Batiks for sure!
I love batiks and black as a background.
there are many patterns you can make with just 2-3 fabrics.
try black, and a light and dark of the same color in batik
Or try using several prints with the same color
for a black and white or a black and red quilt

such as a log cabin, make the logs on one side reds and the other in blacks

Don't ask!

Instead of pattern, find out what colors they like. Then you can do a pattern that works well as a monochromatic (variations of the one color) or pick one for two colors.

Hmmm, if they are that picky, why make them a quilt at all? lol

How about Bear Paw?

Don't ask them. My family will sometimes say "I don't care for flowers or stripes or whatever in a quilt". I just smile and say well I do and I'm the one making it. No one has turned down the floral, stripped or whatever quilt offered to them before it goes to someone else.

There is a block called disappering 9 patch that uses three fabrics. When made it looks very difficult, but it not. I do not have a picture of one, but here is the instructions for the block.
4---5" squares (light/medium fabric) these are the corners of your 9 patch
4---5" squares (light/medium fabric) these are the squares between your corner squares
1---5" square (darkest fabric) this is your center square

You will be making a 9 patch blocks, then cutting and resewing the square into the blocks.

Once you have sewn together your 9 patch block, you will need to measure and trim your block if necessary. Divide the size of your block in half and cut your 9 patch into 4 equal pieces.
Rotate by 1/2 turn the section in the upper right and lower left corners.
Sew the squares back together. Each block will look the same when finished.
Hope you can understand these instructions.
My guild is using this pattern to make quilts for our community service projects, the Pregancy Care Center, and the Child Advocay Center.

I don't like to make quilts for people who don't appreciate my style. I don't make quilts for people that criticize what I make. I am willing to bend if it is one of my grand-kids(who never complain about my quilts) and my DD who prefers batiks.

LOL!!

I would just make it with love, and give with love. that should be enough. God bless. Penny