Deb,
I know all too well people can suck the fun out of it...however, there are a few people I would gladly make a quilt for....very few! LOL!
I was thinking more along the lines of making something with a standard all over pattern, like Irish Chain Quilts, or maybe Sister's Choice in sashing and then they get to choose their own colors.
My real inspiration for wanting to make quilts for others came from all the oohhs and aahhs I got from a Triple Irish Chain quilt I did in greens and ivory, with a focus fabric in the center. I can cut, sew, press, trim, and watch the boob tube while making money. Works for me!
Diane