If using a pattern created by someone else means you are not a quilter, then there are a awful lot of us out there who are not quilters.

All of us who participate in this forum are quilters or we wouldn't be spending precious time here. We are all different in the ways we approach quiltmaking. We all have our strengths and challenges. Personally, I am challenged by not being artistic and I greatly admire the work of those of you who are artistic. I can analyze and graph out most pieced patterns. My color choices are rather mechanical-I love going to the paint store and getting color chips that feature coordinating color schemes and then shopping for matches. I buy patterns because they are shortcuts to the process. I see all too many commercial patterns that claim to be original work-but are not. So, we seek our comfort level to be a creator of lovely things. It is a new year and I am ready to make new things.

if I enjoy what I am doing that's all that matters to me. I use patterns very seldom, but I copy a lot :)

Let's face it, there is not much that hasn't already been done, just different ways of doing it. You made it, it's yours.

Only a perfectionist can kill the joy of creativity.....cause if you get it "right" what else is left????? Maybe math! A quilt is what you make.

Personally, I've never ever used a pattern. I've always copied designs then incorporated my own style. I don't know if I'd know how to use a pattern.

For me, sometimes it is about putting fabric together and coming up with pattern ideas on my own, and sometimes it is buying a kit and making it. It depends on several factors: time, money, the recipient, and my mood. But I don't quilt so someone will call me a quilter; I quilt because it makes me happy and leaves me with a gift for someone I care about. So do whatever works for you and makes you happy.

A contractor may not design the house but he is the builder just the same. I think the same applies to quilting. And to be honest many quilt designers are just reworking or tweaking an existing pattern. Changing the width of a fabric piece is not inventing a new block in my opinion.

I do both. I have no quilt rules. None.