I don't think there are any quilt blocks are a requirement. Since you are new, I would suggest you check out Quilt in a Day's website. they have a Media section where you can watch Quilt in a day episodes. Eleanor Burns is wonderful for teaching quilting. She was the first person I learned quilting from. I watched Quilt in a Day on PBS, and that's where I got the quilting bug. Also, Fons and Porter's Love of Quilting is a good show to watch to learn quilting. If your local PBS station has quilting programs, I would suggest watching. You can get lots of help here, as well. Click on Pictures and you will find lots of inspration. Welcome to the world of quilting!