I surely agree with AliKat about involving her in both fabric and pattern, then maybe even have her work along with you while you make it. It doesn't have to be a surprise, and you may give her the quilting bug while making it.

I offered to make my sister a quilt. She could not decide on colors, one day this, another that. Finally came to basic, red, black and white. I got the fabric on a trip my DH and I took. I had spent hrs lookiing over fabric, thank goodness for my DH. He helped me pick out really nice fabric. I did not yet have a pattern in mind. The fabric I purchased, 3 of the choices had flowers of different shapes and sizes, the other 3 were solids. I sent her pictures via email. She said, "Oh, we wanted country". She asked if I could put cows, horses, or a farm with the fabric. I told her I couldn't. It dawned on me...a log cabin


I think a log cabin would make a beautiful country quilt

You are all treasures! Thanks for all the ideas. You have pointed me in the right direction.

In another 9-12 months(!) I will post a pciture of what it turns out to be.

A good New Year to one and all.

Kansas Troubles, Log Cabin, Jacob's Ladder
Churn Dash is an old favorite of mine - also known as Hole in the Barn Door

I love the churn dash pattern when it comes to a country feeling.