Piecing: Strictly by a Pattern OR Pattern Improv OR Wild Abandon!
 

I have shelves full of books and end tables full of magazines. I have files full of patterns printed and purchased. I can't remember when I have duplicated a single one! Since I piece tops for Project Linus, I have not strictly followed a pattern in the last three years. I am putting together anywhere from 4 to 20 PL tops each month. I fall in the middle Improv category. My resources are used for ideas on how to utilize my stash. Of course, my results go from great to "just covers" but I am having a ball!

Sometimes I feel guilty for not following some of those beautiful patterns I am using for inspiration to the letter as they are so wonderful. In the picture section here I adore all those tailored looking, by-the-book quilts others have made but when I get going, other ideas seem to take over. Sometimes I stay "fairly close" to the pattern that inspired the top I am piecing. Potato Chip and Disappearing 9 Patch come to mind. Other times I wonder what (in the world!) got this top going. Of course, I adore scrappy but I have not done wonky. . . YET!

So, am I alone in this? What kind of piecer are you? And, if you're like me, do you also feel guilty for all your purchased inspiration and not following patterns to the letter?

I wish I could follow a pattern, but my creative side is always surfacing. Even when I try to make my project following the pattern, it does not look the same as the pattern when I'm done. I don't do kits well either. I guess I am just a scrappy quilter.

For the most part I will follow a pattern. I may tweak here and there to reduce seams or perhaps enlarge the quilt with a different border treatement. I have designed quilts from scratch too. My truly creative side is satiated with the quilting itself rather than the piecing as most patterns are "quilt as desired" so that is where I go improv.

In all things creative, I find that I must "flood" my imagination with images from many sources to find the inspiration for a design of any kind. Years ago, my husband's aunt criticized me for doing this, calling it a waste of money. I told her it was my "research". Thank goodness for the internet--- we have lots of inspiration at our fingertips so I don't have to buy so many magazines, etc. I wish I was able to create from scratch so I wouldn't spend so much time with this, but for me, it's necessary to the process.

I am already feeling better! Thank you!

Great to see your post! I never followed patterns when I first learned to piece (and still don't when it comes to making clothes!!), even teaching myself drafting very early on but think it's a challenge to harness that creativity and work within the dimensions of traditional blocks. I still make some improv but knowing I have the skill set to create advanced traditional blocks means a lot, to me too.

a little bit of everything, but I have definitely decided I don't enjoy kits. I find them boring. I've only done two, and the last one I changed so much you wouldn't recognize it. I just used the lovely fabrics in something else ;-)

I start with a pattern idea. Then usually do my own thing. Some patterns need specific areas followed as written such as a lone star. Many complicated patterns are not written clearly and make for extra work. Why do modern patterns call for a template for squares, rectangle & triangles When strip rotary cutting is so much quicker and easier??

I view patterns as "Suggestions" and "Inspirations". I've made a few quilts to pattern but most of the time I let my creative side out.

Pattern, I am not creative enough yet for my own, once I get better I will venture off into that road, until then pattern it is. there are just too many gorgeous patterns out there that I want to make

i always tell people i am 'way to un-disciplined' to follow someone's pattern---too A.D.D. too O.C.D. too what ever other initials you want to add- i pretty much make 'em up as i go along-
although sometimes i do incorporate actual blocks and follow the *rule* of the block- as often i don't=== and no- i do not feel guilty for it-
my mom's a portrait artist---raised 5 kids with her paintings---she has never felt guilty for the shelves of art books/magazines in her library- guess i was raised that way- it's normal to collect (inspiration) ... how else will you ever learn new techniques? or see the direction things are going? or see how they used to do it?
there is no reason for guilt - it's growth.

I have to follow the pattern exactly when I'm making a shop sample, but when I'm making my own I usually make it "my own". The quilts tells me what it wants to be.

I do both. If I really like a pattern, I may follow it but tweek it to my own personal style. Lots of times, I just start sewing and see what it looks like in the end. It lets me be creative.

I always follow the pattern; but have recently began looking at the ways others put together quilts without a pattern and find it fascinating. Not only do you create a work of art, but you are expressing yourself and building a stronger more confident self. It may take me awhile before I start the journey, but I know I am being pulled in that direction. I read all of the comments and found them interesting, so thanks for posting the question.

I "sort of" follow the instructions.

Sort of like trying out a new recipe.

The first time I make it like it's written. The second time (if it comes to that ), it usually has some changes toit.

Right now I'm trying wild abandon with inspiration from my collection of books. It may turn into a hot mess. We'll see. ;)

Ditto. My brain just doesn't work that way. I may add a border or something but by & large, I stick to the pattern. My problem is I, too, have zillions of books & magazine & patterns & print outs & I end up using the same ones over & over again.

I, too, make quilts for Project Linus (& QOV) & I always think "Oh, this would be a good chance to try out a new pattern" & then I make another "Streak of Sunshine" or "Yellow Brick Road" or 9-patch. I'm boring.

Just my opinion but the patterns are like a guide and not following it makes it more your own design.

I am all over the place on that one.....I've followed patterns to the letter changing only the color of fabric.....I've used patterns as inspiration....I've used a bunch of orphan blocks to make up a large lap quilt and backed it with a fleece blanket (my personal favorite!)....I don't think I've ever actually designed my own quilt, but I have borrowed ideas from several patterns and made some very pretty quilts. I love learning new techniques for quilting and try to challenge myself once in a while. All in all, I just love to make quilted things....from a king sized bargello, to charity quilts, to bow tucks.....best artsy thing I've ever done. LOL

I will sort of follow a pattern -- unfortunately I get bored and take a left turn and then a right and wander around the pattern so I get something close.

Rebecca said:

I, too, make quilts for Project Linus (& QOV) & I always think "Oh, this would be a good chance to try out a new pattern" & then I make another "Streak of Sunshine" or "Yellow Brick Road" or 9-patch. I'm boring.

My 2 cents:

You may think you're boring, Rebecca, but I know the kids don't care. And they certainly don't consider their quilt, made especially for them by you, boring! Thanks for all you quilt and give away even if they are all the same.

I piece in whatever manner the mood strikes me. I have some hand piecing, some wool felt work being done by hand, a BOM pattern I'm following, Dear Jane, a pattern that I'm not following too closely, and scrappy string blocks and crumb blocks ... who whatever mood I'm in ... that's what I work on ... when I find it of course

Suzy

As a pattern designer and long time user of EQ! I Love when my patterns are Morphed! Morphing is taking a pattern for inspiration, then using it to create a unique quilt. Not everyone is comfortable with Morphing. I understand that, but it adds to the fulfillment of creativity. I also have an extensive library of quilt books and patterns. I use them as a jumping off point! It is the joy in quilt making to do your own thing! The point is to enjoy it. No guilty feelings allowed when being creative! Luann in CT

I agree with you. I have spent so much money on books and patterns, and I end up making my own creations. I teach a beginners class, and this time, I used a quilt design that started off the same for everyone. The class lasts over a period of 8 weeks. Each week, someone has made a major "resdesign" change. Instead of making them redo the quilt, I am changing the instructions for them. We are going to have so many different designs from the original pattern. The student tell me they like this as it makes them think of the possibilities instead of thinking in a box.

The first quilt I made I used a pattern. After that I've used a combination of patterns and designing my own.

I dont change the blocks in a pattern but will use my favorite methods for making the parts of a block easier.

I have the same shelves you have. Lots of patterns are bookmarked and notes stuck in between the pages, but I seem to always do the creating and piecing without a pattern. The blocks and select sections may be from several different places, but I put together my own ideas. Haven't followed an exact pattern ever. So little time.

I have done all three. I can follow a pattern if I really like it. Sometimes a pattern is a starting point. I have used parts of several patterns in one quilt, taken colors from one and used it in another. I have also been doing more of my own designs, which for me is lots of fun.

You are a gifted teacher! Your students are learning independent skills and self reliance. It is a bit more work for you but such a class is always remembered as the "best I ever took"! Good for you and for your lucky students!

I follow patterns. I have only been quilting for about 2 years and use patterns to teach myself new methods/kinds of making blocks. I usually only make a pattern 1 time and then off to the next one! So many patterns -so little time. I ususally do not make pattern out of exact fabric and will often add/delite borders to make top fit size I want. I am also follow receipe exactly when cooking- I quess that I am not that creative!!! I create but am not creative!