Tartan

Mexican Star is a very pretty pattern. There was also a quilt on QB that had appliqué Pueblo pots that was gorgeous. I believe it is a pattern you can buy?

Annaquilts

Mexican quilt patterns. Just look around on this site there are many patterns. Also look in the books section.

http://www.quarterinchpublishing.com/oldsite/index.html

http://www.quarterinchpublishing.com...log.php?&key=7

http://www.quarterinchpublishing.com...books/book.htm

PaperPrincess

OK, I'm going to be a Grinch, but did your DMIL-to-be request a wall hanging and/or know what you are planning? If she did then you are good to go. If she didn't, however, I would make a throw with a hanging sleeve to leave the decision up to her. Making a display piece for someone who didn't request it is a very touchy thing.
I also love the Mexican star pattern.

MandaLynn

Thanks Paper Princess - She has no clue. I'm making it small enough to be a wall hanging, but big enough to be a lap quilt. That is if I ever figure out what I want to do. She has this huge long wall with nothing on it, so I might suggest it eventually after the wedding, but I don't really care what she does with it. Just that she knows I care and its something she likes.

Thank you ladies for all the great suggestions, now I have tons of stuff to research. I looked, but didn't find nearly what you all found!!

Thanks again.

Barb in Louisiana

I agree with PaperPrincess. Not everyone wants something to hang on their walls. Why not do a throw sized scenic pattern of the dessert in applique? Big sky, mountain rising up, cacti, rocks. It could be beautiful.

SWDecoratives has quite a few SW patterns. http://www.swdecoratives.com/index.php

How about a throw similar to this one by SWdecoratives "Turquoise Diamond" http://www.swdecoratives.com/proddetail.php?prod=110132
or "Mountain Kokopelli" http://www.swdecoratives.com/proddetail.php?prod=110122 I would upsize this to be at least a 60 inch square.

HouseDragon

Here's a Mexican Star block to download:

http://www.quiltinaday.com/freepattern/

on the top row, far right.

Your idea to make the quilt so it can be hung or used as a lap quilt is a good choice. Some people love stuff on their walls and some don't.

But the bottom line is that you will be a wonderful DIL. I sure hope your future MIL appreciates that her son has found a treasure.

Jan in VA

There are several images here, one uses the twister patter pretty effectively.
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...37.xEJIigR-GLU

Jan in VA

Jingle

Since you aren't an accomplished quilter, go with a pattern that you will be able to do. I think you will be happier using the colors you have planned and a simpler pattern than most that were suggested. Some people don't read all of a post and may not realize you are pretty new at quilt making.

toverly

Whatever you decide to do, definitely make it the same size as everyone elses. Colors that match her house are perfect. With a throw, she can use it or put it away. A wall hanging, she will feel obligated to hang it and it may be come a source of tension.

JustAbitCrazy

I think a bargello quilt with southwest colors would look great. And you can offset the strips so the seams don't match, to make it easy. That way it'd be quick, easy (but look difficult) and beautiful, too!