If it were me I would go to my favorite old standby pattern that I can piece in a weekend and quilt in a day. I love the
Trip Around the World pattern for give away gifts. They are easy and with the right fabrics can look whimsical to rich.
Pick neutral shades with a few tones of one other color( my pattern takes 8 different ones) light to dark.
Batiks are great in this pattern.
Here is a sample of one of mine. A wedding gift for a girl who is afraid of color!
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Whatever you choose to do for a friendship gift will be wonderful.
peace