I have taken a handful of classes but for the most part I've learned through books, trial and error, and through blogs/forums/youtube online. I have been sewing since I was little so that background helped, but I don't feel like I really knew my sewing machine until I started quilting heavily.
The first book that I bought that really got me going was Fons and Porters Complete Guide to Quilting. I have an older version but the new one has more modern projects and some updated techniques in it. I think it's a great book for a beginner. I also used to DVR Fons and Porter, Kay's Quilting, and Sewing with Nancy (she does a lot of quilting these days as it's gained so much popularity) which are on Saturday mornings in my area. Those ladies were really helpful when I was starting out too.
I don't know what the easiest pattern for a beginner would be other than making simple 6" or 9" squares and piecing them together to practice. Once you're comfortable with using your 1/4" seam and pressing, a great beginner pattern that was one of my very first quilts is the Yellow Brick Road pattern by Atkinson Designs...here's a link:
http://mysite.ncnetwork.net/res6z38p/prod308.html
I was able to find this for about $7 at my local quilt shop and have even seen it on occasion at Jo Ann Fabrics. The possibilities are really limitless and it's a great learning project. ;)
Other than that, I just would scour the internet for projects that I liked and felt I could handle, and I would go through that Fons & Porter book and pick projects to practice. I made a lot of small things, wall hangings and runners to get the techniques down.
Good luck to you! ;)