Really struggling with picking quilt pattern
 

Hello Everyone!

I'm actually finding my problem alittle funny, as well as very frustrating!

I have been quilting now for about 2 years and have made 2 quilts for wedding gifts, granddaughter has 2, grandson has 2, made one for my Mom, one for my MIL, one for my Dh,.. and so on.
So here is my problem....I can finally make one now for my Dh and my bedroom...and for 2 weeks now I cannot decide on a pattern!!

What's the matter with me?????

It's almost like I'm scared to commit to a pattern! LOL The material is in the brown, beiges and blues and more of traditional patterns.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have!
Brenda

Any suggestions?

I just finish a top which is called Warm Wishes for our RV queen size. I don't have the boarders on yet. i like the pattern.

Sounds like you have the 'I don't make things for myself so I have NO idea what to do for me!" dilemma. Me, too. Haven't found the cure yet, though I think one of these days I'll probably make a quilt for someone else that I simply can't part with - and that will be my quilt.

I hope you have better luck than I do with this problem...

Personally...I when I make a quilt for myself...I REALLY want to like it...so unless I have run across a pattern that I am in love with...it isn't staying here. Sometimes I think I really like a pattern until I make it then I change my mind...it usually goes into the donation or gift pile. So you might just try one...maybe a lap size of a pattern you just think you might want in your bedroom and then see if you love it...if not it can be a gift.

Design your own. An idea is: a center medalion (I like them set on point) which results with large corners leaving an opportunity for beautiful quilting or applique....some ideas then, a sash of 4 patches and another in a solid. Square in a square all smallish and in a row. Maybe some spools to indicate your love of quilting. Including stripes and plaids will give it a more casual or rustic look, desirable if you like country. Your colors sound like you have a really good color scheme going, I would go with deeper values of the present hues or maybe lighter. Start sketching ideas you like and in the process of elimination decide what you think suits you. If you like simple consider studying early Amish quilt styles and colors. Their simplicity results in elegance, unintentionally, it becomes sophisticated and artful.

I would think that you will see a pattern that makes you think"This will make our room look perfect! I can't imagine another winter without having this displayed on our bed." Or else you will make one that will be bedding and go under your already perfect comforter or bedspread.

How about a sampler? You get to make a lot of different kinds of blocks and it really helps expand and hone your skills to make one. You can try blocks you thought were too difficult because you only have to commit to one block. And we are all here to help you if you get stuck. And Samplers always look good too. You can make a sampler from a pattern where they give you layout and specific blocks or really have some fun and pick out a bunch of 12" blocks from quilter's cache. http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html

I would just look at quilts and patterns till you find one that really speaks to you!!!

So many great ideas. It does seem to me that you do a lot for others. Congratulations.

You probably want to do your best. That puts the pressure/stress level up high.

When I start a project with grandious expectations, I'm usually disappointed. So I approach quilting with the idea "I think I'll like it, we'll see." And I don't treat it with "this is IT for the rest of my life." I usually change my bed spread with the seasons and the one's I like the most stay out a little longer. Oh and, my cats sleep on the bed, so about once a quarter the spread needs cleaning to remove cat hair.

Do you have any ideas of what you like. Start a collection of pictures that you like. They might be quilts or not. Go to some quilt shows. Remember these are SHOW quilts, not everyday. Take pictures of what you like. Remembering that the fabric you choose makes a lot of difference in how the quilt looks in your fabrics. Since it's for you and DH, ask him if he has an opinion. If when you get done and it doesn't live up to expectations, give it away and try again.

Thank You so much for all the great advice!

Last year I picked up an old copy of McCall's Quilting April 2009, for 50 cents, at a county/menonite thrift store and was browsing through it last night and have decided to to do the pattern from there called "Enduring Elegance". Hopefully I will like it as much as I do in the picture!

Thanks again for you help...I know I can always count on everyone at the Board!