I need your help please - which layout?
 

I'm making a quilt for my 89yr old Father-in-law and (besides making a really bad choice on the fabric - not enough contrast with the colour etc), which layout is most pleasing? I think #1 is kind of plain and #2 is too busy. Right now they are cut in 8 1/2" blocks . Any help would be greatly appreciated (I hope the photo's upload OK)

He will love either one. They are both so very pretty. It is just in a high key, as they say. I love it. You still have light, medium, and darks. Go with it.

I preferred the second layout. It seemed like the colors were better defined. Either way is beautiful and relaxing.

I like number 1 best. Good job!

I like both, but I prefer the first one. I am partial to the rail fence though. :) I think your father-in-law will really appreciate either of them. Very nice quilts! Quilts don't always have to shout at ya...:)

Dina

Your fabric is fine, just more subdued. I know there is probably a technical term for that. I like #2 as it is a bit different then the more standard rail fence layout.

They are both really lovely! I like the calming "feel" of the blending fabrics too.

#1 is most appealing to me! I like the lightness of your quilt. I think it really has an elegant look to it. As azwendyg said, it has a very calming feel to it. Nice job!

Tough choice -- I like them both! To me, #1 is quieter, #2 more dramatic. Your fabric choices are fine -- it's a quilt to make a person smile.

I love your fabric choices. Either layout is great! Very nice gift!

i vote for #2

I like them both, but I like the rail fence #1 better.

I like your fabric choices very much.....and like #1 best. As has been said, very calming and relaxing! I think he'll love it!

I quite like the first one, as a traditional rail fence.

Very classic and calming.
If you want some more zip to it ... choose a backing that coordinates, but has a little more punch.
It would be like giving him two quilts to enjoy!! :)

Think at is a great choice of colors for a man. look lay out # 2.

I think number two option and a darker border would look great.

Beautiful quilt. Not all quilts have to shout. Some just quietly hum, like this one.

I like #2 best.

Very nice! I think the first one has a more masculine feel - JMHO.

I like the first one. If you are looking for more contrast, you could add a medium to darker brown strip to the outside edges and flip flop them like in the first photo. If not, maybe a darker border or darker binding.

Now that I suggested that, I think you have to be sure if you do, they still end up square. It might not work that way. If not, maybe a sashing?

and that is why I choose # 1 - your fabrics are quiet too, so the quiet design supports the color. Put a dark brown border on it and it will be beautiful!

I vote for #1. Lovely quilt by the way. Great job.

I like number 1 best. Good job!

I like no. 1 and if it were mine, a calm border or even none and a bright yellow, red, green or royal blue binding.

My vote goes for layout #1. I love your soft colors. Looks lovely.

I think it is a very nice guy quilt and either layout looks nice. I favor 1 but just slightly. I actually think quilts with more suddle colors are in right now.I also vote for a dark brown border or dark brown binding and back or medium brown back. No. 1 also oozes peace to me.

I like #1!

I love #1. beautiful

Since it's going to be for a gentleman, I like #2. It looks more like a guy thing, blocks. The first one I love, but I think that layout is too soft and femine. But that's only an opinion. Good luck on your choice.

They are both great and I really love the fabrics. I actually slightly prefer #1.

love both but my older eyes are more comfortable with #1. which ever you decide will be a wonderful, thoughtful and welcomed gift. my husband is 89 and took his nap today with a quilt covering him.

I vote for the second arrangement because I like the way it draws the eye from the lightest 'crosses' to the darker ones. Rail Fence is a great old pattern but #2 is more visually interesting. The subtle colors give the top a lovely heirloom look.

I like both, #1 would be my first choice. If you wanted to add more contrast could you stay in the same color family but use a deep brown shade to border it and a dark brown decorative stitch to quilt the cream shade? Just a thought, whatever you decide it will be a beautiful quilt and he will feel the love in it!

Both layouts are great, but I really like #1. The fabrics you chose are Perfect for a guy quilt!

I like them both, but I'm partial to #1.

Another vote for #1 and another comment on how great it is. He will love it!

Another vote for #1. And, like everyone else....love the fabrics.

Like 1! Im going to be making the same pattern!!

I LOVE them both!

My choice is #1. I like the soft colors you chose.