I'm in the same boat (except I'm older than you)! One thing that's helped me is I found wonderful kits for an inexpensive price at www.fabriccafe.com (I have no affiliation with them, just love their site). They sell 3 yd kits with patterns for around $25, but I usually get them on sale. They are usually around 48x54" or so which makes a nice size to throw over the back of the couch and grab as a lap quilt when you're chilled. I gave one to my massage therapist and my dog's groomers (all men!) for Christmas and they're still talking about those quilts! My DD got one for her birthday (snowmen which she collects) and I have another promised to her for next Christmas. As a beginning quilter I have invested in fabrics and kits for bigger projects, but I'm waiting until I'm a little more experienced to start those.