Welcome back to quilting! And welcome to the Board
Here is a super simple, easy and free pattern plus tutorial:
http://cluckclucksew.com/2012/06/tut...bed-quilt.html
If you're wanting to add some embroidery, you could certainly do it on the solid/one piece 8.5in squares. I plan to do a little hand embroidery there when I make this soon.
Film In The Fridge also has some wonderful tutorials and patterns on her blog:
http://filminthefridge.com/tutorials/
Her Two by Four tutorial makes a cute and fast quilt, as does Rectangle Squared.
Moda Bake Shop has great tutorials too:
http://www.modabakeshop.com/