Hello from Illinois. I'm just a beginner myself but I recently made a bowtie quilt that went very well for me.
I started out with this pattern, but enlarged it and added borders.
http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/02/...tie-quilt.html
This is the quilt I turned it into.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/28261.page
You might also try a 4 patch or a rail fence. They are always mentioned among the easy quilts.
Whatever you decided to do, be sure to have fun.