I wanted a pattern with good size pieces so we wouldn't end up with a quilt full of headless pirates or octopus without tentacles. I ended up picking a free pattern from the Andover website. It uses only 2 blocks, with good size pieces (4" x 4" and 4" x 8"). And one of the blocks is pieced with partial seam construction... easy to do, and adds a little interest to the layout.
The only thing I did different from the pattern was I left off one column... so rather than an 80" x 80" quilt, I ended up with a 64" x 80" quilt... much better to fit on her bed.
Details
Fabric: Out to Sea by Sarah Jane for Michael Miller
Backing: Essential Dots by Riley Blake
Pattern: Frippery Quilt (available at Andover's website)
Quilting: Russ @ The Back Porch Quilters