Mary,
Go to www.quilterscache.com
They have TONS of free quilt block patterns. You just printout the directions and go. My first quilt was a sampler of easy 12 inch blocks that were all different. I just picked out what I liked and got going with scraps of fabric that I already had. It was a great experience and I still love going to quilterscache to find block patterns. I think I'm addicted!!!