In a situation like this, you might be able to find a barter solution. If you make the quilt for him (with him paying for the materials) is there some comparable task that he could do for you? Maybe he's a woodworker (you could use some quilt racks, right?) or a mechanic (tune-up for the car?) or has an amazing vintage sewing machine that he is willing to part with. If a straight-out sale doesn't seem feasible, look for an alternative way to make the quilt and get something in return.