without a bread machine give someone just starting to tackle this culinary adventure?