I don't believe there is any one quilter that produced an award winning quilt the first time out. First quilts are great because each succeeding quilt will be better and better. I don't think you can go wrong doing that strip quilt.
As for quilting it...(before you make your quilt sandwich) using a wash away marking pencil - mark the top with a SIMPLE PATTERN for your quilting stitch line...layer your quilt together and follow the line! Easy Peasy! Check the label of your batting to see how far apart the quilting stitches need to be...I'm guessing about 5" apart.
EVERYONE has to have a first quilt. I think you're on the right track with the pattern you chose.