Just wondering how many quilters use the free patterns that the fabric companies put up on their websites.

Sometimes they're for quilts, sometimes table linens, pillowcases, totes...

Have you used any of those patterns? And did you use the fabrics they recommended, or did you "wing it"?

I have inthe past.

I use the patterns often, have never bought the suggested fabric.

I have 4 notebooks filled with patterns I printed off the internet-which is a laugh, because I know I will hardly make any of them! I like them at the time, and never get around to making them because so many others pop up! Also, subscribing to 7 quilting magazines constantly gives me new "must makes"! I usually pick my own color/fabrics now that I have gotten a bit more confident in selecting. I have been currently printing off many purse/bag patterns because I want to start making some, just have to get up the courage to take the plunge! Having said that, I just bought 3 patterns at Joann's for purses/bags!!

I have used a few and bookmarked several others for future reference.

Definetly, I think I have used similar fabrics but I love getting the free patterns.

I love free patterns and I normally will print them off and when the 6x9 zip bags come in I fold and put them in there just like other single patterns and hang them on my peg board as projects to be. As far as the fabric, probably not and maybe close unless I just fall in love. Right now I am working on a quilt from a magazine and it is totally not the same colors or fabrics as they show. I just felt that the pattern needed to be lively and fresh where they used neutral colors.

I use them if they appeal to me

I have made many and used others for inspirations. I never have used the material it calls for as I usually shop my stash.

I keep a folder on my desktop of "Quilt Ideas". When I find a pattern on one of the fabric makers web sites that I like, I file the PDF into my folder.

I've yet to make one - but I've not been collecting them very long (and have already had projects in process). I do know though that I'll probably choose all my own fabrics.

Choosing fabric is the part I like the best. There's no way I'm going to skip that part.