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bevclark 03-27-2011 07:41 AM

when planning a quilt for a specific person- which do you pick out first- the pattern or the material??

donnajean 03-27-2011 07:43 AM

Pattern 1st. I don't need to add extra to my stash so like to just get what is needed if I don't already have it.

bj 03-27-2011 07:45 AM

Now that I have a fairly decent stash, it's mostly pattern first (except for fat quarters. I'm a sucker for those, anytime!).

Jennifer22206 03-27-2011 07:47 AM

Depends. If it's for a specific person, I'll pick a pattern first, or if they share their color preference I'll narrow the pattern down by that.

bjeriann 03-27-2011 07:53 AM

I mostly get pattern first. Then I know how much and how many different fabrics I need.

RUSewing 03-27-2011 07:55 AM

color first -have to use my stash - no buy budget

BKrenning 03-27-2011 08:00 AM

I pick my pattern first and then go to my stash and make it work. I have to reverse my lights & darks sometimes or change my color scheme but I make it work.

tangledthread 03-27-2011 09:32 AM

Pattern first then I find colors I think they would like and would work well.

jdiane318 03-27-2011 09:34 AM

It depends on the person or the occasion. Sometimes I sleep on something and it comes to me in my dreams. Then I act on the impulse.

darlin121 03-27-2011 09:37 AM

I get the pattern first so there is little waste. Sometimes I find a beautiful fabric that I want to use in a project and I'll buy 3-5 yards of it and later find a pattern to use it in. This fabric usually gets "petted" for months before I find a suitable pattern.

IrishNY 03-27-2011 10:23 AM

Usually pattern first, then I look for fabric that would look good in it.

Every once in a while, I see fabric that I have to use and I look for a pattern that it will be perfect for.

emmah 03-28-2011 11:34 AM


Originally Posted by bevclark
when planning a quilt for a specific person- which do you pick out first- the pattern or the material??

Always I pick out the fabric first--usually one "pop" eyecatching fabric that states a theme, then I fill in with coordinating fabrics. I don't buy designed quilt patterns. I just have books of basic block designs, and pick one that will highlight the main fabric. Then I plan the quilt using large sheets of graph paper. I really like the creative end of quilting, so this suits me, and I can stay within my limited budget.

sahm4605 03-28-2011 11:38 AM

it depends. sometimes pattern sometimes fabric. I like to try and use a fabric that I already have and then go from there with the pattern. But it also depends on the person. my SIL's baby blanket was all done after I got the fabric (almost totally from stash), however my MIL's I am having to go out and find. but that is mostly because I don't use fabrics that I think that she would like. I had to find her pattern first then get the fabrics. SIL's was fabric first and then pattern. it is totally dependent on who it is for and for what and what size.

soccertxi 03-28-2011 11:53 AM

depends on which one 'calls' my name 1st...and is the main reason why I have too many patterns and a STASH! lolol

deema 03-28-2011 11:57 AM

Usually it's the fabric first. I'll find a focus fabric that I *need* to use for someone specific, then I work with it.

nadinelois 03-28-2011 12:02 PM


Originally Posted by bevclark
when planning a quilt for a specific person- which do you pick out first- the pattern or the material??

Pattern............it is dangerous for me to go into a shop without a specific pattern in mind.......then I put together the 'kit'......and start it when I can! I NEVER buy random pieces to add to my stash or I'd have to move out of my house! I love the organized 'kit' approach!

Annaquilts 03-28-2011 12:04 PM

Fabric and then pattern.

bevclark 03-29-2011 06:06 AM

thanks to all of you!!

mamaw 03-29-2011 07:11 AM

Pattern, then you will know how much you need.

gellybean402 03-29-2011 07:43 AM

I buy the pattern first. It is easier to pick out fabric if you know what your buying it for and where each color will fit in the pattern.

gramajo 03-29-2011 08:23 AM

It depends. Sometimes I see fabric that is so perfect for a particular person that I buy the fabric to use as a focal point. Then I look for a pattern that would work with it and add other co-ordinating fabrics to make the quilt. Other times, I find a pattern that is perfect for someone. I buy the pattern and then look for fabric. So, it all depends on what you see or happen to find.

nadinelois 03-29-2011 11:52 PM


Originally Posted by gellybean402
I buy the pattern first. It is easier to pick out fabric if you know what your buying it for and where each color will fit in the pattern.

Totally agree...............would be lost without direction of a specific pattern-buy too much or too little!


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