Thread: Today's Patterns

Originally Posted by janRN

Speaking of patterns, is there a way to just print a pattern from a tutorial? I've found some things I'd like to make but don't want to print out each step of the process. I just want the cutting sizes and piecing directions. I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to do this.

I just bought the printed pattern for BentoBox quilt. The cutting instructions are very difficult to follow. It's a very simple pattern and beginner recommended. Hah!! No beginner could follow these cutting directions.

In this post MoonPi introduced me to the CutePDF writer. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-49125-1.htm
It is a free download that turns what you want to save into a pdf file you can view on your computer. You can also print it onto paper after you save it if you want to.
http://cutepdf.com/
After you have downloaded the software you right click on what you want to keep. That takes you to your printers window, you choose cutepdf and the folder you want to save it into. It is saved as a pdf file.

I just highlight the text and right click to print.

Recently, I've bought several books from Joann's at 40% or 50% off. I quit getting all magazines and I definitely will not spend $8+ for a single pattern which is usually one page or so.

A magazine might have one pattern that I MIGHT be interested in making, while a book has several patterns. If you consider that a single pattern costs at least $8 and a book on sale averages around $15 after discount and has an average of 10 patterns in it, then a book is definitely a better buy :)

That's MHO anyway :)

Yep have had that happen - must agree about Eleanor Burns hers are so detailed and you get lots of tips and a reminder of basics

Originally Posted by plainpat

Am I the only one disappointed with a lot of the quilt patterns we see today? Not just quilts, but totes,wall hangings etc.
Patterns are not cheap & many times, all it consists of is a small piece of paper with written how to's.I've even bought a pattern that was a 1/2 sheet.No pics,no drawings & the scantiest "directions" ever.
Thinking the books may be the better bargain. At least books have pics & can be found on sale.One LQS said they've had complaints.I'm lucky in that I don't need patterns,but if you do...check them out.
BTW.....any pattern by Eleanor Burns will be detailed.She does good work.

I have noticed that some patterns are well written and others just make you scratch your head... It would be nice if the authors would test them out on multiple people who would give them honest feedback :wink: :D:D:D

Pat: thanks for starting this thread. And thanks for the great answers-you guys rock!

I agree that some patterns do not give good directions, and often have amateurish drawings. Not enough detail on drawings and instructions like "sew A to B, sew B to C", etc.
Books are a better buy. Magazines I will buy if there is more than one thing that I'm interested in.

Magazines seem to be too dependent on panels and other pre-printed designs rather than piecing. I don't consider it a "quilt pattern" if they show a panel with 1 or 2 borders on it.

I have purchased several $6-9 patterns, but am rethinking that whole process. I have shelves of books and magazines already that I am sure have enough for me to do for years to come. I am going to spend that money on more stash!!! I also am letting my 2 magazine subs. drop. Too many art quilts (which I do like to look at) and not enough info, tips, etc. I learn so much more here.

I subscribe to a few magazines, but the BEST place to get patterns, FREE, is your local library. You check out the books, see a pattern you like, and scan it on your printer and press the print button. PRESTO...quilt pattern!

Thank you all. Was wondering if I was just being an old crab about patterns.The library is a great resource, if they get quilty mags....ours has just 2.
Another gripe ,is patterns anywhere/anyprice that doesn't give component sizes.If it says add a 1 1/2" strip, then trim....trim to what? You still have another row or two to add. Hate, hate having to figure as I go.Isn't that what we buy a pattern for?
I also read most quilt patterns before buying fabric..Might have a new name /or another border but,many times, been there & done that.