I need some ideas . . .

[purrfect-lady]

I am planning three quilts for my three brothers. I've got the oldest pretty well decided - specially designed just for him with Alaskan themed things - mountains, animals, trees, etc. (he lives in Alaska). But I'm kind of stumped for my other two brothers. They are all retired from truck-driving of some sort. The Alaskan drives a semi, the second brother a log truck, and the third one is a dumptruck and bulldozer kind of guy. Outdoor themes are great for them as they all like travel, forests, animals, fishing, camping, etc., but I am looking for some ideas on how to pull it all together. And I want all the quilts to be different. And I'd like to get started soon.

Anybody out there have any thoughts to share? These would be large bed quilts. I am not a designer by nature. I can take other people's ideas and run with them, however. So if you have any nuggets to share, please do! I can use all the help I can get!

mary z

[sewbug]

Log cabin blocks comes to mind for the log trucker, maybe surrounding blocks of river and forest scenes. The only thing that comes to mind for the bulldozer brother is Bob the Builder. LOL

[Stargatefan]

Did you want a quilt where the center of the block features a certain type of picture or object? I'm thinking maybe using some of the Route 66 material by Alexander Henry might be nice. I have one that is no longer on line that will be glad to copy and send to you. It was a free one. Pm and let me know. The only thin is that it's made for a twin but you could add blocks for the size you want.

[purrfect-lady]

Thanks you guys! These are great ideas! Duh! I've lived logging all my life, even setting chokers myself as young as 8 yrs old, and never thought to put "log cabin" blocks with the logging brother! This is why I have you guys!!

Also, the Rte 66 pattern is a terrific idea as all these boys are RV travelers now. Stargate, I'm pm'ing you!

Thank you! thank you!

[xteacher]

I just saw a picture of a construction equipment quilt on one of my lists--Charming Station Chat. It did use embroidery, but you wouldn't have to. You could do applique or piecing. I was interested because my 3 yr old gs is soooo obsessed with construction equipment it is not even funny. I have put equipment on t shirts and made him a little book where he could learn to read the names, etc., and thought this would be great for him.

[FarmChick]

My mother makes adult "I Spy" quilts. They are all different sized blocks and fabrics. They are actually the life stories of the people she makes them for. The one for my late DH had his NASCAR favorite in the center, motorcycle fabrics, hummingbirds, Army, M&Ms, construction (the house we built), sunflowers (for KS), and loads of other fabrics--all with meaning. It was about twin size. Probably not what you would put on top of a bed, but nevertheless, a really neat quilt with lots of meaning. She did them for her SILs, and they are their prize posessions. Unfortunately, the one she made for my late DH was lost in the fire or I could share a photo.

[khowardquilts]

You can even make a picture using log cabin blocks just by making different combinations of colors. Use like you would squares and triangles. Example: two blocks with green on one side could go back to back for a tree; the other side could be blue for sky.

Kathy

[purrfect-lady]

You all are design geniuses! I've made a list of all these suggestions and pinned it on my sewing room bulletin board. When I get to these brothers, I'll have them all handy. Thank you! Anyone else have some wisdom to share?

[sewbug]

I found this pattern that you may like the layout of:

http://www.box.net/shared/bjb9870bbz'>h ... bjb9870bbz

[quilt4lovedones]

Hi
I'm new to the quilting world and enjoy finding fun fabrics and fat quarters, I love bright fabrcis, animal fabrcis and food fabrics and fun themed fabrics...what are some ideas for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas? I was thinking of making my grandmother something for christmas because she loves to read I was going to make her a cute book bag or bookmark..and fun suggestions for Christmas and what not? Any suggestions would be a great help

thanks
Ash