toverly

I rarely make a pattern the way it's stated. I like rectangular quilts so any that are square are adjusted. For the units, I have favorite ways to make them and if the looks the same, I do it my way.

ILoveToQuilt

I usually will try to rework a pattern to be paper pieced (not what you were asking, I know). Often times I will use a pattern as inspiration and will make it my own way. When complete, I give credit to original pattern and author (I keep detailed notes on each of my projects). Example: "Anita's Quilt" based on (or inspired by) the "XYZ Pattern" by Jane Doe. My quilts are for my use only and are never entered in shows, but I like my notes so I can remember the process.

Butterflyblue

This is almost exactly my approach to both cooking and quilting. I very rarely follow a pattern to the letter, because I very rarely want exactly the same quilt that is shown, and I have opinions about which techniques I like best.

Dolphyngyrl

Sometimes I will.use my methods or alter sizes.

WMUTeach

I don't want to sound like a snobby "cat", but when a pattern designer suggests a way that is harder or that requires another specialty tool to make a unit, I go ahead and make the unit my way. I am not into buying lots of one use tools. I would rather spend my $$$ on fabric that catches my eye or batting/backing to finish a quilt. Just my opinion.

bearisgray

Do you read a pattern all the way through before you start putting it together?

Or do you read it one step at a time?

GingerK

Good question Bear. I try to look at all the steps in a pattern before starting, because I hate huge bumps where seams meet. I want to know which way the pattern says to press the seams and if it is be best way to avoid those bumps. I do not like patterns that give minimal or no pressing directions.

I just finished a 7 day Mini Mystery from our guild. Because of other commitments, I didn't even look at the directions until Day 4--and then remembered why I absolutely HATE mystery patterns. The pattern called for a focus fabric, three shades of one colour and 4 shades of another, that were in the focus fabric. It did not mention that the end result would be on the diagonal--which looks really awful if your focus fabric is directional. After looking at the picture of the final product, I weighed my options, found a very finite amount of a non directional focus fabric and two complimentary colours. I simplified the directions and finished the mystery--on my terms.

The only reason I even bothered, was because we have a new president and I wanted to support her efforts to drag our guild towards more energetic endeavors.

cashs_mom

I'm doing this now. The pattern I'm working on now has half rectangle triangles. It shows a method for making them. I was struggling to get mine to come out nicely when I was at a quilting bee. One of the other ladies said "I'd just paper piece them". Doh! Why didn't I think of that? I've been paper piecing them ever since and they are coming out well!

tropit

You're supposed to follow the pattern? Actually, I am currently working on "Arctic Feathers" by Elizabeth Hartman and I'm not only following the pattern exactly, but even trying to match the fabric colors. I really like the fabrics she used. I thought it would be easier to do this, but I'm finding that it hard to look through my stash and find just the right prints.

cashs_mom

"You're supposed to follow the pattern?" made me laugh! I did Elizabeth Hartman's Dogs in Sweaters. I also followed the directions exactly for that one but I didn't copy her fabrics.