Unfortunantly it does take time to learn quilting and how things go together. If you have a local guild that is nice ladies, they would be a big help to you. There is also beginner classes at most quilt shops and sometimes through the community service classes. It is amazing how much some of those classes cover and get you going.
The other option is to read read read. The magazines and books have many many tips and techniques they teach you. Even patterns have instructions that teach you as you go.
My suggestion would be is to try elenore burns log cabin quilt in a day. She has many beginner patterns besides that one if you don't like log cabins.
Just don't get discouraged... we all started out like you.