As a new quilter I learned a lot of ideas from the Missouri Star Quilting tutorials and find the patterns easy for beginners. The Fat Quarter Shop also has some great tutorial too.

Have fun! Don't listen to "quilt police." A quilt doesn't have to be perfect, it can still be beautiful! Please yourself!

Absolutely agree with Madame Kelly about Eleanor Burns' methods. Our library has some of her books. Her method will get you started and then you can branch out into other ways.
Also, If you get distracted while sewing, be sure your finger isn't in the way of the sewing machine needle. The machine wins that every time!
Enjoy your new talents and you've had a lot of good advice here. Welcome!

Edited to add: A lot has been said about that 1/4' or scant 1/4" seam. The easiest way I've found is to sew on an index card. The lines are 1/4" apart! You'll figure out how much to adjust from that. No wasted fabric, either!

I'd say be flexible, and get a good machine. I think you have done the second so that is great.

I sew a lot - and have done a wide variety of sewing types (from tent repair to custom lingerie) and now mostly quilting. After reading through what people have wrote, I disagree with about half of it.

And that is why I say be flexible, if you are trying a method and struggling - go find another method that works better for you.

My first tip was feed dogs can sew up extra fabric so put the "baggy" piece on the bottom.

Don't buy the cheapest machine on the market. It will give you hours of frustration instead of pleasure.

My mother hated to sew, back in the days when women were expected to sew housedresses and children's playclothes, so she *did* buy the cheapest machine she could find. It wouldn't keep the right tension, no matter what you did. She had it serviced, got the timing adjusted, but if you sewed more than 6 inches, it was back to making loops on either the top or bottom.

Slow down and enjoy the process. You will make better quilts and learn more if you are not in a hurry.

Whatever you do don't fuss too much when you make a mistake. Patiently rip out those that you can change and embrace the others knowing that NEXT time you will not make the same mistake. I have dealt with perfectionism my entire life and am determined to give myself room and time to develop my quilting skills. Consequently, I have found JOY in my quilting. I wish the same for you.

These are great ideas! My only addition is to Stay AWAY from Pinterest. It's the Devil. It will suck you in with pretty quilts and before you know it....((Poof!)) Several hours have disappeared and your "Must Do" list is as long as your arm :)

Have FUN with your new hobby. It "can" be expensive, but for me, it is cheaper than a therapist :D

Redstilletos, that is so true about Pinterest. I’ve quit using my account except once in a great while Of all things I’ve seen on it, I’ve done maybe 2. 😀