The best place to begin (IMO) is with a Woolly Bugger. This pattern is the most basic. Once you learn the basic tying techniques you can tie practically any pattern that exist and you'll be able to study a finished fly and understand how it was created. Most of all the Woolly Bugger catches fish and it will catch Bass just as readily as Trout. This is a must have pattern for any fly fisherman.
I like tying Clousers and Lefty's Deceivers These are awesome flies for Saltwater species and Bass fishing or anytime you want to imitate a bait-fish. I love tying saltwater Flies mainly because it's easy to look at SW bait and no exactly what you need to do to match a fly perfectly and because my eyes are bad and my fingers are too fat and unsteady for that SZ20 Midge Stuff.
Like you I received some tying gear as gift a few years back and I was intimidated in the beginning. I needed to see how it was done a few times before I picked it up and was able to carry with it from there. I bought a video called The Flying Tying Techniques of Lefty Kreh and Bob Clouser this video helped kick start me into tying. You can go to Totalvid.com and download this video for $4 for a week of viewing. I have been able to download several videos from that site that have helped me immeasurably.
Also, I have a computer program called the Art of Fly Tying which offers step by step on basic patterns and techniques. I find that I have an extra copy for some reason, If you would like it PM me your address and I will drop it in the mail to you
Just Jump right in. You will learn something new with every fly that you tie and you'll have a blast catching fish on the flies that you have created. Don't be discouraged if some don't turn out picture perfect. I have a lot of ugly flies that have caught fish. Good Luck.