Pattern suggestions for a beginner?

The first thing I made with my sewing machine was converting a skinny jeans into a bell bottom ones! It's an easy project. It's not a pattern but it's a nice way to start a relationship with you sewing machine :p

If your are interested in it I can upload a How To with all the steps and pictures.

I think it depends on what you're looking to make. If you are looking to make clothing and WANT to use a pattern, I would stick to a pattern like the "It's So Easy" line from Simplicity. I'd also suggest downloading the Colette pattern for the Sorbetto shirt. Their directions are super clear and easy to follow, very beginner friendly; the Sorbetto is also easily modified when you have more skill. Otherwise, I'd start with refashioning something, as KozmicBlues, suggested.
Good luck and be sure to update and let us know what you decided to make!

There might be some helpful tutorials in this thread I posted a while ago: http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/board/crafts/dressmaking/7355-free-dress-patterns-tutorials

Many of them are very easy to follow and the patterns are ones you can make on your own

I recently started sewing and found that clothes weren't the best thing for me to start sewing with. I bought a Butterick Waverly pattern that included some wallets and bags. The pattern number is B5728. I started with wallet E it was made of easy straight lines and is a perfect project for fabric scraps.