I have found that my interpretation of patterns is often quite different from the pattern-maker, so I do try to make a test unit to ensure I have things in the right order, and the patterns is working for me. Definitely a terrific idea to check online for corrections at the start of a new project!!

I am definitely going to be making test blocks starting now. Over the last few days, I made 2 projects from a recently published book based on a beautiful new fabric line. The designs are lovely and the book is full of patterns. But Both projects had pattern errors. Fortunately, one told me to cut too long by an inch or 2. The other involved vague and incorrect cutting instructions for a wedge. I reverse-engineered that one. I am reconsidering making a larger quilt from that book.

I had never even considered that I should go out on the web and look for corrections to a published pattern. I "assumed" that they wouldn't be published unless they were correct. Well, we all know, that as hard as the pattern designers try to get it right the first time, and even though they have test sewers, there can be mistakes.

Every pattern I sew these days is tried out with a test block in fabrics other than the kit I bought. But before I even start any cutting or sewing, especially with a kit of fabrics, I do a Yahoo or Google Search to see if I can find any comments or corrections.

I have been collecting Judy Niemeyer patterns recently. I love that her website, after you click on the pattern, shows the corrections. I am currently in the process of making sure I have these corrections to go with each pattern I have bought. And we thought quilting wasn't an adventure?

Edited to add: I took a class recently with JM. I commented on the fact that I had seen some corrections online, but didn't need to add them to the pattern I was doing. She said that once they found errors, they would correct the pattern and all future printings of the pattern would be correct. Since there is no date on her printings, you have to look at every correction to see if you need to use the correction. I really enjoyed meeting JM and learning from her.

I have seen corrections posted on F&P website. Maybe we need to Google a pattern with corrections in the search before starting a new pattern. I find since I do a lot of charity work that I put the quilt pattern on EQ to adjust the size so I haven't come across any mistakes. Also I keep making the same pattern sometimes with a different original twist of mine. Must be frustrating to start something and then doesn't make sense !!.

First I do not purchase kits. I do not trust fabric layouts or want a different size than a pattern is designed for so use my EQ7 to check the layout on the computer before I purchase the fabric. I also use EQ7's yardage based on the project then add extra. I also always make test blocks out of scraps to make sure I want to make the blocks. Never run out of potholders at my house. Neither do friends and family. LOL

I know my thought process is different form a lot of people. Therefore I interpret the directions into my language. Sometimes I even figure out a better way to line up the fabric and cut it with less waste. If the pattern is complicated I have even used material from my stash to make trial blocks.