How to choose pattern for new quilt?
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Central NM
Posts: 1,594
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How do you choose a pattern? I have the fabric. It's really 2 pieces of yardage that I want to use up. One is solar system and the other is bears on a picnic. Making baby quilts and want to use 6" blocks finished. I have purchased patterns, web site patterns, and 37 pages of pics of quilts from Pintrest. I just get lost. I wish I had a Go To pattern. Just too much to choose from. I think I'm suffering from too much stimulation.
#2
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,521
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I look for a pattern that intrigues me. Right now I am liking the Kira pattern that the ladies did versions of at Bonnie Hunter’s Quiltville Inn retreat. It was about a week ago. It is a simple pattern that when the block are put together, the triangles make a circle.
#3
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My criteria for baby quilts is much different than for bed/gift/occasion quilts. Baby quilts get a lot of wear and tear, and babies/kids aren’t usually particular about pattern. So for baby quilts I do something that looks nice but isn’t too intricate. Since you have a focus fabric and you say you want 6” blocks, I’d recommend Warm Wishes. Your focus fabric will be cut in 6.5” squares, and you can strip piece the alternate blocks with 2.5” strips. It will go together fast, showcase your focus fabric, and look good finished. You could also alternate plain squares with 4-patches, or do a 9P and Snowball quilt.
#4
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Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Posts: 3,851
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I have more patterns than Carter had little liver pills (you must be 60+ to understand that). I print pictures of quilts off Pinterest, or buy patterns and books that will never be used. A quilt has to really speak to me before I will attempt it. So far the conversation is mostly one sided. LOL
#5
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Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 173
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lindaschipper I got the biggest chuckle out of your response! I'm in the same boat you are! Only 60++...and it's still filling up! And I could have responded exactly as you did. But quilt lovers beware, you will definitely have collected more of everything, be it fabric, templates, books, etc---more than you will ever use in a lifetime...but it's addicting....but what fun! The love of quilting...
gotta love it!
Juliem1...google search and you will find more interesting pattern ideas AND the best part, FREE PATTERNS, than you can possibly imagine.
gotta love it!
Juliem1...google search and you will find more interesting pattern ideas AND the best part, FREE PATTERNS, than you can possibly imagine.
#7
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 5,946
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Sometimes I hang onto fabric until a pattern strikes my fancy and it's perfect for the fabric. If I find myself not really liking the fabric anymore, I will choose something easy and get it done. I like simple baby quilts. Pinwheels, nine patches, lots of contrast.
#9
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Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Gaylord, MN
Posts: 3,994
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Being 76 I don't like real intricate, difficult patterns anymore. Been there, done that. Mine are mostly donated to different causes so want something practical and able to withstand washings. I also like using things I already have, be it fabric, patterns, etc.
But that quilting bug is alive and well so keep going gals.
But that quilting bug is alive and well so keep going gals.
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#10
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,867
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I get most of my ideas from seeing other's quilts, mostly on the internet. I copy the photo with it's name. I have several folders which helps me when I need a new idea. The folders are titled with titles like Baby quilts, Cowboy quilts, I spy quilts, ABC quilts, just interesting quilts (ones I like, but would probably never make), easy interesting quilts, List of quilts to make and panel quilts. This helps me when I find I want to make something. It kind of makes me focus on what I want to do at the time, although right now, I'm making 3 yard quilts for donation to Project Linus. I've run out of grandkids, grand nieces and nephews to make kids kids quilts and I have a lot of I spy squares, juvenile prints, etc. that need to be used.
bkay
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