So far mine has been just the opposite. Create and know to whom it belongs. I've come up with a couple specific things in mind, but they are the most troubling. Plan as you will, the medium may beg to differ. :wink:

It has to be a combination of things they love and something that you can deal with for the duration of the time it takes to complete the project.

Does the person like a certain color or theme? What is the décor of the room in which the quilt will reside? A beautiful Baltimore Album quilt would feel out of place in a Danish Modern room. Do the person’s tastes change frequently? Maybe a heavy dose of neutrals would still work when they repaint their room electric blue a month from now.

What are they passionate about? Incorporating things that they love into a quilt is always a good idea. This could take the form of an appliqué (like butterflies) or symbolism (think of the old pattern names - Road to California for someone moving west). I’ve taken liberties with using music and freeform doodles in the quilting itself to further the quilt’s story.

What is the timeframe? The most wonderful plans sometimes have to be simplified in order to conform to harsh reality. Maybe that wonderful appliqué in your head could be scaled back and surrounded by patchwork blocks. If you have known the person for a while, think of things that excite them. A modern art lover may love a simple Mondrian-inspired block pattern in solids. Beyond that, think of their masculine / feminine tastes and outlook in general. Quilts last a long time, so don’t tie yourself down to this season’s fashion or colors. I bet all the women out there with “big hair” pictures tucked away are saying “Amen” to that one.

Also, no nice way to phrase this – do they like and respect quilts? I’ve made some that were gifts that were packed away and never used because they were “too pretty to use” and others that were worn threadbare as favorite blankies. There are plenty of threads here about quilts misused by those who just did not appreciate them. If I knew that they treated quilts like paper towels, I would make them a box of candy or cookies instead.

Well, if it was me, this is what i would do. i would make an irish chain in black, with a tan coloured background to the whole quilt. In between the irish chains, i would put paper pieced red roses, because red is her favourite colour, and red roses are for love, and you love your friend. In the border i would put golden stars, but not 8 point stars, 5 point friendship stars, because she is your friend, and because you want her to be able to wish upon a star for her special birthday wish. Then i would border it with black. Steve was asking in another thread how people create their quilts, this is how i create mine, i think of the person, what they mean to me, and how i can create those thoughts on fabric.

How about some fabric like this?

http://thefabricfairy.com/fabric_31/Alexander-Henry-Fabric.htm

The blank blocks of Irish chains would give you a space to use interesting designs. if you went with black backgrouns, patterned or batik red chains, and bright quilting in the blocks, it would be striking. You could take general shapes from classic tats - hearts, stars, even Celtic or tribal motifs.

Done in the red or a varigated jeweltone quilting thread, it would really pop. I think the key will be finding the right red. take some black paper with a square cutout the same size as finished chain squares when you go shopping and audition a batch. You'll soon get a feel for the ones that will cut nicely, and those that would be swallowed up in the darkness.

How is your hand embroidery? There are some rayon embroidery threads that just light up next to black.

most of the time I tend to go towards their favourite colours or something they are interested in. For instance, I made a camping theme quilt for a couple friend as they love camping... They take it with them camping now and never leave it behind.

Moonpi suggestions are far more creative than anything I can think of. If you are like me, and don't enjoy paper piecing, and still want to use this idea, you could get a fabric maybe with large flowers in ti and not have to worry about piecing or applique. Just fussy cut the block centered around the flower.
Or just cut the flower out and fuse it to your background. I can send you a pkg of fine fuse and a pressing sheet if that method interests you. All that you need to do after that is topstitch the piece to the background--just straight stitching.

I just thought of another design that would be striking using the right colors--the rail fence pattern. It would be stunning in red & black. There is very little fabric waste too since you are dealing with strips that are sewn together and then cut into blocks. goes together really quickly and the end result looks complicated but it was a piece of cake. If you would rather not use strips, you could cut shorter ones the length of each block and simply stitch them together. Sometimes, my strips tend to have little humps when I don't take the time to cut carefully--so I tear my long strips and they come out straight that way.

Flying V - how about making your original design - Ninja Stars quilt? It would look GREAT in red, black & white!


http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/4910.page

Oh God no! I wouldn't dare use baby fabric in her quilt! lol.

Actually, I went through ALL the blocks on quilterscache.com for ideas. Not really anything that worked out.

In red, white, and black its calling out more to Jack and Meg White than Deni. I don't know...I mean, I like the design, but for some reason don't think it fits Deni. Its creative and different but its kind of....rigid?

Ah, just for the H#!$ of it, I'll post your idea. :)

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q...ckandBlood.png

EDIT: Ooops...posted the last post twice

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q...lackblood2.png

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q...BlackBlood.png

How about the red in batik and the black in true solid?

I know you are the one who has the final say so, but I really like the colors and I bet she would too. But also give the rail fence consideration. You have a good flair for design. So no matter what you do, I bet she will love it and it will look great. No BS'ing--just the facts ma'am.

I pick the persons favorite color and expand on that. I like Vicki's idea of the fence rail, it works up nicely, is easy too. Have made many of them.

I love batiks next to solid colors - it really makes the batiks dance!

I think both are great but the black background is really stunning.
I think it's great that you are putting so much of yourself into her gift and I think pregnant women really need something for themselves not just the baby. Especially when it's their special day.
Jo

`I like both of them but the black is more dramatic. So go for it girl!

I agree about the red batik & black solid. I can't wait to see a picture of the finished quilt.
Jo

You had one a while back that you posted in a hot pink and black. One that you designed but didn't have the fabric to make. It had two blocks but I don't remember what they were. It was really pretty and it could be done in the dark red and black. Do you remember the one?

That's what I had in mind.

Yeah, I was thinking she'd need something special so she doesn't feel like everyone is giving all their attention to the baby and none for her. She has a fear that's what will happen.

I keep thinking about my one friend who went post paradum depression on us two weeks after giving birth---I think the attention the baby was getting plus the disppointment not being able to do a natural birth or breastfeed like she wanted had a lot to do with it. It was kind of scary when it happened (and due to the circumstances that played out Adrian was put into temporary foster care for 6 months). I'd hate for Deni to get all depressed being a new mother and the thought of it kind of scares the Hell out of me since I've seen it happen (and play out in one of the worst ways). So I figure an awesome quilt might help.

I'm a little slow putting my 2 cents worth in, but I like the layout you came up with and I think I like the red with black background. It really seems like a crisp color combo. Good luck. Your friend Deni will be thrilled.

My mother made a Drunker's Path one time and we all think she must have been drunk when she did it. You could follow the path and the nothing. My sister wanted to throw it away saying it was no good. I love it and it is the most unique quilt i have. You have to have a different view of life to appreciate it and it sounds like that includes your friend.