I usually ask the colors of what the person would like, or a object they may have in mind.
The person that made that quilt that was later found on the sidewalk with oil, and such would make me upset and I sure would cross them off my list of any further quilting.
I made a full sized quilt for my granddaughter, she was 5 at the time. This one was the 2nd quilt I made (the picture shown in my avitar). They had a German Shepherd, and when we went to visit, the quilt had some squares torn, with the stuffing hanging out ( I made quillo/puff) it was also hanging off the bed with the kids jumping all over it.
My daughter asked if I could fix it!!! Well it was only my 2nd quilt, and I had no idea how to remove the torn squares and replace them. I didn't even think I had enough fabric, and I sure did not fell to fix it, since this may happen again.
I don't think I should have made such a quilt at that young age. I learned a very valuable lesson