Take your time, don't be in a hurry and don't quilt when you are tired.

My first thoughts were accuracy. Then I saw all the other posts and I realized that everyone else said practically the same thing.

Quilter's Complete Guide by Fons & Porter is the quilter's bible IMHO. I used to teach quilt classes and recommended that all my beginner quilters get themselves a copy.
Relax and have fun! Remember that it takes time to learn the new skills you need to become a quilter, lots of lingo to learn too. Don't be so hard on yourself. This is supposed to be fun.
Always,always remember to close your rotary cutter when you're done with a cut, its very sharp.

Sometimes I pull out my first quilt (baby) and laugh! I can't belive how far I have gotten in 20 years.So just enjoy it, and happy quilting

Could you please explain what you mean by the "no rules" recommendation? I totally agree with you if you mean that we don't need to follow a pattern to a T or use the same fabrics that the sample is made from. I also agree that there are MANY ways to do a lot of patterns/techniques. However, I think we have rules in consistent seam allowance, working accurately, points matching, etc. (That is IF we want to do good work.)

Good advice from everyone.

Use fabrics you love.
Follow directions til you've enuf experience to know when not to bother.

Buy good quality fabric, and use good quilters rulers to cut accurately, check your machine so you know you have 1/4
inch accurate seams. Press not iron your quilt pieces/blocks.
And square all your pieces as you piece a block.
Read and research the quilting process so you know the
correct way to construct a great finished quilt.
Every quilt you make you will learn something new.
Quilting is not something you can learn overnight.
Enjoy! :thumbup:

There are levels of "beginner" -

If someone has never been exposed to textiles or sewing in any form, basic "vocabulary" would be helpful -

Names of different types of fabrics, weaves, knits, different types of pins, needles, what are selvages and grain lines, what are seam allowances, the difference between pressing and ironing, etc.

Don't kick yourself when you make a mistake (we all have been there, and some of us are still there) ;) PLUS if you can't see it on a gallop horse then there is not mistake. ;)

We all would like to have our quilts done yesterday, but with patience it will get done.