No better way to learn than to jump right in - rejects can be used as potholders if nothing else. There are all levels of quilters here, from newbies to artists that take your breath away with their work. If you use the search function on the top of page (second blue line) you can find several threads on beginner quilts.
There are instructions for a tablerunner with pictures, that was a super-easy project. The chat room has people in most evenings, although it is notorious for bumping some of us off.
I'm looking forward to seeing your progress!