KimmerB

I follow a pattern but change up colors and borders unless I really like the original pattern. I am not sure of myself to go off on my own yet.

shasta5718

I do both, it just depends on what I feel like doing. That makes it fun for me.

Caswews

LOL okay my secret is out .. I usually follow a pattern; but last year's quilts I didn't. I just went for it with strip quilt, tumbler quilt, and a block quilt. Had a blast thinking outside the lines.
This year the grands have specific things in mind from patterns so I guess I will use the pattern this year .. LOL

linhawk

Sometimes I follow, sometimes I sorta follow, other times I do it my own way.

msrosecooks

I am alittle of both. Depends on the pattern.

IBQUILTIN

I usually start with an inspiration "pattern" then change it a million different ways. Designing is such fun. Right now I have all the fabrics for a quilt for my GD, and can't decide on a pattern that will really show off the focus fabric. I tried yesterday to post pics of the fabric for some ideas, and my camera's card wont download. Have to change the memory card and try again later today.

RugosaB

I NEVER follow the pattern exactly, but sort of use it as a springboard to dive into the unknwon

Jan in VA

Often I see a picture, draw my own idea of that picture (quilt), and make it.
Sometimes I'm only curious how the fabrics/colors work together and find it goes into the UFO pile before completion.
Other times it becomes a sample for a class I teach. Still other times it goes to our guild's community quilts.

There are many great artists who left work undone and no one denies *their* genius!

Jan in VA

MadQuilter

I follow the patter until something goes kaddywhompus - I realize I cut the wrong size, I'm short of the feature fabric, etc. Then I get creative because by now I am generally too far into the project to quit. One thing is pretty consistent: I generally write out my plan on a sketch pad and check off the steps as I go. It is not so much necessary but it feeds the need for the process person.

nanacc

Pattern??? Oh, yeah; I have lots of those. I have even made 1 or 2 quilts by a pattern(sort of)! Otherwise, I could qoute yel.........Mostly out of my mind!!