pattern opinons

Depends on what I need a quilt for!

If I really like a pattern, and it is only for a throw, I'll probably buy it anyway and then work to come up with additional border designs or I'll enlarge the block to make the quilt larger.

Scaling down is much more difficult. Buying a queen/full size pattern doesn't make much sense if you don't like making big quilts... or if you don't quilt your own quilts and more longarm costs aren't in your budget.

Again... if I really like a pattern... I'll buy it... and hang on to it for when I need a quilt that the pattern will work for. Patterns are "cheap"... and fun to look through from time to time. Almost as much fun as fondling fabric.

Is the pattern such that ALL sizes could be given? Like: make 10 blocks for WUH, 15 for throw, 20 for queen, 25 for King; or add X number of borders of X" to reach each size? Having never worked on making/designing a pattern I wouldn't know.

Butterfly (just asking questions to help you think it thru a bit more)

I think one of the patterns I'm working on could be done that way. The other one I'm working on is a pattern for a jelly roll and charm pack combo so it would be one size.

Ms P

I agree with Kate--easier to make it bigger than smaller. Also, figuring out how to enlarge it may challenge me more, like by adding a pieced border that I've never tried before.

Makes no difference -anything can be adapted. Roberta in D

"Ms P" schrieb im Newsbeitrag news: snipped-for-privacy@mid.individual.net...

Wouldn't make a difference to me, as I can quite easily change sizes. However, for those who don't want to have to do this, perhaps you could include a sheet or two of instructions on how to make it larger or smaller. . In message , Ms P writes

Ah yes, O wise one - I completely forgot about specific fabric requirements. Sorry. . In message , Pat in Virginia writes

snorfle, congenitally cheap. i am too, its my scottish blood, i cant help being that way, even now that i dont have to be that way, i still am, its how i was raised too, be frugal whenever possible. shrug, jeanne

Hmmm. The patterns I usually buy have instructions for all sizes. Sometimes I just get to a stopping point and voila! That's the size of the quilt I'm making. I hardly ever stick with the pattern all the way through anyway. Sometimes my quilts are a little like a Pentecostal experience....the quilting spirit moves and I leave the pattern in the dust. You can tell I'm not much for planning. I have fun though, does that count? :-)

Sherry

Yes, somehow I think it does count.

Ms P

Thank you all for your thoughts. You've all been very helpful!! It sounds like most people want a variety of sizes if possible.

Ms P

Okay, this brings up another question. What are the most important things,to you, to be able to see on a pattern envelope? Remember that there is a limited amount of space on the cover, back and front. Is more info better than less info in a larger type? What kind of picture of the actual quilt is most appealing? Is a straight hanging quilt better, or an "artistically draped" one? If a pattern is written for several sizes, how do you like to have the fabric requirements listed? What sizes of projects are most appealing? (In general?) Would you like to see a second color way of the project on the back cover? Does printing over part of the quilt photo "bug" you? or is it irrelevant as long as you can see the majority of the quilt?

Pati, > You will see my other response, but I have this to add. When I pick up

Neither. All I need is a block pattern. I like deciding the size of the block and the size of the quilt. Debra in VA See my quilts at

I'm cheap too -seldom buy quilt patterns! Most are easy enough to draft from the photo, and they almost never get made the same way anyhow. Don't want something that looks exactly like the photo! Roberta in D

"Pat in Virginia" schrieb im Newsbeitrag news:vexji.63850$ snipped-for-privacy@newsfe22.lga...

Roberta: My quilts tend to be my own rendition of traditional blocks. I was a draftsman in a former life, so I do enjoy working out my own blocks and sets.

However, I occasionally do buy a pattern for a really different style or technique. THAT is when I want guidelines for buying fabric for several sizes of project. Even if I buy a pattern, I make lots of changes. Still, if I lay out the money, I want value!

PAT > I'm cheap too -seldom buy quilt patterns! Most are easy enough to draft from

** More info. I wear my glasses, so can read normal type. ** Full on. NOT draped. NO babies or cats sitting on quilt. Just the quilt, Ma'am! ** How about a chart, similar to what is on a dress pattern? ** ALL!! :)

** No. ** The latter ... the quilt must be easy to admire.

Agree with Pat---especially keeping everything OFF the quilt to keep the distraction away. I'm buying the Pattern, not someone's pet or flowers or chair that it's hanging on. If I can't see ALL the pattern then how will I know if there is a small piece that needs appliqué? Anymore, my first question on seeing a pattern is will MY Hands be able to maneuver the fabric for this? (For instance, I recently bought a pattern titled " But It's A Dry Heat" for 2 reasons: I could SEE what it curtailed and the supply list was easy to read on the back of the package INCLUDING a note saying "buy a bit extra if you intend to "fussy cut" motifs from the fabric. What helped is the price tag did NOT cover any pertinent info. Besides the title drawing me in, I liked that it was done like a crossword puzzle. I normally do not buy patterns)

HTH Butterfly