Start small. It is very easy to get overwhelmed. Do a little project like a pillow top. Use some fabric you already have or purchase a fat quarter pack from Joanns or Walmart. Machine or handpiece it but try handquilting first.

Have fun with it. Be free to go on your own journeys of colour and composition. Make your own mistakes!

Oh. :-(

Flowers are red.
And green leaves are green.
There's no need to see flowers any other way.
Than the way they always have been seen?

I believe the original poster was referring to the importance of accuracy of cutting and sewing for a beginner following a pattern--not to stifling creativity.

Take classes! Take classes from a variety of teachers, you will learn something from each one!

My advice would be to search the internet or Quilters Board and find out the difference between pressing and ironing. I never knew there was a difference and then found out you can easily distort a seam by ironing instead of pressing.

There are always problems along the way in making a quilt. Instead of thinking of them as problems, just think positive and treat them just as a part of quilting. That way, when something doesn't go as planned, you won't be upset, and when you have to rip out a seam, you won't dread it so much.

Start simple. Have the right tools, rotary cutter, cutting matt, ruler, pins. Missouri Quilters is a good place to look at tutorials.

Expect to become a stashaholic and totally addicted to this very expensive hobby LOL.

If I could go back in time
 

My most important tip I would give would be to not be so hard on yourself. Every time you make a mistake you learn from it and usually never do it again. Also your loved ones already think you are perfect so they won't notice your boo boos. Enjoy.