Where to begin???

I have the urge to learn how to quilt (I am talking very basic here) and I wondered if any of you out there could offer me up some tips on where to start??
By offering tips I mean pointing me in the direction of crafty blogs, books that could guide me or tutorials etc.

I have been thinking about trying to be more crafty in my free time for a while, but recently we have had 3 pregnancy announcements in our family and close friends (all due between mid September and November) and this has made me think about trying to make a baby gift - ie a personal blanket!

My mum has a sewing machine that I am sure I could borrow and I know that fabric will not be a problem what with eBay (I have seen some really cute pre-cut squares of fabric), Etsy etc, etc..... But I also thought I could try and make this a "green" project and use old clothes and blankets and see what I can pick up in local charity shops!

If anyone can help or point me in the correct direction to get started (even guide me to a basic pattern that I could use) I would be so grateful!

Saturday 31.01.

I am very happy today for a few reasons, they are:

1. It is Saturday and I get a day off tomorrow
2. It is finally the last day of the awful month that is January!!
3. I am going to see "Bride Wars" with my friend this evening.

I have been feeling a bit un-inspired by my work clothes over the last few days, so I thought I would wear an "own time" outfit today (that way I do not have to change before heading out later) and spend time tomorrow trying to re-vamp the pieces that I am growing a bit tired of.

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was giving jewellery making a go, and today I have on a cute (well I think so) necklace and earring set that I have made from multi coloured seed beads. I have to say that I am really happy with the result.
Here are some close up pictures of the necklace and earrings.




Today's outfit is:

Wide leg jeans - American Eagle
Cream chiffon neck tie blouse - Charlotte Russe
Cream cami - Charlotte Russe
Brown boots - Aldo
Brown weave belt - Primark
Necklace and hoop earrings - made by me