First welcome to the QB. You will find most answers to your questions. I myself am not a fan of pre-cuts. I prefer to cut my own. I've had to many different sizes and had to cut the precuts to fit. I would start with a pattern. Jenny Doan Missouri Star Quilt Company has videos for beginners from start to finish. Not sure where you want to start but maybe a quilt or 2 just for you, one for the sofa and then for your bed. Maybe just placemats. Again welcome to the QB!