Why is it when I google for free quilt patterns as I did for the Log Cabin and Flying Geese this morning, that it takes me everywhere but where I want to go. I click on this and have to click on that and by the time I finish clicking I am out of the mood. Is it just me or why can't it just take me to the pattern?

I have better luck searching with yahoo.

I find that I have to read through the descriptions pretty carefully before clicking. I usually have to weed through a bunch of misc stuff to get to what I want :D:D:D

I've been saying that for years. I'm glad I'm not the only one that doesn't like searching with google.

I find tons and tons of free quilt patterns. Just about every fabric line has free patterns and several of the online quilt shops have free patterns too. And there's always quilter's cache.

Lots of bloggers post tutorials with a free pdf attached. I go into Google blog search - from their home page click on "more," then on "blogs" and put in "quilt tutorial" (in quotes). I get better "hits" than I do through their top level.

I have been told by my Geeky friends to never use the word "free" in your search! Also Google is their favorite search spot!

I'm still a Google fan, but you have to be very specific. It also helps to viewed the cached version of the page if available, so that you can scan down the page quickly for the color coding associated with the name of the pattern you want.

I have a folder in my computer for Quilt patterns. When I find one I like I save it to my folder. My problem is forgetting the name of the pattern I have in mind.

I think this is just the nature of the internet. More often than not I discover new and wondrous things while searching for something else. It helps that my mind wanders anyway... so I often forget what I was searching for. LOL

when you're in search of free block patterns, start here:
http://quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html

another great site is http://quilting.about.com/

i also recommend: http://www.blockcentral.com/index.shtml

and this: http://www.quilt.com/

bookmark/favorite these sites. you will find nearly everything worth finding at one, another, or all of them.

If you search using bing, there are buttons on the side that let you preview the content

Thanks to all for the wonderful help. I love this board. Always someone to help.

I have a problem with "about". You can't print just the instructions and pictures. It's all divided into pages and you have to print them one at a time...or maybe there's a hidden code that I'm not seeing!

Joy, the quilt in your avatar is drool-worthy; can you post a larger picture and tell a bit about it. It looks a bit over-the-top for machine embroidery, so I'm assuming it's applique. Whatever, it is fabulous looking.

Thanks, Patrice!

Thank you Weeezie. My avatar quilt is an appliqued Baltimore Album. I hand applique using the freezer paper method. Have made several appliqued quilts as it is my favorite thing to do. I would love to post a larger picture for you but I have not learned how to post pictures. I am new at this so maybe I will figure it out.

Thanks, Joy. I like to applique and have a lot of great applique quilt designs that I'm itching to do. However, the only one I've ever done is just a top that's in a box with several pieced tops that I need to sandwich & quilt, so I'm running waaaaay behind where I'd like to be.

I am looking forward to your learning how to & posting a big picture. I can do it, so therefore it is easy! Instructions are available (try the HELP at the top of the page).

BING is a problem because it takes you to non-related pages. Who's idea was that?

google drives me nuts, i use yahoo. but even then you have to watch what links you click on. read them first and remember which type ones give you those problems. bit by bit you will become a good searcher.
also search Images rather than web and when you see a quilt you like click on that, then look at what web page it is. sometimes works better.

I have been using Bing. Results are more concise.

If you go to www.fatquartershop.com they have lots of free quilt patterns and if u click onto their 'links' page,there is more information links about any and everything to do with quilting you would ever want to know! It's a great shop and every Friday they have Fat Quarter Friday specials! Check it out! Google won't take u there, but Bing will!? Have no idea why? Ah, the mysteries of the internet...LOL!