Hi Rick, would be happy to help you. like I said, Im not perfectionist and like to make and break the rules. The best advise I can give newbies is , keep and open mind to any and all design ideas and possibilites.
Use colors that you love and then if the project is "ugly" you will still like it for the colors. If you still dont like it , give it to charity. Many folks just want something to wrap themselves in when they are cold . My friends and I used to be part of a large group that got together and made kids quilts for the homeless and other groups such as vets, nursing homes , cancer patients, newborn layettes for single mothers.
Have a great day.