Oklahoma Suzie

I almost always change the pattern. I like it to be mine.

GingerK

My quilting is very much like my knitting used to be--I have never met a pattern that I could not make more difficult. I seldom follow a pattern to the letter. Guess I'm a rebel too!

charsuewilson

I also like the cooking analogy. I often enlarge a block pattern. I often leave out various parts, particularly if they're too flowery for me. And every quilt is your own, because it has the fabrics you chose included in it.

Lori S

It is rare that I have ever followed a pattern exactly. Typically I find I am reducing the scale, in addition to other modifications. I see patterns as just a general guideline, no absolutes.

Stitchnripper

Mostly as a starting point.

Mariposa

I'm with you, Tartan. Usually do my own twist on things. Like sewing, cooking, crafts, etc.

tessagin

I don't follow patterns, they are there for direction but I like detours. Makes projects interesting. I also don't follow recipes to the spoonful. I leave some ingredients out. Tweaking makes it yours!

crafty pat

Sometimes when I start working with a pattern I see it in several different ways and have to play with it and choose what I like best.

maryb119

Patterns are a good starting point but really I think patterns are just a suggestion for what ever I am making. Once in a while, I follow a pattern to the letter but most of the time, I do my own thing and make up my own pattern. I work it out on graph paper and go from there.

ShelleyCS

I followed a pattern on my first two quilts and have winged my way along with graph paper and colored pencils since. I've used the odd pattern as a jumping off point, but haven't the patience to follow a pattern to the letter.