If I'm making a quilt as a gift...then I get to pick the colors & pattern. If I'm making you a quilt, I probably know you pretty well and I use your personality/likes etc that I know. I also usually make it a throw to lay around on the couch and watch a movie with, not to go with your decor. I always try to make them happy & colorful and I try to make the back nice too. Unique !! If I don't get a thank you, I call them up ! I'm just that way.