I solved my problem this year two ways. My sister has a friend that works in a quilt shop, and also has a longarm. I happened to come across a picture (it was on facebook) of a quilt she was working on which was a thangles project. I sent her a message about how much I liked it and she replied that she would send the thangles package home with my sister when she came to visit. She sent another message after my sister did visit to say that she would be happy to give me tips when I started it....that was 3 months ago and my sister hasn't handed it over or mentioned a word so I am pretty sure I am getting it for christmas.
My lqs has a gift registry and when anyone asks for a wish list I just send them to the lqs and its easy for them.