I like to have a pattern in mind and then go get the fabric. When I first got into quilting, I went to www.quilterscache.com and selected several EASY 12" block patterns. I got some new fabric and used some that I already had from other projects. Then I made a sampler of those blocks. I make 2 blocks from each pattern but used different fabrics for the 2 blocks. Then I could really SEE the difference on using lights and darks, etc. Love my sampler quilt.
pollyjvan9
07-17-2010 05:55 AM
I almost always have fabric on hand so when I find a pattern I like I "shop" at home. I have been quilting long enough, and buying fabric long enough, that at this point I may have to buy fabric for the border or something like that. I very rarely buy they show in the pattern because it is usually new that year or season and most likely won't be on sale.
Boston1954
07-17-2010 06:29 AM
Funny thing about me. It kind of happens at the same time. I start thinking of a pattern and immediately think of some fabrics for it. Sometimes they stay the same and others, it might evolve to something slightly different.
littlehud
07-17-2010 09:29 AM
I usually find a pattern first. But I have lots of fabric I bought because I loved it so I need to find patterns for those.
clem55
07-17-2010 01:10 PM
I'd go with a pattern first, at least then you have an idea of how much fabric to buy, and have an idea of the ligths, darks and medium vaues.
Edie
07-18-2010 02:42 AM
Originally Posted by MadQuilter
It totally depends. When I was a newbie I took a sampler class so I would learn how to do different blocks. I made them from scraps so fabric/color didn't really matter. The sample blocks helped me learn new skills and build on skills. They also helped me figure out which blocks (or types) I like and dislike.
After that experience it was much easier to pick a pattern and match the fabric OR pick a fabric and find a pattern.
I love making Sampler Quilts. I swear, one of these days I am going to pick out the best block and make a quilt out of that block design. Then I end up making a full sampler. I love the way they turn out and the personality they have. Oh, yes they do! Quilts have personalities. I am working on the first matching colors sampler I have ever made. It is fun, but not as much fun as finding the different pieces of fabric that make the block, that makes the quilt, the fussy cutting. I am in the process right now of making a coverlet sampler, 12x12" blocks, and my sister and I have "Show and Tell" at the local coffee shop where we show each other our new fabrics and share. She had one with cats on it and I was able to cut out a cat that will serve as a center square in a block for a relative of ours that has a cat. This particular block will mean something to her. I think I have mentioned this before, but I made a "Memory Quilt" from one block design (Antique Tile - Quilter's Cache) and there were 21 squares to each block and each square had a different design which was hand picked and then each block had its own story. Now I am more concerned that everything matches - colors being burgundy, pink, forest green, medium forest green and cream. My next quilt is also a sampler, but will be done in three color blocks (teal, cream and tea-dyed muslin. The two main patterns are from the Clara Barton Birthplace Museum. I am hoping it will be quite striking. I have already picked out 35 blocks to make. Isn't it fun to quilt? I say this honestly as I am in the process of ripping out "Another Nine Patch Star".
Good luck to you and have fun! Edie
Up North
07-18-2010 05:27 AM
For my first quilt I bought 1/4 yards of this and that, went home made a block, or two, back to the store more 1/4 yards, I kept doing that till it was big enough. Now I buy what I can afford if I like it, with no plan in mind. I tend to go with 2 yards. Sometimes I find a pattern and then get certain fabric for just that quilt.
ksea
07-18-2010 05:29 AM
Originally Posted by berryberry
I'm a beginner. All the quilts on the site are beautiful. Being a beginning quilter now when I see fabric, I see it differently. I'm starting to see the light and dark. Oh, I can't forget the feel of the fabric. One thing I'm not clear on.
Do you pick a pattern first and then pick out material or do you pick out the fabric first then try to pick out a pattern?
I really don't think that there is a right way or wrong way. Sometimes I find fabric that talks to me about the pattern it needs and sometimes I see a pattern (not necessarialy in a book or on a web site but maybe in the bricks in a building, a rock patteren, a carpet or rug ... you get the idea) and just have to find the right fabric for it. Don't stress about it, it will come to you as you look around.
Glenda Kay
07-18-2010 07:04 AM
Originally Posted by spinnergs
We all do the light and dark for contrast but you also need a PUNCH color to make the quilt stand out.
It also helps to look at the "values" of the colors. I never knew about that til I saw it on a quilting show on TV. I got a value finder (which is simply a piece of see through red vellum) & examined my scraps. I was amazed to find that some colors that I thought were light were actually dark & vice versa. That can make a big difference in the looks of a quilt. I take it with me when I shop for fabric. They do make value finders but in my opinion they are too expensive. I did buy one but found my red vellum works better. (not sure if vellum is spelled correctly)
