When I took a hand quilting class several years ago, the instructor told us as beginners we should start with a low loft polyester batting and a good needle. It is easier to get a needle through and less frustrating than cotton, and most new quilters don't want to pay for wool. Someone told me to use cotton batting and I still haven't finished that one. I did a GFG with the polyester and it went much easier.
She also suggested you keep a practice piece to warm up on. She said she still did it to warm her hands up, it avoided those first few awkward stitches.
Good luck, it looks like a very good choice of patterns to learn on.