I just taught my girlfriend how to quilt. Picked a simple pattern and I stressed 4 things:
1) Cut Accurately
2) where the magic scant 1/4" seam is
3) pressing (not ironing)
4) if your piecing is a bit off, don't sweat it, you will improve with practice.
She finished her first one and has 3 more planned. She even bought a new machine!