Confessions of a pattern collector
 

I think I need a 12 step program.

I can't stop myself from buying patterns when I am out and about and see finished quilts. They are So inspiring!

Just about the time I go....no, Chris.....you have enough....I find one I just "have to have" and end up buying that, too. I don't mind the freebies I find online, but I have purchased many.

I am trying really hard not to buy the "Oh my Gosh" pattern. My "theory" is I can use everything in my stash....so it would be a good deal.

Ugh!

Just.
Can't.
Stop!

Funny, I'm the exact opposite, unless it's an appliqué pattern. If I see a pieced quilt in a LQS with a pattern for sale, I will take a photo of it for "later". I have never had to use the photos yet, but my iPod is full of quilts on my bucket list! I guess I figure if one day I want to make it, I'll graph it out myself. But appliqué patterns are differnt; I have a harder time re-designing them.

My sister is like that. I prefer to make up my own, or find free stuff online. I can sympathize though. I want every batik known to man (or woman). I do not have the $$ for that so I have to rein myself in.

i have a collection of patterns, free and otherwise. i don't really see myself using them and ought to take them to the guild's free table. i have a computer file of 'quilt ideas'/bucket list. once in a while i go there. in fact, today, i'm working on one of those. i've been tempted by Omigosh, too. so far, am resisting.

Well the good part is patterns are probably cheaper then fabric. Oh and they take up less space.

That is very true!:)

Redstilletos --- I'm the opposite. I'll buy the fabric and make up a pattern latter.
I did take a peek at that Oh My Gosh pattern, but I don't see why you need a pattern. Is it for color placement? because they seem to be simple itty bitty bitty blocks....
But I do get the obsession believe me.

I have an extensive collection of bag/purse/tote patterns! LOL

How about quilt books...I looked at my book collections today, looking for a redwork for friend....I did find it, but after searching thru all the books, even though they are in type categories or author group..it was overwhelming. And honestly, many of them I have not used......but I know from weeding out on the past, they will have to either be donated or sold at pennies on the dollar. I have stopped buying books altho sometimes I'm still tempted....

Uh oh...I need help! I have a full tote (30 gal I think) of patterns, over 300 quilt books (some I "inherited"), way too much fabric (is there such a thing), gadgets galore....HELP!!! 12 step program anyone? My name is Anita and I'm a.....???? Hoarder? Quiltaholic? Is there a name for me??? LOL

I too love buying patterns, but have put myself on a buy no more diet. I had to do this after realizing I had bought the same pattern on more than one occasion. Makes me mad too, because I have a list on my phone...you'd think I'd check it before I buy! Also, if I made one pattern quilt a month, I'd not run out for 2+ years!!

My experience in life has been if I see something I like I'd better buy it then because it will be gone if I leave and come back later. Think that is why I buy patterns with no immediate plans for them. Recently took inventory of my pattern stash including books and have reached the conclusion I'd have to live to be around 180 to make them all so no more for me. Why didn't I realize earlier that I could use a single pattern that I dearly love and make it in a gozillion different color combinations and have as many different looks! DUH!!!

Me too!!! And I buy the same pattern now 4 times. At least I am consistent. There is a program called "My Library Thing" that gives you a bibliography of your books. I mark mine once I enter them in the program and it will tell you if you have a duplicate. I also have 3 large binders full of patterns printed off the Internet. If I live another 26 years, I'll be 96 and will still have a large stash.Marcia

Hello...my name is Linda, and I'm addicted to quilt patterns.

I just have to stay out of quilt stores - too much temptation for me. If I just have to go in one, I only use cash for any purchases and that seems harder to spend so that helps me.

I am the same way but with the freebies I see online. I will print it off for the future. Like can we make all these in our lifetime! Doesn't seem to discourage me any. I have binders and binders and binders full; go through sheet protectors and colored ink like crazy. I guess I'm afraid if I really like it then when I want to make it I won't remember the name of it or where I saw it or if it is still available when I do get around to it so....... We're in good company apparently.

I have 188 quilt books. Three 5" binders of patterns and pictures of quilts I printed off the internet. Hundreds of yards of fabric (in the form of yardage, jelly rolls, charm squares) that I keep re-sorting because I can't figure out if I want to sort by color, size, fabric type (batiks?) or style (low volume? characters? marbles?). I understand the obsession.

LOL, my daughter gave me a "Fabric hoarder" plaque for Christmas and said it was 'in a good way' . That's because she can always come and find pretty much any fabric she wants, oh and that new bag is just a shelf away. (a quilt fabric shelf away, that is)

Yesterday I re-folded my green basket of fabrics. I loved doing that once in a while after I have been busy did-organizing it looking for that perfect piece. Fabric and pattern collectors Unite!

Well, I am a "Textile Collector ". I refuse to call my stash a hoard or myself a hoarder! I love my books, my "school supplies", my memorabilia, etc. from time to time I purge some books, patterns and fabric. I have to do it in a hurry and I have to take it immediately to the church or I will end up putting it all back! So many times I have gone to a fabric store have sworn I will not buy a thing but I have learned better. I love fabric and will soon be off to Shipshewana to the quilt festival. I already know I will be buying...Lilly's is calling!

I have been cleaning out my quilt room and I have a book collection that is unbelievable. I started sorting them into two piles: one to keep and one to get rid of. Eventually I hope to sell several that I paid big bucks for. I truly understand your problem.

Thank you all for helping to keep our beloved quilt shops in business. I have a small space and must keep stuff in check. BUT lots and lots of free ones on my computer. Once and awhile I go through them and get rid of stuff I no longer want to make.

Me too with patterns. I even buy easier ones that I could probably figure out myself. And that goes for books too. I need a 12 step program for kits. I just can't help myself when something cute is all pulled together for ne.

That is why God made Pinterest. I see something I like and I park it there, in its correct folder. I go back often and when I am ready to make a new project, I pick from there. And, if you look up "Hoarder" in the dictionary, the definition says, "committed quilter"

Sounds like you are set! I had to look where you lived to see if I could drop by and play. LOL

I prefer to refer to myself as a "textile collector". Lol.

You guys made me go look. I have 6 patterns, 70 books, 5 years of Fons and Porter magazines, a binder of about 30 pictures of quilts I think are pretty and 3 years of a couple other quilting magazines. I do take my books and magazines out quite often and look thru them. Most of my print materials have post it notes sticking out of them of quilts "for the future."

I love anything to do with quilting and have tons of it in my sewing room. (Honestly, it overflows to the guest bed room too) But, I am constantly using tham for charity or gifts of some sort. I don't feel one bit of remorse and I love the hours I have spent buying, scouring quilt stores and shows for them and I remember where I got each and every one.

I am a quilter and enjoy all of the fabric, tools, books and patterns that go with the hobby. Gee, there is nothing wrong with having something ahead of time. Right? It doesn't hurt anyone, isn't a bad habit, or out of control.

Sorry, I just get tired of hearing someone rant about how quilter's have so much. Why not??

I thinks so of us like to secretly boast how much stuff we have:) As much as we say it's not true, I do reckon the quilter who dies with the most fabric wins!

Dear Quilt Sisters & Brothers!!
I am also a pattern and quilt book "queen"!! I have sooooo much and I know that I will never make as many as I would like........ but oh how I enjoy sitting in a chair with a big mug of tea and piles of books and patterns around me!! I sift through and look at the different designs, mark some with post-it-notes and plan different and new patterns in my mind using them all as inspiration. A little design from one book addded to a design from another book and pattern would look so good together!! Will I make this newly planned quilt? Maybe yes and sometimes probably not but sitting amongst my little piles of books and patterns and learning techniques and thinking of designs is such an enjoyable "quiet time" for me - a comforting retreat from all of the craziness that that goes on in our world today.

Amen to that.

I also want every batik available and can't afford that but, fortunately, we have a lovely full service LQS which does not carry the current year's fabrics so their fabrics are quite reasonable; like $5.98 a yd and $6.98 for batiks. I do have every one of their batiks. If you live in a fairly large town/city, search around; you may have a similar shop.

I am SO glad I am not the only one. Yes, I have purchased the same pattern more than once. It's irritating, but then I try to remember I must Really like it and should push it up on my 'to do' pile more.

I think, like many of you, this is my 'down time', and collecting just makes me realize I should relax more ;)

We all sound so similar! Too many books, patterns, fabrics, gadgets....and still buy more. I figure it is cheaper than a psychiatrist! I do agree with JaneQuilter that Pinterest helps me avoid some purchases by pinning rather than buying.

My name is Murphy and I am a ?????. Just like the rest of you.....too many books, patterns, fabric, "stuff". But if I didn't have all this stuff and this "hobby" "obsession" "collection" (not sure what to call it) to play with and occupy my time, would I be on the streets getting into trouble, a heavy drinker or drug user, a convicted felon in prison for some crime, or one of those people who cause traffic jams by driving around all the time looking for something to do???? Or maybe in a mental institution of some kind.
No I am a well adjusted ,healthy, happy, productive member of society who supports our economy and plan to continue until the last breath God gives me.
That is my story and I am sticking to it!!! :thumbup:

The patterns won't spoil, right?

This was the FUNNIEST response to a post I have read in a long time!!

I agree. Next time hubby looks at me cross-eyed, I am going to use this as my story and I'll stick with it!!

I've been so disappointed in purchased quilt patterns recently. The instructions are vague or confusing. I usually end up having to figure it out on my own anyway.