rail fence, log cabin were my starters, irish chain is also an easy one.
May I recommend getting something like this and placing it on the bed of the machine. I used a 1/4 inch tape when I first started and it really helped me with my quarter inches in the beginning until I got used to doing them and got a foot. You can use graph paper to gauge your machine, or perkins dry good
http://www.perkinsdrygoods.com/store...php?cat=3&ID=1