Nokie, if you can sew, you can make a quilt block. Start with something simple, like a nine-patch or simple triangles. For a first project, I'd go to WalMart and find some fabric on sale. Sometimes you can find really pretty holiday prints (after the holiday) or discontinued patterns, for dirt cheap ($1 - $2 a yard). Try to find a couple fabrics that go well together; get about a yard of each, then find an easy pattern, to piece. IF you make a mistake, no harm done - that's part of learning. The second block will be better . . . and the third, even better than that! Before you know it, you'll be ready to tackle your "good" fabric!
I would also invest in a good beginner's quilting instruction book. You can find online info but it really helps to have it all in one place, without having to stop and head for the computer. Hobby Lobby often has 40% off coupons, if you have a HL near you. Amazon.com is also a good place, to look for quilting books, often on sale.