Copying or creating
 

Are you less as a quilter if you use a pattern or copy a design you like? Is the ultimate goal in achieving quilter status to get to the point where you create original designs or does it matter?

I do both, sometimes I start with a pattern but don't like something and I change it. I don't think it makes you less of a quilter if you use a pattern, a kit or whatever. It is for pleasure and lets you be as creative as you like. Happy New Year

A quilter is someone who makes quilts. S/he could also be a designer/artist, but if you enjoy working with traditional designs or purchasing others' designs, do that. It only makes a difference if you want to enter a quilt in an "original design" or "artistic" category in a show.

For me the ultimate goal is to complete a quilt that I'm happy with. I consider myself a quilter even though I copy or use patterns from designers as inspiration. There was a time when some felt you weren't a quilter unless you did it by hand and possibly some still feel that way. I just do what I enjoy and don't bother about what others think.

No quilt judges here.... whatever works is equal in my eyes... there would be no quilt without the quilter regardless of create or copy

i knew a fabric designer who copied others ideas, changed colors and took out or added what she wanted to do. she was still a designer. if you're looking to be called a quilt designer or a maker, I guess are 2 different things. But, I don't care. i just love pretty quilts.

I enjoy working with fabric and making items that my family enjoys and also donating for others to enjoy. I like the planning of a new quilt almost as much as making it, but I have no desire to design quilts or fabrics, nor do I care about competing with others. I think there is room for all levels of interest. So I guess I would say I'm a quilter because I do make quilts:)

If you make quilt your a quilter. Why complicate the details of what a quilter is

“There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces of colored glass that have been in use through all the ages.” Mark Twain

I'm with suern. I create for my own pleasure. If others like it, great. If they don't, no matter, I still do. And that's what is important to me. I heard one teacher say once "There's really nothing new under the sun so why worry about it?" This is pretty much the attitude I take. Which I find interesting because I can be a highly competitive person. But quilting/sewing is something I do just for me and because I like working with fabrics/colors/designs.