I started by making pot holders. They were quick - 9" each, I got to try different patterns and color combinations, and it taught me all the basics steps in quilting ... piecing blocks, making the quilt sandwich, quilting it, and binding it. If I screwed one (or a few) up, I didn't waste much in time or material. Everyone at work got pot-holders for Christmas that year
You can get free block patterns on
www.quilterscache.com and choose any pattern ... 9" is a great size for a pot holder.