Hi and welcome from Montana.

welcome from Oklahoma

Ok, so sides first then top and bottom. What if you have to piece the borders? Do you sew straight across or on the bias? Oh, and is there a traditional width for the borders? I am doing a queen size, I think it will be. With two borders, the first skinnier then the outer. Sorry I didn't use a pattern. Probably not too smart for a first big quilt.

I always piece my borders and then start at the top side. When I piece the border I do it on the diagonal (spelling?)

If you are not in a guild, I highly recommend Landrum Quilters Guild. They have wonderful programs and Show and Tell is always so much fun!!
http://www.landrumquilters.com/
and by the way, I add side borders first for fabric conservation. As far as width, MY rule of thumb is the first and smaller one, I make it half the width of my major block. The outside one I make the same width as a block.

Hello! and welcome from Oklahoma. I usually do the sides first then top and bottom it gives the appearance of the quilt being longer that it really is.