I have only made quilts for friends or relatives who had a say-so in the pattern and the fabric. For the friends, they paid for the fabric. This way I knew the folks would like the quilt when they got it since it was all stuff they selected and/or paid for. I have made 3 quilts just by email. I emailed patterns I felt comfortable making, and after one was selected, my friends either bought the fabric and mailed it to me or guided me (lots of pictures in emails) in fabric selection. It is much easier to take a friend or relative shopping for fabric, but distance doesn't always make that possible. Once I took four friends to find fabric, and they decided to all receive the quilts at the same time, like a big "reveal" on TV. That was fun.
These methods work well for me because I am TERRIBLE at selecting fabric. I am so indecisive that it is ridiculous!!
Dina