Oh, I didn't notice you were in WA state. It is the most wonderful place to be as a quilter!!!!!! Used to live there and there are experts there giving classes/workshops that you will so benefit from. I do like Eleanor Burns method...it is my "go to" when I want to quilt without a lot of fuss. Her patterns are always checked for mistakes, so that's good for a newbie. I started with her log cabin in the 80's and never looked back. Wishing you success. Enjoy the richness of the quilt stores in the area. If you get down Seattle way, there are great shops there, too. :-)