When I started quilting (about 40 years ago), I started out making baby quilts. When teaching someone else how to quilt, I always suggest a baby quilt. It's fast, makes you feel good when its done, and you can learn the basic skills pretty quickly by making the smaller quilts. When finished, fold/roll it up and tie with a pretty ribbon, and you've got a gift for the next baby shower, or a donation quilt. At this stage of my life, I particularly love making the smaller quilts as I can use my scraps (and there is a LOT!), and can try new things I see on the web or on this board. With baby quilts remember you have to either quilt it a lot to prevent the batting from bunching (especially because of all the washing) or use flannel or fleece for batting and quilt a little less. If you tie a baby quilt, go on line to learn how to tie the knots correctly and keep the tails very, very short (or it becomes a safety hazard for baby). I'd learn the 4 patch, 9 patch, snowball, HST, warm wishes, churn dash & log cabin. All are great for easy baby quilts - and to get the basics down. Have fun with it!