I mimic mostly. I see a quilt sample or picture on a pattern and that's how I make it. At least the first time, then maybe I can adapt it.

Rarely can I look at something that is done in pastels and convert it to earthtones or envision a border from one quilt on another.

I see all these pretty quilts on here done in unique ways and I really admire people who can start something from scratch.

I can take most patterns and figure them out on my own. I like to take and use different fabrics and fabric combos to make a quilt look different than what was done. it is kinda fun.

I visualize!
I don't think I have ever made a pattern as written!

I learned from patterns, but it didn't take long for me to 'go off on a tangent' - meaning I may begin w/a pattern, but I rarely finish it as intended - I change out something to make it more my own. Now that I've quilted for a long time, I find I'm much more often designing my own. I visualize what I want it to look like & go from there. More fun!

Mimic. I see it and can usually do it. I'm unable to come up with my own designs. However, I am pretty good at tweaking things. :)

The worst thing about this is I don't get much sleep!
Just as I start to drift off I get a picture in my head of a quilt and then can't go to sleep until I draft the pattern!

I do follow a pattern, mostly. I tend to increase the size of the finished quilt. However I don't think I have ever made a quilt in the same colors or fabrics that the pattern shows. I can see it in different colors.

I mimic with a twist. For instance, if I see something I like with animals, I will make the item but use Airedales instead of whatever the pattern had on it.

Oh, tell me about lying awake in the bed, designing and re-designing a quilt or quilt block!! They say creative juices will keep you awake!! I can promise you they do! But I love designing my own stuff..well, except for falling in love with Ranger's avatar and making a beautiful copycat quilt!

I guess I do both. Sometimes a picture is perfect for what I have been thinking about. Other times, I like the pattern, but nit the colors. Sometimes I love the focus fabric, but don't like the other colors or where they are placed. I also collect pictures of block patterns I like for sampler quilts.