Which comes first, the pattern or the fabrics?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SW Indiana
Posts: 68
Which comes first, the pattern or the fabrics?
I have several groups of coordinated fabrics which I randomly purchased with no pattern in mind--I just like the fabric. Now what do I do? There may be 3 fabrics that go together or 6 and of varying yardages. I like them so much I don't want to "waste" them on a pattern that doesn't work. Where do you go for ideas? Should I stop buying a yard or two when I find fabric that appeals to me? (shudder at the thought!) Bad news, I am still on the lookout for additional fabrics that go with some of these groupings.
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
I purchased a bunch of fabric with a particular pattern in mind for a DGD. I have since changed m y mind many times about the pattern but! other patterns came into mind. Sometimes I don't think it really matters. I see fabric I like and depending on the price or how much is there I buy it. With me it just depends on my mood and my wallet or bank account! I can get into a lot of trouble.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Live Oak, Texas
Posts: 6,133
I usually buy fabric I like and go looking for a pattern. I have hundreds so I confuse myself a lot. If I don't find one I go to my quilting magazines but love to go on line to quilters cache for great ideas. I have been so happy with the ones I have found there.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 5,967
The fabric comes first for me. I have several "sets" of fabrics right now that I am trying to decide on a pattern to use them with. When I decide on the pattern, then I look for coordinating solids, marbles or batiks to make the pattern. But then, I am a scrappy girl and rarely make a pattern exactly like the one shown in the example. So I am never looking for x yards blue, x yards yellow, ect.
#6
I much prefer to pick out my design then fabric to go with it. It 'feels' better to me. I have a stash but I never seem to be able to pick it and use much of it. I have some bolts that I cut off frequently, so I guess I do use some of my stash but still prefer to pick out the design first. I have started bagging the design and fabric together when I put them in my closet so when I get to them, i don't get tempted to try another fabric in it. I want to trust my first instinct lol.
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Freeport, Pennsylvania
Posts: 148
For me, fabric usually. Sometimes I'll buy fabric that coordinates with each other and then plan the project sometime down the road, but most often I buy the fabric because I fall in love with it or just have to have it. Because of the size of my stash (fortunately or unfortunately) I am usually able to shop from my stash when a project comes to mind. Good question.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Peotone IL
Posts: 2,802
I can go either way, depending on what I see. Sometimes it's the fabric that is just perfect for someone; then I look for a pattern. When I do that, though, I'm always afraid I didn't buy enough fabric. I rarely buy more than a yard--just don't have the $s to speculate. Other times, a pattern tells me it would be great for so-and-so, then I hit my stash or go shopping for fabric (or both ).
#9
I have several groups of coordinated fabrics which I randomly purchased with no pattern in mind--I just like the fabric. Now what do I do? There may be 3 fabrics that go together or 6 and of varying yardages. I like them so much I don't want to "waste" them on a pattern that doesn't work. Where do you go for ideas? Should I stop buying a yard or two when I find fabric that appeals to me? (shudder at the thought!) Bad news, I am still on the lookout for additional fabrics that go with some of these groupings.
My puny little head is full of patterns I love. Sometimes I have a pattern in mind, sometimes I have fabric in mind. Sometimes both.
#10
My life would be so much less frustrating if I would have a pattern in mind prior to buying fabric. Usually, I'm looking for something to complete a chosen pattern, and find something wonderful I just can't leave the store without. Then I spend hours, days, etc drawing, purusing books, looking here for ideas. What's really frustrating is when I finally have a plan for fabric I bought years ago, and realize I should have either bought more, or bought the coordinating fabric
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