What about warm wishes. Use the penguin fabric as the solid block, use the other fabric, light blue and pink for the rail block.

What if you were to use this as a centre panel, use a complimentary "girlie" color as an inner border and then used one of the fabrics around the outside.
http://www.fabricparadise.com/cgi-bi...7#.VKsXfuk5A5s

I like this idea!

Okay, I would fussy cut squares from the block part and put 1 1/2" frames around them and use the other fabric for the border (5 inches) and then a nice pink/blue binding for the quilt. And I love the penguin with a pink bow!!! Good luck - also, could be creative with a pink block of some type on the back with the blotchy figures fabric around it.

I like the penguin applique idea, but I like the lace idea best. With lace and or ruffles in the borders anything can look girly. I've also seen some quilts where lace was sewn down and used in the blocks. Also, what about using pleats? see http://sewlux.blogspot.com/2012/07/t...th-pleats.html. If you make tiny pleats I think it will help disguise the fabric. I've also seen pleated stripes in quilts and that could work as a border. The pleats, lace, ruffles, etc. will all add texture, which babies love.

applique is very easy to do, use a double sided iron on vilen, iron onto the back of your material that you want to cut the applique from then cut out your penguin remove the paper backing from the vilen and iron onto the quilt top, at this point in time I like to add some batting to the back on the penguin before you sew it on to add depth, the if you have blanket stitch on your machine use that to sew arrond the penguin then add a couple of additional lines to the penguin around neck and flipper and anywhere else you think needs highlighting then carfuly cut away any batting on the outside of the penguin , then continue to layer your quilt as normal.
I hope this helps and is not as clear as mud. LOL

Have you looked for the hidden camera? Those fabrics just don't say girly at all to me. Are you sure it's not a prank? Seriously, though, best of luck.

" Make it girly?"

Really?

I would just make a lap sized quilt using a super simple pattern with a solid border. - big enough for the dad to use as a lap quilt. Maybe a very soft flannel for the backing - maybe go pastelly owith the backing.

I would have said then give me girly fabric. Make the quilt but don't try to add something lacy or pink just to make it girly. It will look tacky.

i see a patchwork [a 9 patch/square in square/falling charm] with the piece on the right with some black and white then a larger border around it with the other fabric so not to loose the print .......and a bright pink [maybe even a minkie] on the back side //././/.//