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What steers your choice?

The last year or so I've been trying to choose patterns that will increase my skill level. Not always hard - for instance my Snake River Quilt was only straight lines but the 1/4" scant seam was very important to make the quilt fit together correctly. And by piecing that quilt I got a LOT of practice. It didn't hurt that it is an awesome quilt. I also got to use a chunk of my stash. A win-win.

So what factors play into your decision to make a particular quilt?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: katiemedarlin,

Right now I don't really need a challenge so am looking for something easy for 3 comfort snuggle quilts to use my Dad's shirts in when I get back to sewing. Sometimes I make a table runner in a challenging design do I don't have one more UFO on the pile and it gets done so I can use it or pass it on.
My challenge is in going into the fabric room and deciding what I'm realy going to cut up!! Oooo that blue is so pretty and goes nicely with the green...and the green is really pretty next to the pink...and the yellow makes the pink pop annnndddddd *sigh* more chocolate please.

piney

I agree that small projects are perfect for challenging myself. I'm doing fewer large quilts because I don't need them and I tend to not quilt them. I have a picture of my next large quilt on my fridge. It'll take a while to get the perfect colors so it's been on hold for a year. In the meantime I'll enjoy tablerunners, wallhangings, and baby quilts. One of my dream quilts is Shakespeare in the Park but I can't decide on a color scheme. I may make it for the large wall behind my couch.

I like mystery's because it makes me use up my stash in ways that I don't think I would have!! I know one mystery - if I would have know it was baskets not one of my favorite designs - I would not have done it!! What I ended up with is a BEAUTIFUL quilt that I love!! So, I love mysteries because you have no idea what you are going to be asked to and what you are going to end up with.

I also have the pattern 'speak' to me. Another one of my favorite quilts is one I instantly fell in love with on a magazine - and then found out later you could order a kit for it!!! So, I did - then took myself to the only retreat I have ever been on (yes, I went by myself and didn't tell anyone that I was doing this and I had the best time!! Strangers can be so nice!!! ) and I put the top together!! By the time I left it was done and ready to be quilted!! FUN!!

I see things in books and magazines that grab me, French Braid being one, but I have not done that one yet. Love it though and I will. LOVE doing One Block Wounders!!! That quilt to me is magic!! I have 3 fabrics waiting to be made into them!!! :

I want something that I will enjoy doing, that makes me happy and that I can be proud of.

And EvelynB - Shakespeare in the Park is on my list too!!!!! LOVE THAT QUILT!!!!! I have a little collection started for it, and I am thinking blues....... but that could change!!!!

Insperation come from many places and another one on my 'to-do' list is.... oh what is it called!!!!? Storm at Sea!! : Yes I had to go find it!! Do you have either of the 'Quilt Makers Gift' quilt books? Have you read the kids book?? LOVE that book - it's on my shelf beside the quilt books and yes I do read it occasionaly.... But I love the quilts in those books - Storm at Sea is in the 2nd one.
My GF made one out of greens for her grandson and it doesn't sound pretty but when she showed me I almost fell on the ground!! It was gorgeous!! And that is probably why I have not made on yet because I want mine to be as pretty!!!

Let the quilt pick you - and then go with it! You won't go wrong!! Promise!!!

My quilts are decided by the purpose they are made. My bed--colors I like, go together somewhat quickly due to time available, usually is not a pattern/design I have already done. A design that grabs me, or sometimes one that I need to use a number of colors in to use up a group of fabrics.

If it is a wedding quilt for the nieces/nephews the colors are more their request or along the lines of their favorites. The design again is a fresh one usually but one that has an intertwined look somewhat like a DWR but isn't one. I've made about 13 of those plus 5 for kids in law and 5 or more for my kids and none of them have been repeated patterns.

No help here. Mostly I make tops for QWL and my goal is to make as basic a top as I can so it gets done quickly... Chris

quote:

And EvelynB - Shakespeare in the Park is on my list too!!!!! LOVE THAT QUILT!!!!! I have a little collection started for it, and I am thinking blues....... but that could change!!!!

Blue is my favorite color for my house. I'd make it a blue batik quilt but I've already made several. I bought the book in case it goes out of print before I make it.

If you'd like to drool for a while, look at the photos Judy Martin has posted on her site. The Snake River quilts are shown here. Katie, have you sent her a photo of your quilt?
http://www.judymartin.com/Viewer-Photos.cfm

Shakespeare in the Park is gorgeous!

There actually is a picture of mine on there but I don't want to post my last name here. Funny, I didn't really think that my picture would be posted, I was just so happy to finish it that I wanted her to see it. I'm sure she could care less, but I sure was happy. I really love her patterns.

There really are some lovely quilts there, aren't there? I spent some time last night going through them. There are others that are certainly eye-popping! I always find it interesting the colors people choose.

I also find it interesting how many people choose the same color as the original. I almost never do that. I see a pattern and think of what color I would like to see it done in. I can't think of a time I've ever made a quilt in exactly the same color as the pattern.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: katiemedarlin,

I have to know "who" the quilt is intended to go to and then take it from there. Eventually something will pop into my head Now I'm going to go and try and find the Shakespeare one posted about. Sounds scrumptious.