DOTTYMO

Only this morning on another site I was looking at a pattern in batik fabric which I disliked the colour mix. The pattern was just squares joined together and a border, nothing to dislike there.

Laurajbr

i wondered if this was an issue for me as I am new to quilting. The other part, for me, is I am drawn to modern bold quilts with solid fabrics, but when I am in the stores I fall in love with fancy prints that I am unable to coordinate. Ah well, I have a lovely stash for someday.

Weezy Rider

I can usually see the shapes and ignore whatever the designer used. What will deter me from even looking is drooling over "cute" and the same for the fabric line. I rarely look at quilts online. I will check out patterns for blocks and the patterns in an LQS. I dislike some precuts. If a quilt is designed for a jelly roll, forget it. I won't buy one so put the actual yardage on the pattern. (There just aren't enough of the colors that I do want) I also have EQ7 and can futz it I so desire.

If it's in large frilly or floral prints, I don't like those, but I can still see the shapes. I will buy a pattern for a certain construction detail, but then apply that detail to something else. I also prefer earth tone colors and can see the pattern in the colors I like. This is also why I won't buy a kit. I like the pattern, but not the fabric.

I mix and match everything and have no brand loyalty. I go by color.

I learned to do this with garment sewing. I bought some pattern drafting software to help. I don't have to bother with the latest and greatest, I get what I want. That's the whole reason for sewing. Do it yourself.

zozee

Smart idea! It could help me get past the "oh, that's hideous!" reaction to "bet that would look good in my colors".

quilterpurpledog

I agree with Bree123. When I print a pattern with my computer I always do it in black and white-just for that reason. If I like a magazine pattern I print it with my copy feature on the printer-in black and white. After I choose colors I make a test block and print it with the copier in black and white. Then I can see if I get the shading balanced-like the original pattern. This helps me a lot with color choices-this is the hardest part of the process for me.

luvstoquilt

Definitely! I pick my own colors and fabrics and seldom buy a kit.

tessagin

My day job as a realtor and showing properties has taught me to look at patterns as a blank canvas. I may not like the color palette/décor but what about the layout and would it work. Some clients are easier than others. ALso like a recipe/base, how can I tweak it and add my own touch/spices to bump it up.

Geri B

yes, i agree,,,it seems the mags are just advertising a line of fabric. Sometimes it's so busy you cannot even find the pattern! I really can't remember doing a pattern in the same fabrics as the pattern I may be using.....

ManiacQuilter2

Absolutely. But I try to look at the BONES of a pattern and not the fabric used. I think there is always pressure with major fabric manufacturers to use their fabric which might not be appropriated for that quilt pattern. Just my guess.

sewingsuz

Yes this happens to me also.