Normally I ask for color preferences and if they want an old-fashioned look or a modern look. Once, years ago, I gave someone more leeway, and I ended up having to sew together cotton fabric, sheet fabric, corduroy and minkie. After I was released from the institution, I thought I had learned my lesson. Recently a friend of the family wanted a quilt for her sister's baby. She wanted to choose the colors, fabrics, etc. She didn't want a standard pattern so I had to make something up and the fabrics/colors were the WORST EVER!!! I hated working on it, and I hated the finished product. She loved it and her sister loved it; however, when she sent me a picture of it with the baby, my eye started to twitch all over again!! Moral of the story...you're the designer, only give away as much power as you feel comfortable with. You want to enjoy working on your projects. Good luck!