I would suggest something sofa-sized as well vs a bed quilt. Doing one for myself now. It's an over-sized throw and will be a great sofa-sized quilt I think.

Did you ever make any quilt blocks? Did you like more so than another? Did you find it easy to make?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, I'd use that block pattern to make a quilt top. If you use blocks that are 12 1/2" UNfinished the quilt top should go together very quickly.

Keep the block pattern easy and let the fabric choices do the work for a fabulous quilt!

Nan

You are a wonderful friend, hope you can find a pattern you like.

Thank you all so much for the suggestions/ideas/tips.
I have decided to do an Irish Chain in light or medium blue with white.
For the actual quilting, most Google images show a design in the white square and diagonal straight-line quilting through the chain blocks. I'm fine with doing that but what color thread should I use? I'd like to use white thread but would that look odd going through the blue squares?
I'm such a newbie!!

Warm Wishes would be perfect....the name of the quilt as well as your sentiments...my 'GO TO' pattern(s) are, "Just Can't Cut It" and any of the "Take 5" variations..they both go together rather quickly but look fantastic. I can't speak to how quick Warm Wishes goes together but it's on my list to do, and it sure looks great!!

I really LOVE the Turning Twenty quilt tops……there are so many variations…….and if you have a focus fabric in the colors you have chosen, there is a pattern designed for embroideries, but that looks GREAT with just focus fabric…….

I totally agree with this since it took me a day to piece this top. Warm Wishes can make a nice quilt and it is so simple, you could almost make it with your eyes closed. The fabric instructions are free on Quiltmaker magazine website. You can always make a lap size quilt or what is called a bed runner. Good Luck

I agree. If she has a decor all figured out and you give her a blue and purple rail fence, say, she has to figure out what to do with it, and you're offended that it's not the highlight of her room. Especially if you're not confident about your skills as a quilter yet, don't experiment with a full size for a gift. I'd stay with a smaller quilt she can curl up with or picnic on.

A disappearing four patch is nice too. Easy and fun.

Here is one I made my brother that has the center cut square switched into the middle of the other block I used to set it with. It was very fast and fun.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...lt-t44132.html

I would recommend a medium blue so you have enough contrast between the white and the blue. You could certainly use white thread; however, you will need a walking foot in order to keep the lines straight. Also, what size are you making? It could be difficult to get a large quilt under the arm of the machine. If you keep it to a lap size, you should be fine.

For thread color, I recommend getting a blue and white print fabric for the backing. That way you could use blue thread for the straight lines and white thread for the designs inside the white squares. It will make any mistakes in the quilting much less noticeable on top, and both thread colors will blend with the backing.

I would bind with the blue used in the quilt top.

Blue and white Irish chain quilts are so classic. Now you have me thinking about making one for myself!