Ideas for "man colors"
07-21-2009, 08:34 AM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: FL
Posts: 7,084
I've just started collecting fabric for my grown son's quilt. I am making a Hunter Star pattern in Batiks of Med-Dark Blues/Greens with the stars of bright yellow/orange (he LOVES orange). There are many nice "gender neutral" batiks out there. Geometric, Abstract, etc. I try not to pick anything flowery, but will use leafy prints or vines. Hoffman 1895's come in many colors and can blend in with just about anything else you use.
I think neutrals with accents in another color, like blue, burgundy, dark purple, etc. would be very nice.
I think neutrals with accents in another color, like blue, burgundy, dark purple, etc. would be very nice.
07-21-2009, 06:04 PM
#24
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 10,357
Some great ideas here....I like the idea of using a foliage print, if you wanted to incorporate a print that is. I would definitely get them to choose the fabric and the colours....and even the design if possible. You could maybe use their interests/hobbies for inspiration if all else fails. Maybe get them to go through magazines to help the ideas "gel".
I wish you well in your quest.
I wish you well in your quest.
07-23-2009, 06:34 AM
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Western NYS
Posts: 3,278
Very thoughtful replies from the group!
My two cents:
I would hope the two of you would decide on a pattern you liked, first. And if you aren't remodeling the entire room, choose colors that will not fight with the present color scheme (common sense, right?)
I would also ask if there are any colors he really dislikes (my husband thinks red is for women, so he avoids it, but maroon or burgundy are fine. And since I told him how nice he looked in his pale peach shirt, he wore it frequently)
I wouldn't rule out every floral in the world; just don't use large pieces.
I'm attaching two pics. The flying geese in flannels was for my son, and it was based on the colors of a rugby shirt that he really liked (also a color combination someone mentioned here). I just added some lighter/darker shades, and chose various prints (which may not show very well in the photo); the krazy quilt has some florals in it (not what you'd see in tapestry or upholstery, but they have flowers in them), and one of my uncles just loved it. So, as someone already pointed out, every man is different!
Good luck, I'm sure you'll find the perfect answer, and please post a pic when you've finished it!
My two cents:
I would hope the two of you would decide on a pattern you liked, first. And if you aren't remodeling the entire room, choose colors that will not fight with the present color scheme (common sense, right?)
I would also ask if there are any colors he really dislikes (my husband thinks red is for women, so he avoids it, but maroon or burgundy are fine. And since I told him how nice he looked in his pale peach shirt, he wore it frequently)
I wouldn't rule out every floral in the world; just don't use large pieces.
I'm attaching two pics. The flying geese in flannels was for my son, and it was based on the colors of a rugby shirt that he really liked (also a color combination someone mentioned here). I just added some lighter/darker shades, and chose various prints (which may not show very well in the photo); the krazy quilt has some florals in it (not what you'd see in tapestry or upholstery, but they have flowers in them), and one of my uncles just loved it. So, as someone already pointed out, every man is different!
Good luck, I'm sure you'll find the perfect answer, and please post a pic when you've finished it!
07-23-2009, 06:41 AM
#26
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 210
I just finished piecing a top with Kansas Trouble by Moda. (15 different fabrics plus background) Although there are a few small florals in it because of the deep blues, reds and browns it definitely has a masculine feel to it. I told my husband it was for him. (yeah right!)
07-23-2009, 06:48 AM
#27
Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 22
How about creams for the background combined with greens & browns like the pic on my avi? This is in the process of being made for the wall of my dad & step-mom's newly redecorated bathroom which is centered around pine cones.
It's not as one-sided manly as using blues, and I've used fabrics with specks of golds which dress it up and make it less harsh.
It's not as one-sided manly as using blues, and I've used fabrics with specks of golds which dress it up and make it less harsh.
07-23-2009, 08:24 AM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Central Washington State
Posts: 5,997
Originally Posted by kluedesigns
i'd stay away from anything floral - actually i'd stay away from all novelty prints but thats just me - i see them as feminine regardless of the design.
if you have to use a pattern i'd go for a paisley. all colors are good except the pastels. red is a nice color thats pleasing to both men and women.
i'd opt for solids, blenders, tone on tone, etc - these fabrics are gender neutral - batiks would be nice.
then for a pattern i'd do a D9P - its a lovely geometric design, is to put together, and is gender neutral.
if you have to use a pattern i'd go for a paisley. all colors are good except the pastels. red is a nice color thats pleasing to both men and women.
i'd opt for solids, blenders, tone on tone, etc - these fabrics are gender neutral - batiks would be nice.
then for a pattern i'd do a D9P - its a lovely geometric design, is to put together, and is gender neutral.
The paisley is excellent. DD showed me the most favorite shirt of her husband, and I noticed a couple of things ... the paisley, and the light colored cream/background was MINIMAL.
The D9P -- excellent choice .... men like straight forward, easily comprehended angles ... it is just the way their brain works. There are exceptions (paisley, yellow roses, male gardeners), of course, but for most men, they worry about something that looks fragile, or too easily dirtied ("all that white scares me to DEATH!") ...
I love the log cabin, the D9P, even four patches and stars ... and, then, you will be surprised how much detail your friend's husband will see in your quilting ... they pay attention to some pretty amazing things. <g>
07-24-2009, 08:42 AM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Porter, TX
Posts: 530
I just made a 16" mariner's compass with a cream background and Moda marbles in purples, teals and green (but you could substitute a yellow or red). I hung it on my design wall so I could live with it for a while before quilting it, and my husband really liked it. If you paper-piece, take a look at Carol Doak's Mariner's Compass book. It has 24 different blocks. You could choose one for your center medallion and make some of the others to place around it.
Depending on what their decor is, red, white and black always makes a striking quilt.
Depending on what their decor is, red, white and black always makes a striking quilt.
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