Homemade placemats

My set of four placemats is finally finished. It has been a little challenging at times, and I still can't believe how annoying it was to sew straight quilting lines. Maybe I need to draw figures next time and make funny shapes instead?
In any case the result is cute, if a little too childich to my taste, and in all honesty I don't know how often I'm going to use them. Would you?

Saying that, i've really enjoyed working with different colour bias tape, and it's helped me get to grips with my new patchwork cutting table and tools, so it can't be all that bad.
If you feel like having a go at the placemats yourself, the very talented Ayumills over at Pink Penguin is the generous person who made the tutorial. You can find it here.
This project has kind of made me realise just how little time I spent on sewing in the last year or so, and no wonder, I've been away most of my holidays! So it's decided (touch wood, I'll keep this promise): this summer, I have nothing much planned, so I'm going to sew. And my aim for this fun-cum-busy summer is to make a quilt. After the very very very long observation phase (spending endless visits at Hen house - just how amazing are her quilts?), time for action. But I am not sure where to get started for a nice, simple quilt, and your help would be greatly appreciated ;)

* which book or pattern should I use? (I was thinking of buying material obsession, do you like it?)
* what's the best wadding?
* where can I get it from?
* is it really important to colour-match?

Thanks for your help!