Fabrics and Patterns
 

Here are the fabrics I have selected. I picked a dark grey fabric for the binding/backing, since I had lighter/brighter colors for the blocks. I think White would look good too, but I didn't think of that at the time I purchased them.
The light grey and bright blue colors have small polka dots, but its kind of hard to see in the pictures.

The picture of the book cover is one of the designs I really like (and the inspiration behind the blue colors I chose) I am trying to decide between the patterns I uploaded. The hexagon looks pretty simple. The clamshell looks really cute, but I don't know if it is a good beginner pattern? The book says it and the hexagon are both "easy" level. The third pattern (and the one I would need help resizing) is one I found on Pinterest. Its really cute, looks simple, but its baby size, I am wanting to make a quilt for myself, and as Christmas gifs for family, so I would need them bigger then baby size.

(Pintereste file : https://www.pinterest.com/offsite/?t...Dc2NTAzMzIwMwA )

I like the hexi quilt. On that one I would make larger hexis. It is hard
to tell how big they are by the pics. With the clamshell I would make more blocks. Just my opinion. I am sure you will get other suggestions here. More than one way to skin a cat you know one way is not any better than the other. Just a personal preference

the hexagons seem to be a decent size from what I saw in the instructions in the book, but then again I haven't made a quilt yet so I cant be certain. Here is the instructions page that helps with how many i need for each size quilt. I love the clamshell but I would want it as a blanket not a rug. Its super pretty, but i feel like it may be quite the task considering I am new. Maybe should start with the Hexagons.

Welcome from OZ.
I like the way the hexies are put together, especially for a 'newbie', also the size of them. It seems they will be cut at 7" wide, and if you can get an acrylic template that size cutting out several layers of fabrics will be so much easier. I've just finished a quilt with 2" wide hexies, and while I enjoyed making it, at times thought I would never be done. (but I had no background fabric, and sewed together by machine, and got used to those 'set-in' points). Wouldn't hesitate to make another, but would definitely use a larger hexie for the next one.
If you choose the clamshells, do make a practice block first, to get the hang of those curves. There is plenty of advice here if you need it.

Thank you for the advice! I do have the hexagon templates, they were actually on sale when I purchased the fabric, I guess I should of mentioned that earlier lol! I figured it would make cutting much easier and I may be able to save some fabric if I cut smart! I have a pack of 10-12 sizes I believe!

You've picked patterns that are not necessarily the easiest for a beginner but certainly not impossible. The hexie quilt will definitely be the easier of the two.

In both cases it might be worth your while to spend a couple of bucks and pick up a FQ bundle or two and make some test blocks. Even if you've purchased more of the 'good' fabric for your project, it might be a good idea to practice on totally 'throw away' fabric. I would pick those up at JoAnn's or Walmart vs a local quilt shop (LQS) since it would be totally for test purposes.

I definitely believe in making something you like regardless of 'recommended skill level' projects. If it's something you're not interested in, you're not going to finish it, IMO. So some way cheap fabric for test/practice of a couple of blocks could be in your best interest.

Good luck!

Your pattern does give instructions for all sizes. That is nice. They do all the calculations for you. Just pick the size you want to make and go from there. As a beginner I would not go too big on the first quilt. You don't want to overwhelm yourself

Welcome from Oklahoma.

I am not a pre-washer. I've not felt the need to wash something that is not dirty. However, if this is your route, I would use cooler water so that they do not bleed into each other.

Welcome from NE Ohio.

Hi and welcome!! You’ve been busy and Congratulations on your wedding! The pattern on Pinterest is simple. You can make it larger by adding more 5” squares or adjusting the pattern to accommodate 6 or 7” squares. Personally, I like the 5” and would simply make more rows and columns. Or add extra borders. Have fun!!