Hi Kathy -- I taught myself to quilt 3 years ago using a book that teaches kids to quilt!
I suggest you read as much as you can online or from books at the library to learn the basics like seam allowance and pressing etc. This site has free online quilting lessons:
http://www.sew-whats-new.com/quiltlessons/
And here are 2 more sites with great beginner quilt patterns and instructions:
http://www.quilt.com/Beginner/BeginnersGuide.html
http://www.claudiasquiltshoppe.com/Absolute3BigBlock.htm
Welcome to the world of quilting! It can be addictive! Barb C.