Well, now what do I do?
 

Ok, so last week I asked for help finding a pattern that was guy friendly for my husband. I FINALLY found the fabric I want to use, but couldn't pick a good pattern. So, I took all of your suggestions to him, with the fabric (which he loved) and then he said "Well, I don't really like patterned quilts."

So now what do I do? He thinks patterned quilts are too uniform and he like to see creativity in the quilt- something outside the box. Here is the fabric we want to use:

http://www.cvquiltworks.com/shop/pro...uarter-bundle/

Outside of a crazy quilt I am not sure what to do!

Bargello? The fabrics would look beautiful for one and if you just made you strip sets and started cutting random widths it would not be too "patterned".

Or if you want to get really crazy ( and maybe a bit smarty pants) you could take that darkest brown and make a big square in the center. Applique or embroider the word BOX on it. Then take the other colors and create blocks that depict things he likes to do and piece them all around the box.

Lol that would be funny! I'd probably get a good eyeroll out of that one. I will probably do it for his pillowcase now that I think about it...

Sadly, he thought the Bargellos were too girly. I thought for sure that would get him! Silly man.

Have him find or illustrate what he likes

How about a Trip Around the World?

I thought about doing a themed quilt, like I did for my daughter and son (daughters is the one in my profile pic), and I think that is what he is thinking of, where I take something he likes and turn it into a quilt. So he likes:

Halo (the video game)
Music (specifically the 80's)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Captain America/ The Avengers

Any suggestions?

attic windows would allow you to "mix and match" all the things he likes as a focus.or maybe an irish chain with the things he likes incorporated as the focus in the "blank" blocks

I think any of the things on your list would be a great themed quilt. He will have to flex on fabric choices though to make them work.

You could do an album cover type theme with his person 1980's playlist. Maybe even an entire "Trapped in the 80's" theme. There must be some mullet pictures in his background you could put on it. :D

Maybe a storm at sea.... It doesn't have that quilt block look and would work well with the colors.

Carpenter Wheel or Carpenter Star or Hunter's star would look good in a masculine way in those fabrics.
http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/sto...or-web-RGB.jpg

http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...y-t158183.html I used 6" blocks for mine with free directions from 'The four hour quilt.'

You could do an extended log cabin. A log cabin block in the center and build outward. If you google Quilt Blocks Galore, there are a lot of patterns that you can extend outward with.

Would be best if he could give some ideas. On second thought make a big bear and in the center and make some kinds of blocks to go around it until it is big enough. Put borders on it using all the colors in the quilt.

How about a convergence type of pattern? You could use a panel and the solids and go for it.

Does he like Minecraft? Those colors remind me of that game.

Would something like this work
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...t-t205033.html

Yours wouldn't be as bright but the colours you have would work well

What are his interest?? Maybe you could do a pictorial for him...

When you were describing what he wanted, I thought of something like woody's cube blocks. I interpreted it as he does not want a traditional row upon row but a more modern feel.

Maybe something more like Yellow Brick Road or Just Take Five or maybe a puzzle quilt?

Let me see if I have pictures...okay, I do. They are in the order I listed, though the Yellow Brick Road called for twelve fabrics and I only used 6.

Perhaps these may give you an idea of something???

Dina

He isn't being real helpful is he? Are you sure he even wants a quilt? You are more patient than I am, by this time I would of taken all the fat quarters and sewn them together. Uncut. Here ya go honey, no pattern - no problem.

Since the FQs you have are solids, what about a modern quilt? The minimalistic look is big right now.

Maybe if he looked at some pictures of green art quilts he could pin down what appeals to him.
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...mg.iZvzp30dpZY

Jan in VA

I made a quilt that was loads of fun, very creative, and everyone who sees it, loves it. It is the "About Trout" pattern put out by Lunchbox Quilts.

Here is the link to their site. http://www.lunchboxquilts.com/shop/product/about-trout/

Good Luck,

Steve

I went to the website just out of curiousity and they have some lovely patterns that would play well with solid colors. Play up the lay out of the colors rather than the print of the fabric since you are using solids. I love those graduated color quilts and some of those optical illusion ones which work so well with solid colors. There was a "to die for" maze quilt on here a few days ago that was solid colors and STUNNING!
Be sure and let us see what you come up with.

How about a modern design. With just a few coloured sections . Pity not one called jail house.

Take a look at the Gumball Pattern sold by Stitchin' Heaven. I have made 5 of these. Easy easy pattern..not all from their kits. The pattern splashes color throughout the quilt. It is made up of 12 or14 inch blocks (can't remember) and shows you to turn the block as you sew them together. I didn't do that so much...on mine I made the objective to splash out the color evenly over the eye scan of the quilt. Most of mine were from batiks. Another suggestion is to look at some of the "modern quilt" patterns. They use lots of solids and "empty" space.

That would be my suggestion.

Since he doesn't like patterns and the fabric looks like camo colors I would just cut random squares and rectangles and sew them together sort of like a scrappy quilt.

Maybe a jukebox with records floating around with the names of his favorite songs., and perhaps in places musical notes. This will be an interesting thread to watch.

At this point, I'd show him some pictures of what I'm willing to make and let him choose.
It's VERY hard to read people's minds. :eek:

The Kaufman fabrics you purchased are wonderful and you got a lot of good suggestions. Here is another - it is from a pattern called Taylored Stars designed by Doug Leko of Antler Quilt Design. http://www.robertkaufman.com/quiltin...aylored_stars/
I can really see this pattern looking great with the lineup of solid colors you have there.

How about some freeform landscape?

I love this quilt...kind of a plaid. I think it would work with your colors as an "unpatterned" guy quilt.
It's in McCall's Quilting. I can search out the date if you're interested.

I have a daughter like him. I sat her in front of my computer and said, this is what I know how to do, pick one. Surprisingly. she picked one I wanted to do!

Buy a panel and then use the other fabric around it.
bought an Elk panel for my DH.

Maybe have him look at some of the Gees Bend (?) quilts and see if there is anything there he likes

Have you thought of doing it with a BQ or BQ2 pattern?? My best friend who is male, LOVES the Bargellos that I have made. He enjoys seeing all the quilts I make even the ones for charity. He has even helped me pick out the fabric !!

Dina's third one--the blue one--is best of all the suggestions so far--and be sure and include two little kittens.

You are a dear to try and get what he wants. I took a workshop from Viki Pignatelli last year and it is a really easy technique and your could come up with something interesting and abstract.

http://vikkipignatelli.com/gallery.htm

You might try one of these resources:

http://calicogals.com/index.php/2012...omatic-quilts/
http://www.favequilts.com/Bed-Size-Q...own-Quilt/ct/1

http://www.mccallsquilting.com/mccal..._Quilt_Pattern
http://www.quiltingbookspatternsandn...=Monochromatic

Labyrinth is a great manly pattern but it is a pattern. I've seen it in the Keepsake Quilting magazine.