Welcome Marlene.
I bet I am one of only a dozen or so here who has been to Bendigo! (loved it)
Are you planning to use a machine, or to hand sew?
Do you want to make a quilt for yourself, to give away, or just for the fun of it?
I recommend starting with something small, just to avoid having that weight to manage. I am not really into table toppers and such- the very first patchwork I made (I didnt quilt it) was a cushion cover. Not too big and, if it doesnt work out too well, at least you have something soft at the end of it.....
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!