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.

An interesting quote indeed from one of the greatest advocates for intellectual property rights in the whole of US & British history.

There's truly nothing new under the sun. But we do discover new approaches and technologies which allow greater proficiency of the accomplishment of new feats. I don't think it's wrong to ask the difference. Pioneering spirits often desire innovation and masters all learned by copying. There's room for both approaches.

I make quilts. I'm a quilter.

I don't think it matters, whatever makes you happy is all that matters. Even if you follow a pattern it's still your choice in fabric and you are doing the work. I follow patterns and do my own thing sometimes...what ever makes me happy at the time, quilting is my escape and joy!!!

Who is judging who is more of a quilter or less? Nobody I know... Don't lay those judgement trips on yourself, just enjoy what you do.

There are so many aspects to quilting... designing is only one of them. So don't overthink this and drive yourself crazy.

IF you are sewing quilts, YOU ARE A QUILTER. I personally don't think it really matters as long as you are happy with your work. If you are gifted with the ability to design - go for it. If you prefer to use patterns, that's fine too. The main thing is to enjoy what you are doing.

Some people buy kits and follow the instructions to the T. In the end they have a completed quilt and they are quilters. Others take scraps from their stash and sew them together in a creative way without so much as a sketch to follow. Once their layers are quilted, they are also quilters. Between those two extremes is a wide variety and there is room for all of us.

I sometimes use existing patterns with my own color choices or I adapt patterns. It all depends on the mood du jour.

I agree - a quilter makes quilts. It does not matter if you use a pattern, a kit, design your own or modify a pattern to suit yourself.

I agree a quilter makes quilts. Just love being a quilter!!!!!! Such fun whatever way I am making quilts. I am a hand stitcher and quilter.

Ditto......................

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.