Have you heard of Quilt Blocks Galore? They must have 500 FREE block patterns. About.com is another great free pattern site. Probably everyone here knows of these sites. I like to scan over them often. Gives me ideas. I also agree color is important. However I am vissual so if I see a pattern I can put my color to it. I have to like the pattern and go from there. Lots of luck on your choice of material and pattern, no matter what you do I am sure she will appreciate it (much) :)