Don't despair and please don't quilt. I have only been quilting about 1 1/2 years and have gotten so many ideas and helpful hints from this board. One thing I have learned is how to distinguish between quilts that are beyond my skill level now and ones that I can successfully accomplish. Buy some beautiful fabric that you just love and find an easy pattern. My first was a rail fence baby quilt for my grandson. It came out reasonably well and was very satisfying. The link is listed below.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/2024.page