Hi, I would cut 4 1/2 strips the width of the fabric and then cut those into the squares. I strip piece as much as possible. I bought myself a ruler that is 6 x 23 inches so it will measure across the with of fabric as it comes from the store.
See if there is a shop in your area that does a block of the month. You pay a small fee and get instruction and the pattern and fabric. It's a fun way to make quilting friends, learn new tricks of the trade, and an inexpensive night out with the "girls'

Happy quilting - just a warning it is highly addictive!
Mary

Well I am a fairly new quilter also. The first thing I learned was
Get a large cutting board.
Second.
A large ruler
Third
A good Olaf cutter
Fourth
Cut straight as possible (sic) yeah beginners don't.
Fifth
Go with it. Read books, go to quilting bloggers sites, see how people do and most of all have fun with it.
I made a twin size quilt for my first project. Of course Ididn't know about the quilt shrinking a bit (15") when I quilted it. But I learned about measuring and I love quilting.
http://[email protected]
You can see what a beginner goofs at and still loves it. My blog has been a journey in the quilting world.
Hope this helps you.

I

Gosh, I'd say stick with a VERY simple pattern. 4 or 9 patch. Until you get the hang of everything..... I guess I'm not much help, so I'll leave that up to the Pros on here. BUT I do want to welcome you from rainy and cold Washington

When you buy a ruler, try to get all the same brand as some may be off 1/16 or so from another brand. I like Olfa. Also get the sandpaper dots to use on the back of your ruler. This keeps the ruler from slipping on the material. Walk your fingers up the ruler as you cut. Start with only a double fold piece of material until you are confident with your accuracy. Double check your measurements before cutting. Good luck!

Excellent advice!!!!

1/16 doesn't seem like much, but if you have four strips (3 seams), and a consistent seam allowance that's 6/16 (3/8) of an inch difference.

I've heard there's a frosted brand out that's even nicer than Ominigrid - is that the Olfa you mentioned? I've found Omnigrid rulers to be quite accurate. (I worked with engineers that wanted accuracy down to plus or minus a thousandth of an inch) Can't get that with fabric.

bearisgray, accuracy is one thing, but that kind of accuracy can take the fun out of quilting, huh. :lol:

if you can get 1/4 inch pressure foot for your machine, do so. It makes sewing 1/4 inch so much easier. I have only had for a couple years and it improves you accuracy 100%. Check it out. You'll love it.

Thanks for all the great tips!

Haha, Loretta. If that's the case I have four fat-quarters. Probably all that sitting I do at the machine (and maybe the jelly rolls :lol: )