Searching for my Baby (blanket pattern!)

I have the yarn, I have the hooks, I have the time.  I don’t have the right pattern.  Here’s the scoop.  There is a young couple who come into the library almost everyday, and they are expecting their first child.  They’re kind of hippyish, artsy sort of kids and I’ve grown quite fond of them.  I don’t know much about them (except for what they like to read), but I do have a feeling that they can use some help getting ready for the baby. Because of their fondness for handmade arts and crafts (bags, jewelry, clothes etc.) I think that they would appreciate and use a baby blanket from their favorite crochet crazy librarian! (Thus making them “Crochet Worthy”!)

What I need is the right pattern.  Between Ravelry, the internet and my collection of books and magazines I have plenty to choose from.  That’s where it gets confusing.  There are so many choices that I never quite know what to do. And I feel like it’s always a bit of a crap shoot.  Of course, Rav does do a great job letting me see what others have done, but not everyone uses ratings and makes notes about their projects.  So I’m hoping to hear from you with some suggestions. 

Do you have a favorite “go to” pattern that you use for baby blankets?  Should it even be a blanket?  Is there something else you think might be more useful?  Looking back,  I have all of the blankets that were given to me when my son was born (more than 16 years ago), but I don’t have any of the little hats, sweaters or buntings. As cute as they were they all stopped fitting pretty quickly! 

Anyway, my requirements are minimal.  It needs to be a crochet. I have 8.5 oz./761 yds. of Bernat Baby Soft Sport in Baby Pastel Ombre (that's right isn't it?), and 10.5 oz. / 1077 yds in White.  I’d like whatever it is to be simple enough that it won’t take forever, but maybe look like it did?!? 

What do you think?  I’d sure appreciate links to anything that you think fits the bill.  Since this is going to be my next project (along with all the others that live in wip land!) we’ll all be able to watch what happens. Thanks for helping out. 

Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!