I design all my quilts, never used a published pattern actually. I use MS Excel and Publisher mostly for now, but am looking at CAD programs for the future. I have no interest in quilting software at all. My background is in art and math. I start with an idea, sketch it out, transfer it to computer, then to fabric. It always changes along the way, but that's the joy of it.
Tips:
- take Math for Quilters at Quilt University if math is a struggle for you
- read up on the Principles and Elements of design...what applies to art, applies to quilts of all types, not just art quilts
- know and understand the color wheel...how colors relate to each other, how they impact the viewer, how to blend them, and how to combine them
- allow yourself to make mistakes...it's how we learn and how we discover some exciting new things!
- have fun!!!