I think you are starting in the right direction! Play with the squares... do what feels good. You could get a pattern so your quilt is easy to identify, simply because it is a standard quilt design. That's OK, but there is really something special about thinking of the person who will get the quilt and placing the squares to suit that person. The members of your family who will be getting the quilts will "feel" they are theirs because you've used their colors, their theme. When you put on the "to/from w/date" on the back you can add two or three (or more) words that add to awareness that this quilt was made for that person. I've tried using patterns, but they get in the way of how I want to do the quilt. You are beginning with pre-cut squares, but don't hesitate to make some from other materials if you feel it needs it. You may get information about patterns, but with such a basic design you certainly don't need to use a pattern! Experiment, make it fit the person it is for. I've only been quilting for the last 12 years but I've won awards at quilt shows (for design, not for expertise of technique!) and I think it is because I "build" instead of following patterns. There is certainly nothing wrong about using patterns; I guess I'm trying to get you to think beyond that. In any case, HAVE FUN!