Originally Posted by dmackey
When I need inspiration for a pattern, I have two places I go to:
I open Google, click on Images and in the search field, I put something that relates to the kind of quilt I want, such as "patriotic sampler quilts" "large quilt blocks" "9 patch quilts" etc. So many gorgeous images to look at and sometimes the web pages that result are helpful.
Then I take my inspiration and head on over to
www.quilterscache.com and check out her hundreds of blocks. The great thing about this site, is almost every block is shown in a quilt pattern, plus she has images of the blocks made by others, along with instructions.
Diane
I love Quilter's Cache. I have made many a quilt from their patterns. As a new quilter I found that a Sampler Quilt was the best starter. I started with a 12" block that you can find very simply with Quilter's Cache and then just go from there. Your colors do NOT have to match, you can design either from your heart or your palate. I do both. I am working on two Sampler Quilts right now and love each one - just finished a Log Cabin block, now am working on a Lady of the Lake block. You never get bored. Also, as I am prone to do, keep a log of your blocks/quilts. Give a book with the provenance of your quilt, stories of the fabric, why you chose that particular block and end the block page with a little saying or adage, maybe a recipe - a little family anecdote or something a little humorous or a lot humorous. Just a little thought. I just made a quilt with 632 blocks (4" and went darn near nutso. I am so happy to be back doing a sampler. It takes 35 blocks (7 down x 5 across with a 2" sashing and 4" border) to make a huge quilt and 3 across x 5 down with a 2" sashing and a 4" border to make a coverlet. Have fun, enjoy and love what you are doing. Edie