I think there is a magazine called "Quick Quilts" and one called "Big Block Quilts" and they would be fairly simple to make. I think one of the first things to practice is making quarter inch seams. Once you get that mastered, you can make lots of patterns. A nine patch pattern is also a great block, it will teach you 1/4" seams, rotary cutting, pressing directions and lining up seams. It can be used in many ways, in borders, as alternating blocks with just plain blocks of the same finished size as the 9 patch and it really is a good pattern for learning. Also Rail Fence will teach you some of the same and those patterns can be found by googling "Free 9 patch quilt patterns or free rail fence quilt patterns.