http://quiltville.blogspot.fi/p/free-patterns.htm
Bonnie Hunter has several lovely and easy patterns. How about a string quilt?You could use larger foundations to begin with. Plenty of free patterns available
http://www.favequilts.com/String-Qui...Quilt-Patterns

I love the Warm Wishes pattern any time a quick quilt is needed and you could use any modern fabric for the focus fabric, if she isn't traditional.

ckcowl - your French braid quilt is stunning!!

I just did a disappearing 4 patch and it was indeed easy and not nearly as time consuming as it looks. Consider it. Not too traditional and could be large, queen size or small a bed throw. Your choice. :)

Chevron Quilts Make Up Quickly.

Lots of great ideas was provided.
how about digging into your ufo piles. You might find something that just needs a couple hours to finish.

I don't know how hard or easy it would be, but it often seems to me that a quilt made with just two solid colors in a traditional pattern will go with anyone's decor. An Irish chain, would be one example, or a hunter's star.

Another option that looks very special but isn't hard to do would be the ones that are made with 3 strips sewn together, then cut at an angle and arranged to make friendship stars. It was called an x-block quilt, I think, and was made with a special ruler by that name. Somewhere I saw some table toppers made with this pattern that were in sophisticated prints in black, gold, beige and dark red and they were stunning. If you're pressed for time, how about a bed runner? They seem to be popular now.

I agree with WMUTeach, the disappearing 4 patch is easy and it looks like a lot of work. Check it out at MSQC.

Beautiful way to use a pretty print.

I agree with a 10 minute block or a snowball & nine patch variation like the one below. It is easy and quick and I think it looks nice

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It shows the snowball nine patch combo with a 10 minute block on the outside