for hand quilting, the soft, more expensive quilts are easier to quilt....but i can't afford them! with my 1st project, i would use a less expensive fabric --(Jo Ann's does have some nice ones, if you feel lthem to be sure they are soft and not the crafty stiff variety)
flannel is easy to work with and makes a good choice.--be sure its tightly woven and not the walmart 'cheesecloth' you sometimes find there on sale.