I had a newbie to quilting as well. I started her out with a 12" block. Did the 6.5 center square, the flyiing geese on the 4 sides, and squares in the corners. Went further and had her do an applique (snowman) in the center. Put two borders on it and she used it as a pillow top. She had an old pillow that was great for the stuffing. Did an envelope back and she was done with the entire project in two nights.