As the teacher of the Learn To Quilt series at my LQS, I can't encourage you enough to take a beginner's quilting class. It will save you lots of time and money in the long run, plus it will prevent you from developing bad habits (like not closing the rotary cutter "safety" after each cut!). You can also purchase beginner's quilt books. Alex Anderson has a very elementary one, and Harriet Hargrave has a series of 4 which are more detailed. Take advantage of all the resources that are out there! Good luck.