I think you can do it...my second quilt was a Lone Star and believe you me I ripped, sewed and ripped again before I got it finished but I did it!! It was by no means perfect but it turned out okay...so stick with it...as for fabric, 100% cotton, in colors that are complimentary to each other, because the rings, if I remember the technique, fold over onto your base fabric...as far as washing, some people do, some don't..I do... good luck and keep us posted...