Baby gift help and ideas please

[shooting star]

Hey folks, first post so I thought I would say a big hi to everyone  

Anyway, I have a friend who is expecting a baby in about 3 months and a bit and I was wanting to give her something different instead of something bought in the shop, as I'm sure the usual thing will happen where she is over run with baby grows (or onesies?!  i think thats what they are called in some other countries)!!  So I was thinking about making her something, which will also mean that it will be a little bit more personal as well.

I was considering doing a sampler but now I have moved onto the idea of a blanket.  So does anyone have any ideas or patterns for a blanket?

I was thinking maybe making it in the style of a sampler and incorporating some cross stitched fairytale characters or appliqued characters (never done applique before so am quite keen to give it a try!)

Or trying my hand at a little bit of quilting.

So any further ideas or help would be much appreciated!

Also does anyone have examples of a suitable alphabet, perhaps with little motifs incorporated.

Thanks very much folks

[Etheren]

I really like vintage children's embroidery designs.  If you want to email me I have some redwork patterns for an alphabet.