I belong to another quilting board and recently posed this question.

For me I tend to buy kits, as all the work is done - no stress, colors match, right amount of material etc.

However, I love to buy patterns (gulp)! I just finished Sitting Pretty. I laid out the pattern, looked at it, read the instructions over and over and then started to lay out material. Read the instructions again, looked at the material removed some material added some more. Walked around the big table, re-arranged everything, read the instructions, bit the bullet and started cutting.

OF Course with this method, I normally do not have enough material which in turn causes a trip to the LQS, which I did and purchased the material for the sashing, which I love. I don't have a huge stash and really don't want one. I always keep neutrals, creams, etc. on hand.

Bottom line is what's your process? How do you Proceed? What's your M.O.????? :roll: :?:

I usually get in idea (could be from anywhere..a pattern...the floor in the bathroom..the crop rows in the field..well, you get the picture)..then I start with 1 focus fabric. It could be something from my stash, or it could be something I see on line or my LQS. Then I build my other colors to go with from there. This way seems to work for me. I'm sure everyone is different. I rarely use a pattern "AS IS"..I always change it. :roll:

I have only been quilting since past summer; but I find that I choose a pattern I see or buy a pattern I like and then proceed to picking out the colours that I think complement each other. Of course, it depends on where the quilt will be used; that determines colours as well.

I have only bought one kit (Tag Sale by Moda) cz my hubby fell in love with it and gave to dd for Christmas. It turned out great.

It is so much fun; I can't remember what I did before quilting! :)

I start in many different ways. The one I started the other day, I picked out a pattern in my collection and then decided that I would only choose from fat quarters that I already have, this time. So I picked out 20 fat quarters that would compliment/contrast with eachother, picked out a background fabric, a tan, that I had enough of and just cut away. Other times I will pull out a focus fabric, study it, pick out a pattern, then pull the rest of the fabrics to compliment or contrast with my focus. I love having a large stash cause it is so fun to just say "I feel like a .....quilt" and just walk in and pull the fabrics and get started. I have done that lots of times. Other times, if I am making it as a gift for someone, I will research their favorite colors, pull what I have in my stash that I think will work, and If I need something else, I will go shopping and then come home and finish off from my stash. I have a couple of patterns that are really quick and easy for me to do and they use 15 fat quarterss (or 1/8 yards) and 2 boarders. I love to use lots of different fabrics in my quilts.

I bought fabric for my bedroom- which includes the quilt, 2 shams, bedskirt, 3 toppers and pairs of curtains. I bought as much as I could of it since I love it so much.

I have a pattern called Pennsylvania Turnpike which is a throw size. I adjusted the directions to make it fit my bed. Then I found "Cambridge" a free pattern online. Now I don't know which one to do. I love both. I plan on cutting into it once I finish the 2 projects I have in process (quilting the one, have to finish piecing the other). Of course, by then I may have another pattern in mind.

I bought a lot of things on ebay to build my stash. I finally feel I have enough that I could do some real cool scrap quilts as the pattern strikes my fancy. But if I need a gift, I usually purchase the fabric to match the pattern.

So, I guess what I'm saying is- do whatever you like! There's no real right or wrong way!

I start with ideas of my own when family members want a baby quilt or whatever. Sometimes a blend of Ideas from me and whoever gets the quilt. I have never made a quilt from a kit. Thought about it though. I use templates,rulers buy my material,if I don't have it. For myself I like to look at a finished project and be able to say,( I did that, every cut,stitch,sandwich, mistake. That is all MINE!) :mrgreen:
Bill'sBonBon

Usually come up with an idea and then buy fabric.

Lately, though, I've been working on what my hubby calls "leftover" quilts. I'm into long-straight borders with mitered corners so much that I buy the extra yardage even if the border is only 1" wide. So I have all this fabric "leftover" that's no longer 45" wide and not too great for strip piecing with other fabrics. So I've been making pinwheels. I'm actually ready to construct the top. Only needed 4 colors counting the white. I'll post pics soon. Bought fabric for borders, but plan on using the whole width.

Have 2 more "leftover" quilts in the planning stage. It's hard to come up with something that requires the amount of fabric you have, just in case you can't find it anymore.

Purchasing from EBAY? Have you had good luck? I'd like to do that but have been hesitant.

WOW, I'd never think to do that!

In other words there's no right or wrong way to proceed! Which makes me feel better.

Sometimes I feel like such a dunce, I will get finished with the top then have to go out and buy the backing........

Get 1/2 through with the Top and decide hum, I don't like the material I have on hand.......

I do love to change my mind........