Aszule,
My advice is to consider the expectations of your friend. What will make her happy? -- color, texture, design, workmanship? I don't know her experience, but I have found that a lot of young mothers who are complete novices in the area of quilts are not necessarily impressed with a complicated design, but are completely WOW!ed by beautiful colors and simple designs. Mostly importantly I think your friend will be so pleased that the quilt is something special you have made for her and her baby.
The bottom line is that "less is more" and simple is beautiful. If you find that you enjoy quilting, you can advance without pressure to the difficult patterns at your own pace.
Just my 2 cents worth. Enjoy the journey!