First project?

[LOLMegan]

I've been browsing the crocheting threads for months and months and I've finally decided to teach myself how to crochet! I'm using a few books and the internet to start out with.
I was just wondering what everyone's first project was and what I should attempt. I'd really like to make a scarf for the winter, but I'm not really sure if I should follow a specific pattern or just pretty much practice my stitching and crochet up a big rectangle that I may call a scarf so I can get used to the movements and everything. Any links or tips would be appreciated!

[DragonessD]

My first project (or so speaks my mother) was a dress for my Barbie doll. I took the book I'd talked mom into buying, snitched some yarn and one of her hooks, and holed up in my room for the weekend to make the dress.

I was seven, so I guess that's not terribly surprising. Mom and dad both worked, and well ... with three kids in the house ... there wasn't much time for making Barbie clothes. 

[missmoppet]

my first crochet project was an amigurumi cupcake.     chocolate with pink frosting and I added beaded sprinkles.     I love cupcakes!

[Yarn or Fabric]

My first crocheted project was a blanket to top a queen sized bed.  It was done in simple stripes and double crochets... Mind you at the time I was in the military and was working on it during my night shifts.  It worked out great - every time I finished a row it was time for me to get up, go outside, look at the sky, go back inside and report my weather observation... I was the only one in the office on those shifts so I had A LOT of time to work on it!

I would say pick a project that says either beginner or easy and go for it no matter what it is. 
Everyone's first project will be different depending on what they are in to....

[AttieNichole]

My first project was a little less extraordinary than the ones here.  I crocheted a pot holder.  A simple square that alternated colors on every other row (three shades of blue).  It looked ridiculous, but I was very proud.  It started out small (because I made my beginning chain way too small) and by the time I was finished, it looked like a funnel or something--it just kept getting bigger and bigger.  I found out later that I was just doing my double crochets into the chain three of every new row.

So my main advice is, don't worry if whatever you decide to make looks horrible or completely strange.  It will get better.  The best advice I can give you is to just keep practicing those stitches to get a consistent gauge because in later projects, this is one of the most important things to worry about.  After you feel comfortable with the stitches, then start on your first project, and keep it simple.  Don't get discouraged--after a while, your work will get better and you will refine your crocheting skills.  Good luck!