When just learning to quilt I found it best to get a pattern for a whole quilt and follow the yardage requirments and the instructions for the whole quilt.
The best books and teacher is Eleanor Burns of Quilt In A Day. You cant go wrong with her instructions and alot of her videos are on her webside under the television and video button.
I love her book Stars Across America, it would be great in red white and blue.
http://quiltinaday.com