Simplicity, simplicty is KEY! When I took my first beginners class, I had no idea how to even thread my machine... that's how much of a beginner I was. I took 2 beginners classes, one right after another, but at different quilt shops. The first class focused on a simple rail fence pattern that made a small lap quilt, the other did 12 different block patterns to create a lap quilt. I learned soooo much more in the class doing the simple pattern so kudos to you for following the same route. I was hooked after that class, got a bit discouraged in the second class and never finished that quilt, but knew it was because it was too overwhelming.
I was taught to use the backside of the mat... still do 5 years later!