It seems the general opinion is for you to try a 9 patch and I agree- it was my first quilt when I was a girl and still love making them- they are so simple but yet can look complicated - it's all in your fabric and layout - several people have suggested pillows or baby quilts which are both very good suggestions ut I'd like to throw in another - try a mini quilt - it would give you all the elements ofa full size quilt but allow you to coplete your quilt easier - there are so many quilt patterns thatI have moved to mini quilts so that I can try more patterns faster - About.com has several mini quilt patterns or you could simply reduce a regular size pattern to a smaller size - whatever you descide good luck - p.s. I've posted a picture of my most recent mini quilt on the pictures page (a nine patch) if you would like to see it