By yourself a book, pick a pattern, get all the material that it calls for and then buy a yard or two more of each which will help start your stash and give you extra in case of any mistakes. Just jump right in and follow the directions to the letter and you will do just fine. However, if you do run into any major problems just remember there are many people on this board and I just bet that any one of them would be willing to help you out with wonderful advise. Good luck and happy quilting.