Ha! I should have started with something small ... and a class! Your placemats are beautiful.
I started with a queen size quilt because I wanted a bedspread with particular colors that I couldn't find in ready-made. I had a book and bought a cutting mat and rotary cutter. I didn't finish the quilt for it's original intended purpose, but many years later it now adorns the bed in one of our guest rooms. It's a triple Irish Chain pattern.