If it doesn't have to be a surprise gift, he might enjoy helping decide on the the pattern and colors of the quilt. Also, while he is waiting for his quilt, he will be able to think good thoughts about how sweet you are to want to make one for him. Letting him know will keep him from buying himself one before you can finish his quilt. It is great that you have such a good relationship with your FIL. :)

Since he is a woodworker I seen some awesome fabric with woodworking type tools on it , saws, hammers etc.

That is what I was thinking :D

I was originally going to do a Harley Davidson quilt for him...but it is sooo hard to find Harley fabric for a reasonable price!! And usually it's bed sheets and the like, or I'd have to do a T-Shirt quilt...and I'm not really excited about the prospect of that.

I'm going to back it with digitized camouflage. He's in the military, and when he mentioned asking me to make it, he wanted to give me some to use. So it will be...multi-functional. All of his trips are for work, so the camo will fit nicely. Then the other side has a more personal touch.

Maybe make it a quillow, if he travels alot that might work well.

I love to read stories like this. How great.

What a wonderful story. He will surely cherish the quilt whatever design you use.

Who said telepathy doesn't happen? Enjoyment to you both.

Have you considered a Quillow? It is a quilt with a pocket, into which the quilt can be folded to make a pillow. Just google for "Quillow" to find all kinds of patterns.

That is so awesome!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see what you make him!
Talk about coincidence!! :D:D

I'm sure I have enough fabric now to make one for my son, a 43 year old who does not want a "girley" type couch throw.

Like your FIL, he wants a masculine one. So I'm going with black, white and gray, with 4 corner stones with applique of our beloved Yosemite Valley's Fire Fall he watched with such wonder as a child. That will be the only color in it. The rest will be a "Floating" mass of different patterned rectangles with stark black floaters, medium gray background. Saw one like it on this forum and was entranced with it. Sure wish I could find where I put a picture of it that I copied and pasted!

Might think of something like that for your nice FIL. Good to hear you have such a nice one you want to do such a labor of love for. Cherish him and your nice MIL too.