Here's the Amazon link tothe books "Quilting Makes the Quilt by Lee Cleland.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1564770753/...sl_9r4wxl6i3_e

I have had this book for quite a while and refer back to it to get an idea of how particular designs work in certain stype spaces. For example, how does cross-hatch stitching look on an alternated block that is next to a detailed applique one. Even if I never really used anything from the book, it certainly is eye candy!

recently attended the Sewing Expo in Puyallup, Wa. While there i attended a couple of lectures by Alex Anderson, one on quilting the quilt. Her guidance: the quilting should be about the same density over all, echo a shape found within the quilt fabric or piecing, fancy stitches don't generally show up in the geometric piecing very well so keep them for the canvas of bigger spaces/sashings etc. look for patterns in nature, architectural designs etc. She has a book out on quilting and recommended one called, "Finishing Touches" by a deceased Mennonite quilter she learned from early in her career.
i took pictures of mosaic tiles, windows, fences, churches and more when i travel and use those for quilting inspiration.

Oh my, you hit on my biggest problem. I have a couple completed tops just sitting there because I have no idea what pattern to use to quilt them. I agree with you, I am so unhappy with "quilt as desired".

You may be a new quilter, ma'am, but you're not a "new" writer. Thank you. Beautiful, descriptive, well conceived language. Be still my heart!

You're not overdoing anything. Let me repeat, "You're not overdoing anything." I think people who are steeped in a subject, ala quilting, sometimes do newbies like you and me the honor of thinking we're as well versed, and experienced etc. as they are. Voila! A communication problem.

The only way I know to communicate in this economy is with my wallet and my feet. If I don't like it, I won't put up with it, and I won't buy the good or service anymore. If ICustomer offers an opinion, suggestion, etc., "Ignore her. She's just one customer and completely disposable. Totally ignore her and move on. No, don't keep track of other customers who agree with her. What would they know? Keep remembering how much money and effort and personnel we save by doing business this way."

My take on the subject is the best we can hope for is that they've got a self defeating business plan and that we "outlive" it. Or maybe we can hope for a new trend.

I relinquish the podium. ;-) Pat

I just bought a book "Pathways to Better Quilting" 5 shapes for machine quilt patterns by Sally Terry. While it is more for Free Motion Quilitng, there is a section on how to choose quilting patterns that compliment blocks rather than distract. I am finding the book informative without compromising my own "feel' for creativity. It is a American Quilter's Society publication in 2004 of the Golden Thread series.
Good Luck with your search. I agree with you. "Quilt as desired" is as lame as "cook until done"--what would that be?

I located this book from our local library and think it may be of interest to you. It is called "Quilt as Desired" by Charlene C. Frable. Has many quilting patterns to use. I saw in on Half.com (an Ebay related site) for under $10.00. Hope this helps you some.

In one of our first quilting lessons we were told that the real work only starts once the piecing is done. What a let-down to be told now to do it "as required". If you get to this part of the instructions late at night or on a day when life has sapped your energies, you are bound to chuck a lovely quilt top in a deep closet where it becomes another UFO. Thank goodness for the Board where you can get help when needed!

There IS a book that shows different blocks and different quilting designs you can use with each block. Even setting squares are included. I and my quilter friends love it. "Quilt It!" by Barbara Chainey published byMartingale Company in 1999 I think. Don't know current price. If you're close to a library you might check there as this is a basic how-to book of interest to many quilters.

I have the same problem. I'm almost done piecing a small lap quilt and I honestly don't know where to go once I get it sandwiched.

'Quilt as Desired" was always the standard. Quiltmaker changed that. That editor always included an idea for quilting. If I need a quilt in a hurry, I meander quilt. I also have drawn out about 5 quilting designs for 'emergency' child quilts.

It's tough to stray from the pattern follower path. I know. I'm a pattern follower. However, you have to realize that most of those magazine/book quilts are computer quilted. Once you convince yourself of that, it's easier to start looking at stuff that YOU can do.

You are a new quilter. It's going to take you a bit of time to figure out if you have a style or preference because you haven't seen enough quilting examples that YOU can do. Quiltmaker Mag was always a good choice for a beginner. They used to have a whole library online, but they put those into their books/disks. They do have a new one every month though. I save it every month and stick in a file. I've used 3 of them now. I noticed that they now have digital issues - that is certainly an option for you - cheaper than mailing you copies (not even sure that they mail outside of US and Canada).

Figuring out what to use on a quilt is as much personality as exposure to different types of quilting. I just discovered McTavishing and I think that is fabulous for wall quilts. Maybe not so good for a bed quilt (all that tight quilting flattens the batting).