I signed up for a hand quilting class to get some techniques (and to get out of the house). What would you suggest as a beginner project? We are supposed to bring something prepared, sandwiched & basted. Plain muslin sounds boring. 24" square TY

For a leaning class I'd go with the plain muslin. It'll be a lot easier to see your stitching and what you're doing on the muslin. Use contrasting thread too.

Good idea.

have fun! do you have any of the cheater cloths so you can follow the lines of a design for your hand quilting?

I was at an amish store last month and the lady there told me that is how to learn to hand quilt

I agree with Scissor Queen - plain muslin and contrasting thread is the best way to learn with. You can see your stitches, control their eveness and straightness very easily and when you choose a good fabric quality it's easy to needle.
In my hand quilting workshops I suggest to bring this material sandwiched with a low loft poly or 80/20 batting, so you can concentrate on the technique and you don't have to fight with the material.
Have fun!