Just curious. I have been reading about the Yellow Brick Road pattern that people say is easy but needs to be purchased. I looked up some pictures and honestly don't understand why anyone would buy this pattern. There are so many great patterns that can be created without the need of a purchased "pattern". Maybe someone out there can explain to me what I am not seeing. I thought by the name that there would be a yellow path somehow meandering throughout the quilt...that sounded appealing to me but I don't see that somehow in any of the pictures I've viewed. ??? Now I know that "to each his own" but I was just wondering if I am missing something.

I am not sure...I like the pattern but I definitely understand what you say too. :)

I understand exactly what you are saying :D

It's a nice pattern to use up fat quarters. There are only 3 blocks in it, I believe. I haven't made one, but it's pretty easy to deconstruct the pattern from a finished quilt. Use up a bunch of fat quarters where you only need to cut a few shapes. I think that's the appeal. I'm liking the fat quarter stash busters since I have so many FQs, so I'm going to do one of these, a Turning Twenty, and one other one

I think the designer called it that because of the yellow and the blues she used in it. This has been a very popular pattern for beginners, because of the use of fat quarters,and the cutting meathods and piecing it together. This pattern looks fabulous no matter what colors you use. I have made many of these quilts for friends and family.

I totally agree.

Years ago, when it first came out, I looked at the pattern package and, quite frankly, was totally put off by the picture on the cover. Looked really bland to me.

I've never made one - I like piecing a bit more involved - but I've seen some really good ones. It's ALL about the fabrics.
Here's one in Kaffe fabrics:
This is a bit more lively than the cover picture:
http://siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/733_kq8.jpg

I think as we get more experienced, we are able to "see" how a pattern/design is created more easily than when we are total beginners.

It's a bit like making vegetable soup - when one is a "new cook" one follows the recipe more or less as written. After a while, one learns how to improvise.

The Yellow Brick Road pattern is in my top three of favorite patterns. It uses all of a fat quarter. It is an easy pattern... :-)

I've made one and I am working on another. Why this pattern? I make charity quilts for my church's ladies group. We have limited funds, and fabric . Often we need the quilt yesterday. So the reason I use this pattern is that you only need a handful of fat quarters and it can be made very quickly. It can be very pretty depending on what fabric you use.

I'm in the group that never cared for Yellow Brick Road or Turning Twenty patterns. I have seen some I like better than others but I believe it is all about the fabric choices.

A friend of mine made one and appliqued a yellow brick road through the quilt and used Wizard of Oz fabrics. It was great!!!
I like the pattern for a couple reasons. It is easy, great for a beginner. It is fast, if you need to whip up a quick quilt you can with this pattern. I like using a lot of different fabrics in a quilt and this will let you do that. You can make it using scraps if you like. I have purchased most of the patterns I have used. I was, at that time, unaware of all the "free" patterns out there. I still prefer to purchase a pattern and use it over and over again. I have taught people to quilt using this pattern and because it is a "pattern" all the instruction are there in full.
It is good that we all have our own likes and dislikes. This would be a terribly boring world if we all liked the same things.

And yes, it is mostly about the fabric choices

I haven't tried the yellow brick road pattern yet. I have made some turning 20 ones. They are fast too do.
I love the quilt on the link that MTS posted of the Kaffe fabrics. My choice for quilting is to hand applique. I especially love sunbonnets. I just finished a qn size top of sunbonnet dutch girls for my only DGD. I need to get it quilted. If I could stay off this site for a couple of days I could probably accomplish that *L*
Happy Stitchin' Linda B.

YBR was my first big quilt and so will probably remain my favorite (quilt).
Don't know if I will be making another one just because I don't like to
do the same thing twice. There are so many patterns out there.
I think you pretty much answered your question...to each his own. :)

Any of Terri's patterns are well written, meaning you will cut and use exactly what you need. Also she help you to use the fabric in a practical way, so little waste.
You never can go wrong with an Atkinson pattern.

easy quilt for beginners and a quick quilt to make...while not my favorite I still make one from time to time to give as a quick gift

I loved the Yellow Brick Road pattern. I used all yellow fat quarters to make a quilt for my parents for Christmas. It goes together easily and quickly.

Yellow Brick Road was the first quilt I made... it's easy and quick. I made so many blocks with the fabric I had collected I ended up with two quilts! Gave one to my DFIL and one to my sis... both loved them. It gave me the confidence and a sense of accomplishment to continue quilting... Plus, I've never seen a really BAD YBR?

How interesting that you posted this and I'm just working on my first Yellow Brick Road! I saw one that was hanging in a quilt store and it was so pretty that I bought the pattern. It had dark blues and bright yellows, some with prints but mostly not. I'm not very good at deciphering directions, but I'm going to give it a try. And everyone's input saying how easy it is, well that is encouraging!

Melody, if you'll follow the directions, you will be so pleased! In no time, you'll have a beautiful quilt!! Have fun!!

It is a great piece to learn on and if you need a quick quilt it is super easy to use with fat quarters from your stash. Its like your fall-back cassorole when you have unexpected guests. So it isn't gourmet, it still has a place and a purpose. My hubby wanted me to whip up a quilt for a sick SIL. I did it in one day. I figured it beats a 9 patch for looks. Has enough style to not looked tossed together but still the ease of tossing it together.

Great little pattern. I love Atkinsons

"Great little pattern. I love Atkinsons"


I love most of her patterns too!!!

The YBR and Turning Twenty patterns go together quickly and I do lots of charity quilts and these are great for them. Of course, when I hear YBR I think of the Wizard of Oz. Did one in Oz fabric too. Guess we all like different patterns. I just look at the picture section to see this. Easy, medium, hard, and OMgosh, how did they do that??? ROFL

I agree. I too have taught this class and its a wonderful, clearly written pattern for new and experienced quilters. It works for all colorations. This is one of my favorite quilt designers (could it be because she is from Minnesota?) and I love all her patterns that I have used.

I've been quilting since 1973 and I have a ton of patterns ranging from super easy to challenging. I've made 2 quilts with this pattern one of which was flannel. I was amazed at how different each one looked.

What I like about this pattern is there is minimal cutting, no templates, it uses a handful of fat quarters, and the top can be made in a weekend. It's an excellent pattern for a beginner with minimal investment in fabric or time.

I can't say this pattern makes an awe-inspiring quilt because it doesn't. But it does make a fantastic utility quilt. It's definitely a pattern that you either like (note I didn't say love) or you don't.

It's like the pattern Strip Search. That is a super simple pattern where you could make the same statement. I have seen several of these quilts in various colorways and each one looks better than the one before it.
photo: http://www.gequiltdesigns.com/images...rip_Search.jpg

I have found in my many years of quilt making, that some patterns will speak to you and you will want to make them while others will not.

Well, I have been taking a closer look at the pattern and wondering why did I think this was hard to understand? I'm cuting away now! Nothing easier than this!
thanks everyone!

I agree with this. I have made 2 ybr and don't care for either one. They are just sitting on the what was I thinking pile.

I made a yellow and blue Yellow Brick Road and then I wondered why? I have never liked the one I did. I guess that I like a more organized pattern and something more defined. I don't think I would ever make another one. I know this has been an extremely popular pattern and it would be a great beginner project. It does make up fast and that's what a beginner needs. So it does have it's place among quilter's for being a fast, easy quilt to do.

Newer quilters often need a pattern. We all don't start as intermediate sewers. I don't see anything wrong with buying a pattern--even if it is for an easier design.

I don't consider myself an expert not by a long shot (only been quilting for 5 years.) And usually I prefer the triangles and flying geese blocks... nice and orderly, tidy looking. But I rarely follow a pattern for the overall quilt. I make up my own layouts. I can design on paper then follow my own ideas. But following someone else's directions, throws me for a loop. So this is a good learning experience for me.

The pattern is easy and quick. Fabric choices make a difference. Terri Atkinson's patterns and books are fun. Her site is: www.atkinsondesigns.com.
Hope you find something fun for you! :)

Thank you all for an education. But I really think you've explained it best. I really like this pattern that you've posted called strip search, and can see how the fabric would really make the difference. It also made me realize what I don't really care about the YBR...it is kind of random where this pattern is repetitive. I guess i just gravitate toward a more structured pattern. And I can definitely see by all the Board's comments that it can be beneficial for beginners to have a pattern so the quilting process doesn't become overwhelming and discouraging. Thank you all for your input.

I purchased this pattern with a gift certificate. I just made the quilt and it is waiting to be quilted. Am I happy with it?? It is okay, but not one of my favorites.

Probably for the same reason as this:
I was in town about a week ago, I saw a class being offered that has free patterns all over the net. Would I pay $50? Not in your wildest dreams, but there were 4 people signed up.

I know exactly what you mean about random. I have a hard time just picking up a piece of fabric and sewing it to another without any thought of coordination. But there are times when I find randomness to be a rather freeing experience. Kind of reminds me that not everything in life is planned.

I'm glad you like Strip Search. I'm making one now in batiks called Bali Sangria. When I get some of it done, I'll post a photo.

I agree with you, there are too many really fantastic quilt patterns out there for me to spend my time on that one. My sister made it, so far her first and only quilt. It is an easy pattern for beginners, but there are lots of easy patterns that I prefer over it.

Delightful quilt, Raggie Mom

Totally agree with you, when I first started quilting this was the first big quilt I made, I have made several since, I love it for showing off the pattern and design of the fabrics, here is one I made using "Froggy" fabrics for a friend who was Froggy mad :-P to me it was the perfect pattern for it.

http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/45...425x425Q85.jpg

I made the yellow brick road pattern for a quilt that I gave one of my grandsons this past Christmas. I didn't purchase the pattern/ I somehow managed to find one on line. It's three diffeent squares that you put together and just turn the squares so that no lines match up. I used up a lot of my scraps and stash in them which was great. It's just all in what you like I guess. Actually, I found it to be a lot of work.

It is a quick and easy pattern, and you can use fat quarters. It's especially great for beginners.

I love this I think it is beautiful. However, I am partial to yellow. Did you purchase the pattern or do you have a site where we can get the pattern for free.