If I was you Iwould had gone to 123Stitch.com and get the pattern for the mother in law. They have it special written for her. Just when you go there write mother in law pattern in cross stitch
and it is the first that you will find.

I hope I'm understanding you correctly. Can you give a pattern to someone as a gift for them to make themselves?

I, myself, would love someone to give me a pattern or kit that I could make for myself if I love to stitch (which I do). You are very thoughtful.

If she is very advanced, she may like some of the Heaven & Earth patterns or the Miriabilia (uses filaments and beads), they're beautiful patterns and for the more advanced stitchers.

There are others in here that are advanced stitchers and they can give you more ideas.

I think it's fine, as long as you know she likes tigers & doesn't have this pattern. Stitchers can be particular & the hobby does take a lot of time & effort.

If in doubt, a gift basket might be nice. A selection of fabric, floss, needles, needle caddy, imported scissors, stitchers' hand lotion, other "tools of the trade", the pattern tucked in the back.

JH: What a wonderful idea! That would be the ultimate gift for a stitcher.

There is nothing wrong with giving a stitcher a pattern or kit to do if they don't have the pattern. I have given cross stitch patterns and kits as gifts and also gotten them as gifts. There is nothing wrong with your thoughtful idea.

I totally agree with the other ladies. I would love to receive a pattern, fabric and floss as long as it is something I like and at my skill level.
Another idea would be to give a gift card, you could put in a greeting card with a nice sentiment and let her know that it is intended for cross stitch supplies/patterns. I don't know if ECS has gift cards. Maybe your mother-in-law can do a wish list. I buy patterns and supplies for my daughter but I know what she likes that makes it easier.
I like jlhewes idea. We something similar for a coworker when she had a baby and she loved it.

Thanks for all of your comments. I have ordered a few patterns now. I love the gift basket idea. So I've began my hunt for things my Mother-in-law will enjoy from now until Christmas I will just add things to the basket.
Giving her gift cards always results in her spending the money on someone other than herself. After 15 years of knowing her and buying for her, I do believe this years gift from me will be the best I have given her yet. For 15 years I have always just picked up a last minute gift with no thought... Super excited about her gift this year.

Great, now that's settled. Your MinL sounds like me. I received several cards for my birthday and just tossed them aside. I no longer purchase books at B&N, only Amazon and Kindle reading for me now. So it's earmarked for my little granddaughter, same with a restaurant card.
Let us know her response to your thoughtful gifts. Jackee, I know that MinLs can be a pain in the neck most of the time but we do love you and love receiving thoughtful gifts! LOL