Your post didn't say if you know basic sewing skills. If you have those skills it will definitely make a difference in how fast you pick up quilting. My slight difference in direction regarding where to begin. I say pick something you really want. Quilting isn't normally a real fast thing to do and you have to really want to end up with the product. If you find something smaller that you really want to have in your life even better. As to the quilting stitching, most people who enjoy piecing are happy to send their quilts to someone who quilts if for them. I started by piecing and tying my quilts because I didn't even know there were people who did the quilting. I've made some really funny bo-bo's over the years and enjoy sharing those with others. You too will make some mistakes that you will look back and laugh about. Find a mentor. Know it's ok to fail. Quilters usually find a way to "make a mistake" workable. There are no rules. Do your thing. And as most of the posts mention - practice, practice, practice. Oh yes - go to youtube and type in quilt. There are thousands of them.