I think I should clarify my original statement.... in that I love historical blocks but I like trying to put them into new settings and using the wonderful new techniques that are available. Many of them are recently devised/ discovered. I just think many quilters have become slaves to commercial pattern... even to the point we recreate patterns using pre packaged fabrics and kits.

I have bought kits but mostly I find I end up using different fabrics and taking the original kit apart to use in other quilts.

I have decided my mind is quirky and as a cook I never follow a recipe... so as a quilter I am not one to follow the design choices of someone else... Even in my baby quilts I find I like putting them in different setting and designing my own borders instead of using the pre package directions...

Only bad part is sometimes my boarders take longer than the quilt to make.

I've done both, use patterns and my own ideas. I don't feel I am experienced enough to really design a large quilt on my own yet. I am using a lot of ideas that I see here on TQS. My Dec challenge piece (not finished yet) is based on idea from the first show I watched. Sandi in FL

I use patterns.

My inspiration comes from different places though. I tend to get into a rut when I'm working on a very time consuming top that is quite monotonous. To get out of the rut, I look through my patterns, books, stash and try to come up with an idea for someone specific.

Lately, I've been branching out to other quilted items... bags, random crafty things, etc. That has helped since the timeframe required to complete something is shorter so I feel like I can actually finish something!

I think what I tend to do is start with a pattern and then veer off a bit. What I've enjoyed lately is making blocks and using a different setting. I plan on making my BOM quilt quite different than Sue's plan.

That way, there's guidance for making the blocks, whether pieced or appliqued, and then I get to use my creativity in the arrangement and borders.

Maybe this is a step towards making my own designs, I'm just not quite there yet.

I also tend to chose colors that are quite different than the example in the book or pattern. At least it's a bit more original that way.

Nancy in BRRRR Western NY

I use to think that I would have so much more time to quilt when I stopped working and my son went off to college. In my mind, I would send my husband out the door in the morning...put dinner in the crock pot ....grab a cup of java and head to the sewing room.
Somehow...that is not how it happens. Lately...I have been spending time in the sewing room...only to dust.

It seems my days are spent doing stuff other than quilting. Frankly when my husband is home in the evenings, I do want to spend time with him.

I have about hundred quilts drifting around in the head. Now...to just find the time to do them.

This next year will be the year of the quilt for me. I absolutely have to do some stuff for ME. I am not going to commit to doing community projects next year. I know...I am Grinch...but I spend so much time on the community projects that is all I seem to get done. I decided to pick ONE community which I enjoy doing.

FW (2009 The Year of the Quilt)

I use patterns. I love antique and vintage quilt and there are usually patterns galore for them so I don't try to invent the wheel. I may improvise a little here and there but a large percent of my quilts are from patterns.

I prefer to design my own quilts, rarely, if ever, use a pattern. I might use a quilt or another type of design for inspiration, but I will adapt it to my purpose.
I recently purchased a book recommended by a quilter on another list that is designed to spark creativity. It's called "Caffeine for the Creative Mind". Lots of silly? exercises to get you thinking outside the box. I think it could be a fun group exercise.

I have been thinking about creativity lately
(see tirade / posts about quilting magazine) I also have been thinking about the early American quilts and pioneer quilting efforts. Many of those quilts were one of a kind designs or adaptations of earlier blocks. The quilters put their own idea into the quilts; they do not seem so COOKIE CUTTER slaves to patterns as today's quilts are.

I really enjoy the Dear Jane blocks / quilt because the blocks were so small and because many of the blocks seem to be original to that quilt. I do not think I have ever heard about or seen an quilt made in the same manner. ( I could be wrong since I am not well traveled in the quilting sense.)

I think the difference with the today's award winning quilt show quilters and the majority of us quilters , is that the award winner take chances and design their own work/ projects. They do not rely so much on patterns and books written by someone else. They might use older patterns as a spring board but then do their own thing.

In that light I have I been trying to get out of the box and stretching my quilting muscles. I am letting the fabric and the blocks I am making dictate the setting and over all design of my quilts. I am really enjoying the process.... It is not that my ideas are award winner ( workmanship and techniques leave a lot to be desired) but I am relying less and less on commercial quilt patterns sold in stores, books and magazines.

I am wondering how many other quilters are using commercial patterns VS designing their own quilts and patterns.

All comments welcome in this discussion ... I want to explore creativity with other quilters.