Hi Rita,
I liked [i]First-Time Quiltmaking: learning to quilt in six easy lessons.[/i]
It has a nice format, is easy for the beginner without being condescending. The book lies flat for referencing. It only goes over pieced quilting. But does it completely, including the borders, sandwiching, and quilting methods. The pictures are colorful and helpful. Once familiar with piecing ... your friend may want something more about the 'A' [applique] and the paper piecing techniques.
As for designing quilts, if she doesn't want to do something more expensive like theElectric Quilt computerized program [whick I have used a lot and love due the ease of use and the books that go with it], I love the reissue of Mary Ellen Hopkins The It's OK if You Sit on My quilt Book.
Hope this helps
alice