First ... get to a book store and buy "Quilting for Dummies". Seriously. It's a good book!!
Second ... go here
http://quilterscache.com/BlocksbySizeB.html and pick a 9" block design that strikes your fancy and make a pot holder. This will teach you: piecing, laying the sandwich, quilting it, and binding it. A whole quilt in a usable size.
Have fun!!