Quilt Patterns

[Lois B.]

I am not creative enough to create my own quilt block, is that a bad thing?

[Norma H.]

Nothing is good or bad as long as you make blocks you really like

[Norma H.]

Since there are several gazillion different blocks it would probably be hard to totally invent a new one, especially if you are using simple geometry. 'It's not what you do,it's the way that you do it, and that's what gets results' in the words from a song (Banana-Rama & the Fun Boy Three) Don't sweat it, find what you like and play with it. We all make 'traditional blocks' along the way.

[Marti O.]

No, it is not. I quilt because I enjoy it. I enjoy the process of picking the patterns, selecting the fabric, washing and ironing it, cutting it, piecing, and yes, even binding it. Notice I didn't say quilting it - my DH does that for me because I don't enjoy it. I took my first class in 1976 and I'm still quilting and I still don't create my own blocks. I may change patterns or create a quilt from one I've seen in a picture but creating blocks is something I don't want to do. Take whatever part of this process you enjoy and do it.

[Marti O.]

completely okay! There are so many options for quilt patterns, you'll have loads to keep you busy. One of my favorite sites for beginning stuff is Gen X Quilters Block Library -- she links tutorials, labeled by photo, that are available on the web for free. Not necessarily printable patterns, and not whole quilts, but a great place to try out different blocks and learn them because of the tutorials.

Then for patterns/tutorials for whole quilts, Moda Bake Shop is great; they have a lot of different type of patterns/tutorials, not just quilts, but you can easily search or sort their posts to find things you might like to do.

Here are the links ---

Quilt Block Library -- http://www.genxquilters.com/p/quilt-block-library.html

Moda Bake Shop -- http://www.modabakeshop.com/

Hope that helps

[Margo C.]

Matthew, just enjoy the journey and do what makes your heart sing!!

[Nancy R.]

Couldn't have said it better, Margo!

Nancy

[Nancy R.]

I am not creative enough to create my own quilt block, is that a bad thing?

My guess is that you are way more creative than you give yourself credit. Otherwise, you likely wouldn't be a quilter--you cut up fabric, then put it back together to create a quilt which is art as much as craft.

Being very left-brained myself, I can truly relate to your thought that you are not creative enough. However, I would never ever buy a quilt kit for myself. (I know we're not supposed to ever say never, but this is my belief) My joy and creative expression comes from selecting my colors and fabrics. Also, I rarely use a pattern and have never ever followed a quilt pattern exactly--I always have to put my own spin on things because I want my quilts to be unique. A few times I have made quilts from quilt panels or kits that were gifted to me, but again I made them uniquely. My friends and family often tell me how creative I am, and I've learned that if three or more unrelated people tell you something about yourself then you must consider that there's some truth to what they say.

Keep your eyes open and you are likely to see something that will inspire you to create a new quilt block. Trust me, if I can, anybody can.

[Renata L.]

So well-said, Nancy. I very much related to what you said here and concur.

[Renata L.]

I don't remember anything in the whole world about Banana-Rama. Ever. Must be a Brit thing, but I do remember a bit of Latin:
Non Quo Sed Quo Modo,

I think is what Rosemary is saying, It''s not WHAT but HOW. Just enjoy and thanks for sharing your progress on the forum!

[Deborah W.]

Matthew, just enjoy the journey and do what makes your heart sing!!

Totally agree.

[Deborah W.]

For the song & band I was talking about go here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doHQjoQmr1E
Be warned dreadful 80's hairdos & stage outfits... (the chorus is also liable to stick in your brain ad infinitum too :wink: )

[Nancy R.]

I don't remember that song, but I do remember Bananrama and Venus and Cruel Summer. Brings back memories!

Nancy

[Nancy R.]

Sorry, I was more White Snake, Journey, and Culture club.

[Nancy R.]

Scary thing, I was all those, too! Guess I listened to just about anything. But I was mostly things like Nirvana, Erasure and Depeche Mode.

Nancy