Quilts are beautiful. They're historical and old and elaborate, and have that essence of country style and pioneering. Grandmas, cornbread, and wood carpentry always come to my mind somewhat randomly. But as colonial and old fashioned as they've been, they can equally be trendy and fanciful. Like everything is the sewing world, the craft is modernizing, just as embroidery (my usual craft of choice) and knitting have done. 

Connectingthreads.com offer free quilting patterns for beginners (pictured below). As much I was want to begin my project of quilting the New York City skyline, I think I'll start easy and cheap. They also have smaller projects like placemats, coasters, and pillows for the beginner quilter and inexpensive fabric that can be bought online and different color options!