Catherine,
I have been working on my baby quilt for the last 6 weeks. I got an idea as soon as I saw the ad for the contest. Then I googled my design idea to see if it had been done before, and I couldn't find it. YAYYYYYYYY. I think I might have come up with something original. I really think you have to think of a design that you love and then go for it. I actually would rather win the 2nd or third prize, since I'm more of a hand quilter anyway. I know my husband would love it since he's the master machine quilter in our family. Have fun and Goodluck
Louise