I'm a beginner, am just finishing up a lap sized rail fence quilt taught at my LQS. I want to start thinking about my next project (lap sized too) and am wondering what pattern you would suggest (for a beginner) I try next? Thanks!

Turning Twenty is easy and you can use 20 fat quarters or less fabrics of yardage you may have. There are several books by that name that have the patterns. So simple, but if you use fabric you love the quilt will be awesome!

Warm wishes is a free pattern online that is easy. Yellow Brick Road is an easy one using fat quarters, but you have to buy it. I've only been quilting 2 years, and I know there are more experienced quilters who will have ideas for you too, but these two are easy enough that I have made more than one of each

Warm wishes is easy and looks great. If you click on "search" at the top of the page and type in "warm wishes" you will see several examples to give you ideas.
This site has directions:
http://www.quiltmaker.com/content_do...DoubleSize.pdf

Try making a snowball quilt. It is easy, fun and the final project will look great too.

Irish chain or floating stars.

I am working on a jigsaw puzzle quilt right now. It was very easy and came out looking really cool. Here is a link for a free pattern:

http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltpa...lt-pattern.htm

There are so many choices....but I would recommend an Irish Chain (single or double) they are simple and are so beautiful no matter what fabric you choose.

I say pick whatever inspires you! Whatever skills you need, you can learn.

Look in any of the Eleanor Burns Quilt in a day books. I have seen several recently listed in the classified section.

How about a sampler quilt? There are block of the months here on the board. You could pick some of the blocks that you like, and slowly build up your quilting skills :D:D:D