I started out on a dresden plate and I would not recommend it to any new quilter. I was just to stubborn to give it up. I would say a good nine block would be best. Go to www.quilterscache.com for oodles of patterns.

Hello & Welcome from Ontario
If there is a fabric or quilt store close by go have a look to see whats out there. This is a great site and everyone is great. Someone will always be able to answer any questions you might have. Enjoy your new hobby it's a great one.

Welcome from Michigan! I think you should start on a simple project like squares or a rail fence. Maybe buy a beginners book or search online. I have never taken a class but I'm sure if you could it would help. Also this group is the best & you can ask questions & someone will always help you out. Have fun!

Welcome, you will learn a lot from here I have. Whatever you decide to start with, have fun.

I have been quilting since 1980 and never done a paper pieced - although I know how to. I'm thinking of doing a Judy Mathieson quilt this year, and will do the foundation (paper piecing) method so that it is super - accurate. However, I am going to print it onto the 151 material that will dissolve once I wash the quilt. I don't think I would be bothered pulling out all of the paper. Any method is good to start. Some people only do Baltimore - which is a lot of applique.

I agree - Rail Fence or Patience Corner would be a good beginner block.

When I started it was by accident. I wanted a spread for my daughter's bed and decided to make one. I used lg blocks of fabric and used strips to divide them and when it covered the bed(twin) I added a ruffle. Before I finished it I had a quilted bedspread.But i've been sewing since I was a kid and I guess that was the next step to take to be creative. But if your new to sewing lessons would be a good way to go.

Hello, welcome and sending a few rays of sunshine from sunny south Florida.

Hi! and welcome! If you want to try this on your own, I would suggest you try some of Eleaner Burns books. The one that I start my students out on is Hearts Delight. Her books have really good instructions and this is an easy wall hanging or baby quilt. It is small and can be finished before you lose interest. You will learn a lot by making this one quilt. Another book is rail fence. It is just strips sewn together.
The most important thing to learn is to make a consistent 1/4 inch seam. I was a seamtress before I started quilting and it took me awhile to get my 1/4 seam consistent.
Community or Senior centers in our area (So.Cal.)have classes and some of them are free. It doesn't matter how old you are, they are not allowed to discriminate because of your age. Good luck and have fun!

Do you know of a web site that will show you how to pp?