I started quilting twenty+ years ago with a 'rail fence'. I kept the quilt on a guest bed in a spare bedroom, but the colors were all in the medium ranges and it didn't suit my love of contrast. I recently gave the quilt to my mom for her guest bedroom and she loves it. Rail fence is an easy pattern for the beginner. I graduated to a 'trip around the world' and then to log cabin and a sampler. I now design my own quilts and like to change things up a bit, mixing stars with log cabins and other variations. I recommend either the log cabin or the rail fence for a beginner - they work up fast and you can see them start to take shape, which is an encouragement to go on. Best of luck with your new (addictive) hobby!