Originally Posted by dunster
If I buy a book or pattern, it's because I want to learn how to do something. If I can figure it out on my own, why buy the pattern? So yes, I read it, every word, and if there's a new technique that I haven't tried, then I try it, at least for that item. How can you learn new things otherwise? Often the designer has tried various methods for making something and has settled on what works best. I want to profit from her research, and her mistakes.
Have to say I agree..as a new "self-taught" (mostly by this board) I tend to buy books with patterns I like and follow the directions and even use the same colors suggested...that way I get what I thought I was getting in the finished project, when I get more sophisticated, I'll start switching things up. But I'm happy for now, and I only do one project at a time..Love the knowledge put out by the board members here!