Holice

There is a book but I can't find it where the author shows a series of quilts - same quilt but quilted 4 ways. Shows how they look I couldn't find it tonight but will look for it and post it here. I believe it written by Barbara Chainey.
Some patterns do give qulting design suggestions. However, I imagine other do not since the quilting motif is such a personal decision and there are so many ways to quit it. I tried to deal with the subject in the quilterstv.com series on "Quilt As Desired". Hopefully it will help.

Vanuatu Jill

I have (had-think I sold it on this board) that book, "Quilting Makes The Quilt" and it does help in a basic way, showing one block (or quilt) and how different designs change the look. One of the reasons I always liked Quiltmaker magazine is that it always gave quilting patterns for the quilts they had in the magazine. For me, not having any support or help during all the years in Vanuatu while I was learning, it was really good. I also like the fact that they were mostly good for machine or hand-quilting. I also liked the fact that they showed many of the quilts (or at least a block from the quilt) in a different fabric.

QuiltNama

I think part of the "quilt as desired" is that every quilt pattern that we make will be done differently. We all use different fabric and anyone who is designing a pattern cannot know the stage a quilter is at. If they show one way, one person may feel it is too much or not enough. An example is that I design patterns for baby quilts and take them to my guild for suggestions as to what needs to be done to the pattern for ease of use. I did a large star pattern, made it out of darling star fabric, then quilted it with a cute star design as a suggestion, and everyone said that the quilting design was too hard and over the top for a baby quilt. So in order to make quilting suggestions on the pattern, I would have to make at least 3 or 4 of each pattern just to give suggestions that most people are not going to use anyway. I many times will give some written suggestions on how to quilt, or what fabric would look nice but in the long run it is up to the individual person to make the decision, for the choice of the fabric as well as the choice of quilting. There are many books, free patterns on the net, etc. that offer many suggestions on how to quilt something. When I see something quilted up and I like the design they used, it's an extra bonus for me. These are just my opinions and not meant to step on anyone's toes.
Brenda

feline fanatic

Such a great topic. I have both feet firmly planted..... On both sides of the argument! LOL. I have several books that offer suggestions on how to quilt particular quilt and I love that these books give me starting ideas that I can use or disregard as I see fit. I am always, always, always on the lookout for quilting motifs/designs/ideas.

On the other hand, as a long arm quilter, I take a great deal of pride when I can come up with a completely original idea/design based on how the quilt speaks to me. If someone else uses my design because they saw a picture I posted, great, but share the love and give credit. Many LA quilters do feel that way, especially ones that do really original work, like Green Fairy or Angela Waters. And then you have LAers who make a living by selling original quilting designs they come up with.

Then you have the quilters who feel the quilting is form of customizing their quilt.

I agree that a happy medium would be to have just one suggestion on how to quilt it with each pattern for those of us who simply cannot come up with a quilting idea no matter how hard we try, along with "or quilt as desired" for those of us who have our own ideas of how to finish up.

QuilterMomma

I seem to be full of advice today on quilting. So I have been doing this awhile, am a longarm quilter as well, and people bring quilts to me and say whatever you think. You do have a point on the quilt as desired. What I have done for myself and my customers, I am not selling myself here just giving advice to help you with your quilting, is to just look at the quilt, decide what it will be used for, how much I want the quilting to show, and what pattern the quilt is. When i decide on these things, I go from there to pick out a design. you have mentioned some books that are good and I have in my aresonal, but look at Pam Clarke's site and she has some real basic and easy ways to tackle quilting any quilt. When I get in a basic nine patch quilt, I use her methods to come up with a design. Also, her suggestion of using plastic sheets and a dry erase pen on top of a square really helps you get down the pattern of a quilt block to ease in the machine process, yes draw, draw, draw, and draw some more so your hand gets the memory of the pattern before the quilting. I hang my quilts up on my design wall and use the vinyl clear tablecloth so i can draw out the quilting ideas before even getting it ready to quilt. this helps my customers get an idea of what they want on their quilt and what I can do for them. I am with a group of quilters, both domestic and longarm, and these are suggestions I have learned over the years. Hope this helps you. the clear vinyl I bought at Joann Fabrics several years ago and works great. be sure to tape around the edge so you do not go onto your quilt, then that is anothe rmatter to deal with.

QuilterMomma

Machine Quilting Unlimited is a great magazine to help in finding out how to quilt something also.

justflyingin

I think in one sense you are over-analyzing, but on the other hand, I'd LOVE a book like you are suggesting!

I've wondered the same thing as you, but only mildly, but if I could find a book with some real advice about it, it would be very, very helpful!

lakekids

I have the book mentioned earlier - Quilting Makes the Quilt. I found it to be a good example of how different quilting designs affect the overall look of a quilt. I also would suggest getting some clear vinyl (you can get from Joanns). Then use a dry erase marker(be sure it is a dry erase marker) to mark designs and lay over the quilt top. This way you can audition different designs by erasing and trying a new design . Of course this won't be the same as actually quilting it but is is a way to work through different possiblities.

schuffle

I seem to remember a book by Christine Olson (?). The name was something like--You have the top done, what now? I meant to order it and, of course, lost the info. But the reviews said it gives you lots of ideas on quilting designs and how to get the quilt to 'talk' to you so you know what it needs.

Anyone have this info so I can order the book---and so can others?

Thank you, Kathy

amandasgramma

Even though I'm a longarmer, I, too, LOVE to see their ideas for quilting! And I've notice this last year or so that they are NOT showing the REAL quilting that was done on the quilts. In fact, I didn't buy 2 magazines because they 'showed' us how to quilt it ---- a basic meandering. HELLO! Why even bother???