We frequently get requests here at Quiltwoman.com for quilts for men or as we like to call it a "Man Quilt." Defining what a Man Quilt is has always been a conundrum for me. I did a web search and it pretty much confirmed the direction my thinking was headed in. No flowers, no froo-froo frilly, no pink, no bright glorious colors and no need for intricate designs and complicated patterns. It seems that earth tones are the consensus when it comes to color choice. Keeping the design simple makes it easy for the quilter. Searching for Quilts for Men I searched the Quiltwoman.com website and came up with a few suggestions. The Quilt shown above is Scenic Outdoors Quilt Pattern RRD-107. Any outdoors man would love the fabric used to create this quilt by Kristy Ball of Rambling Rose Designs. Designed for an Advanced Beginner, this quilt lets you choose your favorite panel fabric with this fun quilt pattern.
Another quilt pattern I found with a masculine feel is Sideways Motion Quilt Pattern CJS-104. With easy assembly featuring strip piecing, this extra long bed quilt is suitable for a college dorm twin bed, perfect to make for a man's dorm room. This quilt is easy to create. Simply, sew your strips, cut them into triangles, and stitch everything together. You can even use the leftovers from the strip sets (with a bit more fabric) to make a BONUS lap quilt. Featured fabrics are Textured Study by Artisan Batiks for Robert Kaufman. Check out the Northcott Stonehenge collection and the Marblehead collections by Ro Gregg for Paintbrush studios for great inspiration. These fabric lines have great rugged texture and many earth tones....after all you can't get earthier than designs based on rocks!!!
If your guy is more contemporary, he might like Modern Pop Two Quilt Pattern SLM-201. This quilt pattern features a modern look with nice clean lines made with “Poppers”, a narrow sashing pieced around each fabric piece. Pattern written for 3 sizes: lap, twin and queen. This pattern was designed by Sharon Mayers of Piecing with Poppers.
A long time ago I adopted the philosophy that not every quilt I make has to be an heirloom. Think about the recipient. If the person you are giving the quilt to will be just as happy with an easily constructed quilt, why make more work for yourself? Then you need to consider the dynamics of how you will feel if the guy lets his dog cuddle up under the quilt too, or on top of it, or if it ends up in the pick up truck! Maybe it would be easier on the relationship if you didn't give him something you will get upset about if he USES it to death! After all, what could be better?
Barn Dance
Whatever you do, the love that is stitched into it will always be felt! A well-chosen quilted gift for your guy from you should reflect his personality. Consider the dreams and desires of your beloved use your quilting skills and quilt the perfect gift!
And one more quilt before I sign off and get ready for a busy holiday season. Anne Marcellis designed the quilt above with a man in mind. Its called "Starshine."
nne