Welcome from another Virginia quilter, near Roanoke. I think the pattern that you will use makes a difference in the size. If you are making a 4 patch for example using 3" squares, you end up with a 6" block, a good size for a beginner. However, if you are making some type of star block, or churn dash, the larger block is better. Also the size of the quilt makes a big difference, a wall hanging? lap quilt? If you are a beginner, I really suggest something small to start with, that way you get a chance to learn all the steps, piecing the blocks, borders, sandwiching the quilt, quilting and binding. Have fun.