My BFF just found out she's going to be a grandmother (of a boy). Her son and DIL sent her some photos of the fabrics they're going to use in the nursery.
It's very swirly, lots of curves, not very nursery-looking, more like an abstract painting, but oh well.
Anyway she had already asked me to help her make a tumbling block crib quilt for the baby. But now that she's seen the curvy, swirly design they'll have on everything, she's (we're) wondering if a tumbling block quilt will look out of place, even though she'd use the same colors?
I should mention that her son and DIL are FUSSY about what they wear, the house decorations etc. Of course we all are but they take it to a crazy level. And if they don't like a gift they either shove it into a closet or take it back. They'll even announce at Xmas "Oh I'll have to exchange this since I don't like it" right to the person who gave it to them....etc.
I think they're rude but my BFF is such a sweet person and I don't want her to work on a gift if they won't like it.
What I'm trying to ask is, if you needed to make a crib quilt for a nursery that'll have abstract wallpaper and sheets etc, what quilt pattern would you choose?
Thanks

IMHO, the right colors are more important than the same pattern. A tumbling block quilt pattern would be fine!

It sounds like a more contemporary room decor, maybe a more contemporary quilt pattern? Maybe run a few patterns by the parents first? :D:D:D

Former shop owner here . . . baby quilts were the #1 frustration of grandma's!! Color trends have really changed! If you are set on a tumbling block, maybe pull the colors out of the curly/swirly design, throw in a block here and there of the design, and border with it??

I think a tumbling block pattern would be fine in matching colors. If they don't want to use it in the baby's room, your friend could aways mention it might also be very useful to use in the car. That'll give the new parents options on where they would like to use it. Either way, they'll be using it for the new baby boy and that's the most important thing.

I love the tumbling block pattern, but it may be too traditional for these parents. I agree with amma that these parents may very well like a more contemporary quilt. In this circumstance I think I would want input from the parents, to prevent it from being a stuff in a drawer quilt.

I agree.
Rita

Most baby quilts are floor quilts for tummy time or they should be so I suggest something bright and with texture also add some small ribbon loops for playing with!

I agree with Donna, and I think the grandmother-to-be should tell the new parents that's the purpose of the quilt when she gives it to them. I'm afraid if she tries to do something to tie in with the nursery, if it's not exactly what they want or like, it'll get put away and never see the light of day! Another thing to think about - given that the parents have such definite likes and dislikes, will they appreciate a quilt? Maybe she should make one for when the baby comes to visit her and give the parents something else.

that's a good idea but they live so far away from each other that my friend won't be able to babysit etc.

No ribbons or loops etc. Not with these parents...lol.

that's a good idea. I'll mention that to her. thanks

For fussy people (Professional Rejectionists), it might be safer and wiser to have the couple see some photos of completed quilts, such as the photos on Quilt Patterns for Sale; where they can use their powers of rejection BEFORE your friend has invested hours and hours of labored love. Thanks to the internet and wonderful quilting supply stores, you won't have to drag them out on a shopping trip; they can select from home.

Usually I'd agree except with these parents!
My friend has already decided to use the same colors that they'd picked out but she just can't see a tumbling block pattern (or any other that I've shown her) being "acceptable". I told her not to bother making anything if she thinks they'll not use it, just buy something, but her heart is set on it.

Maybe a bull's eye quilt? Or make the tumbling blocks and do swirly quilting with a contrasting thread? Wow, if it were me, I wouldn't make anything for the nursery. I would make some bibs, burp cloths, etc.

I understand your situation. I recently made a rail fence baby quilt in colors the parents like, green and cream, although it was for a little girl. they "said" they loved it. Since I don't live close, I don't really know until I get out there to visit. Hard project sometimes.

I know it's out of the ordinary, but what if she purchased a crib sheet or two that is the same fabric as what they will be using and use that to make the quilt? That way they will have the fabric they want, and you can select a pattern that would be on the contemporary side. It just might work. My only other suggestion is: don't give them a quilt at all. Purchase something she already knows has been pre-approved by them. :? It will make them happy and your friend won't have to suffer the heartache if they reject her gift of love. :wink:

Have you checked out Moda Bake Shop? There are a lot of modern patterns there. http://www.modabakeshop.com/ Have the parents look there and find one they like , then use their material. I don't think you could go wrong if they picked the pattern too. :D We all know how things change by the time more children come along ;) Me, first one, freak if toy fell on floor. Fourth one , brush it off, no sweat. :lol:

I would email the parents pictures of some patterns you would like to use and let them pick. If they are more involved in the process, they are more likely to use and enjoy the quilt.

If they say they don't care, then tumbling blocks, it is!

I agree with pab58. You could pair it with matching solid colors pulled from the focus fabric.

maybe a whole cloth quilt in a neutral color, such as cream or white

I agree, the colors are the most important part.

I wonder if you could show them 3-4 patterns and ask them which they like best? Unless its a surprise, of course.

I think lots of the new parents are going away from traditional cutesy baby patterns and more toward urban or metro designs.

My son and DIL are using more geometric in my grandson's room.

Personally, I'd get really hurt feelings if I worked my butt off on a quilt only to have it shoved in a drawer. Just going by what you said about these parents, and how picky they are, I wouldn't waste my time, effort or energy on making them something. I'd buy from her registry.

I know it's not the baby - tell your friend to wait until the baby is old enough to say what he likes and make a quilt then and give it to the kid on his birthday. Just my humble opinion.

I don't get my feelings hurt so much as I am astonished at the poor manners exhibited when someone doesn't like a handmade gift given to them. Worse case scenario, use it as a blanket under a comforter or bedspread!!! Or put it away for later!!

But - be gracious and send a thank you very much message to the maker!!

Maybe she should make the quilt for the baby to use at HER house. tee hee

LOVE your idea!!!

I've emailed my friend (she lives 150miles away) and mentioned possibly incorporating the same fabric in the quilt, in the borders, or the backing, etc. She thinks that's a good idea..
But I'm telling you, there's just no guessing how her son and DIL will react, even if the same fabric is used.
I've seen them dislike something because "now there's just too much of it in the room". AAGGGHHHH.
I agree with the ones here who've said not to make anything, just buy something but I know making a baby quilt is really important to her. So I'll help her on the weekends.
Thank you all for your input.
And cross your fingers. :D

Since the parents are so fussy, I would have them pick the pattern and the colors. It would break my heart if I made a quilt for a grand child and it was shoved into a drawer. I gave my grandson a quilt for Christmas and the first thing he wanted to do was take it to school for show and tell. Also, I think a curvy pattern would adapt better to the patterns that they picked for the room. Squares seem more "tailered". Just my opinion. Sorry this is so long.
Sue

I'd give them about 5 choices of patterns and about 3 color-ways, using "their" color theme. Perhaps pickup a few FQ to show them...and leave the price tags on so they also know this is a costly project that adds up...

I also think that color is going to be more important than pattern... baby blocks can be quite graphic with the right colors and placement, yet, so traditional. It's a good pattern.

If that were my dilemma, would not even attempt to please the parents. Some people are quilt worthy; some are NOT.

But I would happily make a quilt for my BFF to keep at her own house for her new grandbaby. They will both enjoy it!

Let's see how fussy they are on baby #2 or #3?? That fussiness pretty much goes in the trash can along with a few other things they hold dear!!!
Give them your best idea and don't fret, if they don't like it and aren't gracious about it, it will come back at them when they are the grandparents.

trip around the world in the colors of choice? Nine patches with snowballs? I don't think those folks sound like a lot of effort would be worth it!

If they're that picky, I would send them money and let them get what they want. Why kill yourself making a beautiful baby quilt if they aren't going to appreciate it anyway?

After a couple of months of motherhood, this mother may not be quite so fussy. Go ahead and put some stability in his life. Otherwise all the whirls and things may have him dizzy to begin with.

Alwaysquilting, The tumbling block quilt in the colors of the baby's room is a great idea. If the parents don't like it, your BFF can use it at her home when the baby visits. Eiltcoq.

I am thinking, the drunkards path pattern would work ??

I'm in agreement with you :twisted: but she still wants to make one.

If they live far away, your friend might never know if they even use the quilt. I would concentrate on small things - diaper bag, bibs - andf hold off on a quilt until the gransdson gets older. I love the term 'Professional Rejectionists'. I think we all know some of these people.

Tumbling Blocks, Twister or how about OBW using a pattern with her colors. Just a suggestion!

Do the tumbling block in solids and use a couple of coordinating fabrics as borders. If you use 4 colors or less I think it looks more conemporary.