Start by sewing a light and dark 4.5" sq together.
Tutorial here. Scroll down toward bottom of page.

http://tlcstitches.blogspot.com/search/label/tutorial

Welcome from New York State. I would suggest a quilting lesson or two. You can also use the 'search' at the top of the page and type in tutorials. I know that there many tutes on simple beginner patterns. Don't try something difficult right off the bat or you will become discouraged. We will help you as much as we can.