Thanks for the links Slbram17 and Stitchnripper. I think they might help me.
And thanks Bree for letting me know I certainly picked the wrong quilting project to start with. The picture of it looked so easy since other than the applique, it looked like just some simple stitching of strips together. I never knew the whole process could be difficult. My pattern says to cut 5" strips but then use 1/2" seams so maybe I'm going to have stitch in the middle of each strip.
I really want to be able to make this quilt since I've already bought all the supplies and I just love the material I bought and the pattern. I have some scrap material so I think I'll do a little experimenting before I do any cutting with my actual material.
I'm also hoping to get to a shop in my hometown tomorrow that has different sewing classes. I'm not sure if they have any quilting classes going on right now but maybe they'll be one in the near future.
I've done lots of different sewing in my life and I've never been afraid to try something new so I'm hoping I can figure this all out.