Thanks for the ideas, I like the Carpenter's Star and have been wanting to make it, also like Not Manly Enough. I need to find some reds without floral prints. The quilt also needs to be a little extra long because he is tall.

Every reply has been so lovely and loving. Here's the tough question: do YOU think this guy is a "Keeper"? Keep it simple if YOU are unsure. Colorful: sure. Simple: absolutely. Simply colorful: winner!

At this point I would say he is a keeper, but if it doesn't work out in the future that is okay.

Jacob's Ladder, Shoo Fly or Hole in the Barn Door....good with 3 colors...

Bonnie Hunters Strip Twist can be done in variations of 2 colors. It looks complicated to me but it is very easy. I've just made 3 in a row and quilted them myself. Loved how they turned out!

I've seen a couple posts here of disappearing nine patches made with black, white and red that would make an awesome guy's quilt.

I think the pattern is pretty much irrelevant. Just choose fabrics other than flowers - mottled, suede look, batiks (not too floral), outdoor related, etc. My husband picked a quilt pattern with 3 colors (2 primary plus a blender). I started it in a class, and mine was very "manly" and some of the others very "girly" strictly due to fabric choices. I do recommend making girlfriend or boyfriend quilts pretty simply though. There is enough time to make another fancier quilt if the relationship lasts (spoken by the woman who made a very nice quilt for DS's 2 year girlfriend only to have them break up 2 weeks later). Very simple quilts can be very lovely with good choice of fabrics.

Pam

Just what I was thinking, too. How about Rail Fence done in browns or "manly" colors? Quick and easy and creates a design of its own without a lot of complicated seam matching, etal. I'm all for making a big impression without a lot of work!

I made a grandson a red and black quilt in a sampler class. He loves it. Just no girly patterns, LOL!
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all fine choices