Here are two excellent free block/patterns sources:
Moda's Bakeshop:
http://www.modabakeshop.com/
Quilter's Cache:
http://www.quilterscache.com/
There are ton's of sources for free patterns ranging from fabric manufacturers' to quilt shops to quilting blogs. Start googling and you will be surprised.
I will also suggest investing in a good quality basic quilt instruction book such as Harriet & Carries Hargrave's
Quilter Academy: Volume A -- Freshman Year. This particular book is well written and has a numerous wonderful pictures. A quality guide will help you understand what needs to be done when the a particular set of instructions are not all that great.