Read and saved the gift quilt pattern. Boy, if I did not have three, no five, quilts in progress, I would be giving this one a try immediately. I bet once you have walked through this pattern it would be easy to complete and with the size of the cuts a good stash buster too.

Profannie,
I would assume the "rustic" meant a traditional pattern such as churn dash or log cabin. Other option would a be traditional stars pattern of your choice. Pro, she gave you beautiful colors but I would not consider them rustic. Rustic to me are those collections like Kansas Troubles or civil war reproduction. Not to worry, make her a quilt and she will appreciate your effort as she walks her difficult journey wrapped in the warm hugs you are sending.

Yellow brick road is my go-to pattern when I need something quickly.

One suggested flannel but I've just commented on the posting regarding using fleece on the back so there's another possibility to make your project snuggly and warm. As to design, I'm partial to 9 patch blocks. Whatever became of the popularity of the Friendship Star? I haven't seen one of those for quite some time. That would be so appropriate with gifting to your friend!

PS--your stars wouldn't necessarily have to match. Each one could be different just as are the stars in the sky. But with your colors they would be coordinated. Sounds like it's going to be lovely whatever you choose and she will love it since it came from you.

I am making a quilt right now that may meet what you are trying to accomplish. It is a scrappy quilt that is easy to make using a 8 1/2" square and a ton of scraps. Now I am doing mine by grab bag but if you wanted to make such a quilt selectively that would work too. here is a pic of what I have done. It is done on a foundation piece. I use a light parchment. It can be done with fabric or paper foundation. This has taken me less than 2 weeks to get this much done and I am doing it as a quilt as you go project. I hope to have it done within another week. I have another 20 blocks to go and another 4 1/2" boarder.

I see some one mentioned rail fence and that was my first thought since you have 4 colors. Be sure to post what you have decided on.

Juliasb, this model is indeed a great scrap buster. My 9 years old daughter made her first quilt two months ago (it was her end of the year gift for her much loved teacher) and this is the model she picked. I cut pieces of batting at 9 inches to use as a guideline, and she sew her strips directly on it. I then assembled, quilted and finished it for her. It took her three month to make a lap size. It wouldn't take me as much time as her, but still...
Illinois, while looking for churn dash model, I saw a lovely vintage quilt with churn dash, 9 patch and friendship star blocks. I'm tempted to make something like this. Still thinking while sorting my blue, cream and grey scraps.
Zozee you can quote me anytime LOL and thanks for the suggestion of using flannel. I wouldn't have thought about it but it completely make sense.

Profannie--thanks, I will ! Be sure to wash and dry your flannel before using it. Shrinks a good bit.

Turning 20 is also a fast quilt & looks very nice. I have made many using 12 fat quarters instead of 20 & that works well for a couch quilt.

Fons and Porter has a great quilt called Flannel Yellow Brick Road.
There is a photo of it here https://www.google.ca/search?q=for+t...1EaRKct_ZM2qM:

I would be happy to send you the magazine that has the pattern if you would like it. I'm in the middle of making that one and it goes together quickly.

Bonnie Hunter has a free pattern called My Blue Heaven. It is scrappy and those colors you are using. I've made it and it's really easy and pretty.

https://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005...ue-heaven.html