My local quilt shop sells outdated magazines at half price, so check yours too. Sometimes used quilting books are less expensive than a new magazine, so check your local Goodwill or other thrift store. In most magazines there will be projects of different skill levels - I like Better Homes & Gardens the best, and there's a new magazine that I think is called Modern Quilter who's first issue is coming out in October. Modern quilts tend to have fewer pieces and I think the magazine may have good projects for a beginner. You will have so much fun!!