When you and she talk patterns you may be talking two different things....you a quilting pattern and she the pattern of material (color, flowers, animals, etc.). Take her shopping for the right colors and give her a chance to see all the options. Then decide on a cute fun early teen quilt that she won't outgrow too soon. (I really love the checked with appliqued flowers!! I think she would too!)
Maybe a rag quilt would be fun for her...she could help by sewing the X in the blocks. Good luck and have fun!!