I am with Tartan-my first bed quilt (I had made two throws) was a disappearing nine patch. It was fun to make and I learned so much. I think it is good to teach your niece to press her seams so they can be matched and locked together because 90% of the patterns do require that basic skill. I loved cutting my strips, assembling my strata, and making my blocks--all essential skills for anyone learning to quilt.