As someone else mentioned, Jenny Doan's tutorials on YouTube are terrific!! For me, back when I started quilting 30+ years ago, Elinor Burns' "Quilt in a Day" books were like my Bible - I went to them all the time. I started with her Morning Star book, and made lap quilts for my kids... then got her Log Cabin quilt and made twin size quilts for my kids' beds.
I would say that lap quilts will get you the "feel" of quilting (better than a table runner, I think), without being as overwhelming as a larger quilt. And, yes, if you have access to a "real life" class, by all means, take it. Often when you take a class, you will get a discount on the supplies (rotary cutter, mat, rulers - fabric and pattern).
I ALWAYS use a pattern - I'm way too much OCD to try to "wing it".
Good luck, and be warned - this is an ADDICTIVE hobby!! But you will definitely be in "good company" with the rest of us!!