Pat Sloan recently wrote a book for Leisure Arts titled Focus on the Center. And Pat offered up the chance to review the book and share what I think of it with you. My first thought when she asked was, "Oh great. A book full of patterns. I'm sooo not a pattern sewer." I mean, come on, I've made no bones about the fact that I'm not a sew-by-a-pattern- kind of girl.
And I keep saying that and then I've looked back over the last year and realized that I've sewn my fair share of quilts from a pattern. A pattern I tell you! What is the world coming to?
The book presents eight new looks for medallion quilts and without doing a single lick of research I have to suspect that traditional medallion quilts are born from quilters just like me. First create a center -- a medallion -- and then add rounds around it until it reaches the size that you want. Cause, I'm telling you, after looking at Pat's book that is exactly how these quilts are put together. Make the center medallion and then add rounds around it.
Bingo. This concept makes total sense to me!
This quilt pattern from the book is called Blue Lagoon and I'm thinking of giving it a go with these fabrics. Now to decide whether the path created in the center and around the border is going to be red, aqua or gray. I'm leaning towards gray.
The great thing about blog tours is you know they involve prizes. Two winners from each of the ten blogs on the tour will win a copy of Focus on the Center. That gives you 20 chances to win. For your chance here, leave a comment telling me whether you are a pattern sewer or not. You have until midnight on Monday, May 7, 2012 to enter here and on all of the other blog tour blogs as well.
So comment and visit . . .
Tuesday May 1
V & Co.
La Vie En Rosie
Wednesday May 2
Quiltville's Quips & Snips
Quilting Gallery
Thursday May 3
Bumble Beans Inc.
P.S. I Quilt
Friday May 4
Canton Village Quiltworks
Me -- Old Red Barn Co.
Saturday May 5
Field Trips in Fiber
Fresh Lemons
Winners will be selected by random draw. International entries welcome.
Good luck!
-dana
188 comments:
I usually use patterns but have lots of ideas in my head for quilts I want to make in the future. Some art quilts, some from photographs. Thank you for the chance to win.
I am definitely a pattern sewing. I have no confidence in my own math skills to figure out how things will fit together. Thanks for the chance to win.
I usually use a pattern but often change it up to my design - just like recipes I doctor up !!
Linda
Otttexas@yahoo.com
I used to follow patterns, but now I just pick ideas from the web and adapt them to whatever fabric I have on hand
Right now I'm a pattern sewer because I am a novice. I'm working on a Bali Pops quilt kit, then plan do do one with my Passage to India fabrics.
trilliumcreates AT gmail DOT com
I am not a pattern person although there are some very interesting ones available. Thank you for an opportunity to win a copy.
I am a pattern sewer. I used to try and design my own, but it took so much time figuring out yardages and sizes that I never got anything done. So now I let someone else do all that work and enjoy the sewing.
I use patterns from my fave bloggers because I am so inspired by their creations I NEED to make the exact same one!
Like V&Co., Anka's treasures, cluck cluck sew and Camille Roskelley to name a few...but as much as I love these patterns, I've followed very few so far :)
But I've bought all the fabric for each of them and could start at any time! :)
I like patterns because the math is done for me. The math thing really hurts my head and I end up asking my hubby for help often.
I mostly use patterns. My first (and only!) quilt was my own pattern though.
I usually follow a pattern; but, if I make a mistake (that is uniform in all blocks such as size), I keep rolling along instead of backtracking. LOL :-)
I'm more a girl of looking at a pattern and getting inspired by it then using it the way I want!
Thanks for the chance to win :)
Would love to win a copy of the book. Thanks for the chance.
For my first quilt (ever!) it was by a pattern. The next? Maybe a pattern or maybe I'll go bold and wing it like this great chick I know. ;)
Thanks for a chance at a book that looks absolutely fabulous.
For the most part I do not use patterns. And if I do use one I usually end up changing the pattern a bit.
Thank you for the opportunity of the giveaway.
I guess that makes me a kinda. I follow and sew the freebee patterns and awesomeness that I find on line. Thank you all for that. <3
Love your choice of colors. I have so much blue but it would be nice to see it as a red lagoon.
Like your colours Dana. Grey would be great but red would work great too!
Is this a self help blog? Well anyway...my name is Woolie and I use patterns!
Oh yes, I must have a pattern! I'm totally insecure without one!
I am a pattern sewer but wish I could be a little more adventurous and make something up on my own. That just seems to take too much time so generally I follow a pattern but change the size or color or something about it to make it my own.
I do both -- some patterns and some I make up out of my head. I use patterns when I see something that I just love (which is often). However, I really enjoy the math of figuring it out myself. That's nearly the best part of quilting. Besides how gorgeous the fabrics are.
Thanks for participating in the giveaway. I enjoyed your pattern/no pattern discussion. Yes, medallion quilts can be spontaneous and intuitive! I really like your nine-patch in the blog header!
I love Pat's new book so much, I bought one already. Soooo if I win this, I will gift it to another Sloanie. LOL
I am totally a pattern sewer. Sometimes I make my own pattern on EQ but most often I use a book or stand alone pattern for my quilts. I usually add blocks, borders or something to make the quilt bigger for my bed but I like that patterns have the yardage and the sizes of the pieces all figured out for me.
I have just barely entered the world of quilting and have not used a pattern just yet. One day... I love the grey fabric.
I am a hybrid sewer. Sometimes I follow a pattern exactly. Many times I alter it to fit what I need. Am very thankful for all the designers out there tho. Would love to win the book- Pat is a Super-Star.
I start out as a pattern follower, I swear. But sometimes in the middle I veer off and do my own thing. :D
Sometimes it even works!
I am somethign in between ... I usually pick out two or three patterns and mix and match them, meaning I pick the center from there and a border from there and the quitling from the other one ... or I just take two with different blocks and mix them ... well so I sort of stick to the patterns but not really.
I use patterns sometimes, and sometimes I don't. Thanks for the giveaway!
I'm fairly new to quilting and I tend to use a pattern. Although I have designed a few quilts for my grandchildren. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book.
I do a little of both. I use patterns for the involved quilts with embroidery on them and on the pieced quilts or scrappy ones tend to do my own thing.
I prefer tutorials or just figuring a pattern out from a photo.
I am a pattern sewer, but I'm just beginning. I actually am taking my first class this month! I inherited a TON of quilting books from my mom, but I've never machine or hand-sewn a quilt top before. I am like a kid on Halloween, trying to collect all the goodies (tips, wisdom, examples, and first hand instruction) I can!
I'm a pattern kind of girl. I have never tried to make my own quilt as I don't know if I could figure out the sizes for all the pieces. Thanks for the chance to win. Enjoyed your Blog.
Eu já usei alguns padrões,mas atualmente não.É uma pena pois tem tantos lindos...Hoje comentamos isso aqui em casa,quando trocamos as cores que o artista criou,a peça parece outra, e eu não gostei de duas mudanças que fiz,achei um horror...Agora escolho o bloco e vou brincando até encontrar o que eu realmente gosto.Minha prima e eu fizemos um acordo se uma de nós ganharmos esse prêmio,nos comprometemos a fazer tooooodas.Obrigada.tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com
I'm starting to like sewing a quilt by a pattern more and more. thakns for the chance to win:-)
I'm a pattern sewer in the beginning. What I mean is that when trying something new I use a pattern and learn a lot but it isn't very long before I'm trying my own versions of things and adjusting for my taste or ideas.
That looks like a fun book and fun fabrics to make a quilt in!
I tend to start with a pattern but then change things up to make it "mine". I look at patterns as a place to start, a springboard so to speak......
Well, I do use patterns but then I'll take those blocks and create a new layout that wasn't mentioned in the pattern. So I do both. I love to create my own and envy those of you who get paid to do it!
I am Totally a pattern sewer! Even if it means mimicking a design to form a pattern of my own.
I use patterns and also use ideas I find on Flickr to create quilts myself.
Linda on travjonuk@yahoo.com
I do use patterns but many times I use it as a launching point and do my own thing.
I love using quilt patterns - but I usually make some changes along the way to make it mine. Thanks for the chance to win.
I usually use a pattern. Thanks for the chance to win.
I've used patterns in the past and had great results, but for some reason they intimidate me until I get started. I think it's interpreting other people's instructions. Saying that, I do love the fact that you don't have to work out the maths yourself when following a pattern!
THANKS FOR SHARING IN THE TOUR-FUN!
I THINK I DO BOTH. PATTERNS ARE A SURE THING+I LIKE THAT,BUT ONCE IN A WHILE I LIKE TO DESIGN MY OWN.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR BLOG!
msstitcher1214@yahoo.com
they all look interesting but I really like the cover quilt! Soft lavender and greens in batiks that are sitting on my shelf.
I usually start with a pattern, but I won't necessarily follow it. I think it is important to make the piece my own in some way.
I am really bad at following patterns, but love them anyway!
I'm generally way too cheap to pay for a pattern, but I like books because you get more bang for your buck! I enjoy reverse-engineering patterns too :)
Patterns even though I usually end up changing them so much you wouldn't know it
Donna Gauch
I probably use patterns about half the time. And of those, I probably add a tweak to it somehow.
I'm definitely a pattern sewer. It's what draws me in. Sometimes I'll make a few modifications, but mostly not. One thing I'm not tied to in a pattern is the color or specific fabrics. I never go for pattern kits...ever! Thanks for an opportunity to win. Have a wonderful Friday, Sandi
Forgot to mention that I'd have gone with the gray too! Sandi
Pattern sewer for the most part. Love Pat's new book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
I am for sure a pattern sewer/I also like when the author is very precise after each step with the size of the block at that point. I say this because there are a lot that do not give that advice.
I am a pattern quilter but there are times when I don't like something in the pattern and I change it. I am wanting to branch out of that pattern rut..maybe one day.
I am usually a pattern sewer but periodicallyI have some material in my stash that just talks to me and I make up my own pattern.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Well to tell you the truth I use patterns a lot of the time. I have made my own designs as well. I have done several challenges and they have been entirely my own designs. I have designed my own bag patterns, wall hangings, and bed quilts. So I guess you could say I dabble in both. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win a copy of Pat's new book.
I use a pattern, but often times change something more to my liking.
I'm really excited about this book! I so both, sew from patterns and when I feel adventures, I'll come up with my own.
cavjav at cox dot net
I use patterns more than not. Of course that doesn't mean I follow them precisely.
I choose a pattern but then as I move along I tend to change things a little bit. I do the same with recipes. I think its contagious. Nevertheless, I'd love to win that lovely book and try to follow a pattern for once.
I frequently use patterns, but I have designed a couple of my quilts. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of this book.
I do use patterns but seem to always do some tweaking to change things up and make them more to my liking. Thanks for the chance at the book giveaway - would love to win!
I usually sew with a pattern as a starting point. I almost never make it exactly as the original though.
I'm all about patterns! !
I use quilt patterns as a getting started guideline for the piecing of the blocks. Once get to asembly and borders frequently stray from the directions. I like making queen quilts. The idea of a medallion quilt is wonderful because bet Pat's quilt designs accomodate people like me. Thanks for the chance.
I use quilt patterns as a getting started guideline for the piecing of the blocks. Once get to asembly and borders frequently stray from the directions. I like making queen quilts. The idea of a medallion quilt is wonderful because bet Pat's quilt designs accomodate people like me. Thanks for the chance.
Yes, I am definitely a pattern sewer. Whenever I try to make my own patterns I tend to leave out some measurement I need and then realize it when it is too late to fix it. It does however, give you the opportunity to be a little creative when that happens.
I'm not usually a pattern sewer. I like to make things up as I go along. I like simple things like your quilt along from a couple years ago. I am about to finally finish it. :-) I would love to start a medallion quilt (I like the Lucky Charms quilt in Pat's book) so I could finish it in a couple years from now. :-) Thanks for the chance to win!
I suppose you could say I follow patterns...I see a quilt I like and imitate the pattern I see!
working on a medallion quilt now! love these. thanks for a chance.
Definitely a pattern sewer. Thanks for the giveaway.
A bit of both...I have made my share of patterns but then sometimes I just go for it! Pat's book is so interesting, thanks for giving us a chance to win one!
I haven't used a pattern to make a quilt except for being inspired by a quilt and then making my own from there. I'm not much for following instructions, unfortunately. I need to work on that.
I always start out with good intentions .... to sew with a pattern that is .... then somehow along the way it gets tweaked a bit, a few changes here and a few changes there. I try honestly I do, but patterns and recipies are the same for me...I begin with good intentions and then ....changes happen. :D
sowingstitches [at] yahoo [dot] com
I'd say that more than half the time I use patterns. I love to collect patterns and books!
I'm a mixed pattern/no-pattern sewist... I use patterns for things that look complicated, like dresses and button-down shirts (basically anything I haven't much experience with) but I've gotten more and more comfortable making my own patterns and designs for all kinds of things. Some of them even turn out well. :-)
I resist patterns, use them as"guidelines"or I will mostly follow a pattern and put my own spin on it!
I use patterns once in a while but I really prefer to just wing it.
I need a pattern to sew by.
I am a pattern sewer, sewist, sewing gal, whatever. Just somehow manage to need to change something along the way. Why is that?
Yup I sew with patterns, but also love to adlib and do my own thing. I am doing a group mystery round robin right now and having a ball thinking up different borders to add on the different quilt centres.
I am so new to quilting I would be lsot without a pattern.
I sew with and without patterns, but I always like to do it myself. I think I will need to try some gray!
I rarely use a pattern - I'm more of a medallion sort of girl. Or I find a block that I love and then figure out a design I like for it.
I'm with you on using the grey fabric. Thanks for the review!
I have always used patterns, but I have some ideas of my own I want to try soon. Thanks for the chance to win!
I'm a pattern sewer.
I'm definitely a pattern sewer. One day I'll stretch my wings and try something on my own.
Love your fabric selection for this quilt! I do sew from patterns, but am starting to branch out on my own.
Love your fabric selection for this quilt! I do sew from patterns, but am starting to branch out on my own.
Love your fabric selection for this quilt! I do sew from patterns, but am starting to branch out on my own.
Love your fabric selection for this quilt! I do sew from patterns, but am starting to branch out on my own.
Totally a pattern sewer here. Thanks for the chance at your giveaway.
Patterns make life easy, but I want to change them so often. Ilike to sketch and amend the measurements.
I love designing my own quilts, but sometimes it's relaxing to just follow a pattern someone else has done all the "figuring out" for.
Love those red fabrics ... what will you make? I'd love some patterns, thanks for the giveaway.
I think the blue Lagoon Quilt has been the most popular one on the blog tour.
I rarely use a pattern except for inspiration to make my own design. However, there are a few times when I just can't help trying to recreate someone else's masterpiece. I think Pat's book would be great inspiration for my own creativity. Thanks for the chance to win. nena@bnads.com
I make most of my quilts from pattern but I have done several off the top of my head. I love Pat's new book and sure hope I win it.
Oh, I'm definitely a pattern sewer - I just need to have something that helps me along when I got lost - which is quite often! :-)
When I started this blog hop, I didn't know what a medallion quilt was. Now I do. I make many of my quilts like this, but don't generally go by a pattern. I like doing what I want to do, and changing things as I want . . . I think I just like to do what I want to do (sound so spoiled : ^)
I am a pattern sewer, probably because I have little time to sew and don't want to spend it drawing or determining sizes of everything. I just want to play with the fabrics. I love your choices for a medallion quilt. The best part of the blog hops is finding new blogs and quilters to inspire me.
Pattern sewing, but wishing I were talented enough to do some without patterns.
I most definitely sew by a pattern. I've only made one quilt that I did not use a pattern, and just went with what I had. I like and need the direction of a pattern. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
I am a pattern sewer but do make changes here and there. Thanks for the chance to win.
Yes, I need a pattern and this book really has me thinking. Love your blog - will be back to visit soon.
Take care,
Karen
quilter51texas@yahoo.com
I NEED a pattern....or I am helpless....and sometimes, even with a pattern....I am still helpless. ;) Thank you for the opportunity. :)
Definitely a pattern! And it is all about the colors the pattern is in. That is often what draws me in.
Kmfosnaugh@gmail.com
So far, yes, I'm a pattern sewer. Hope to branch out some day.
I admire folks who can come up with great quilt designs on their own, but I'm basically a pattern follower. I like to have things planned out for me.
Thanks for a chance to win a copy of Pat's book.
I definitely follow a pattern...I figure whoever created it is much smarter than I am! (I follow recipes, too.) :)
I am a pattern sewer but I also like to "make do" with what I have. So, if a pattern calls for something I don't have, I might do something different. Thanks for the chance to win this book!
I'm a pattern sewer - thanks for a chance to win - laurie
llsbaskets at comcast dot net
I am definitely a pattern sewer. I have come along so I can at least change the colors!
I only use a pattern when I'm in a hurry or something really catches my eye.
Dana,
I do make quilts from patterns but often make changes in the size or the borders to make it my own.
Thanks for the chance to win such a nice book.
Regards from Western Canada,
Anna
I haven't used a pattern yet, but I'm not against it! Thanks so much for the chance to win!
I wish I could say I was more liberated than I am, but since I've spent a little time thinking about the question, I suppose I am a pattern sewer.
Sometimes yes, sometimes no! Thanks for chance to win! (EMAIL: marshudson at comcast dot net)
Sorta. I like to start with a patterm
and add my own twist...like scrappy fabrics, or embellishments.
I often use patterns as a starting point, and generally change something (or many things) along the way. I like EQ for changing things around and seeing how it works with the fabric I had in mind. Such a great tool!
I am mostly a pattern sewer with maybe a variation here and there. Love Pat's medallion quilts and would love to win her Focus on the Center book.
Generally no patterns as I seem to stick with the tried and tested straight forward blocks!
I would have to say I am 50/50.
I am not a pattern person although there are some very interesting ones available. Thank you for an opportunity to win a copy.
Definitely a pattern user here. Thanks for the chance!
I follow a pattern but use my own ideas for colors...and often change the borders and overall size of the quilt.
I sew from patterns most of the time. The math is done. I get to be creative about what fabric to use and enjoy. ;-)). Thanks for the giveaway. Mary
I generally start with the pattern but often times go off the path with my own combinations of borders. I love the colors and fabrics in your stack...sometimes just pulling the fabric for a new project gets me dreaming.
I am a pattern sewing, only wing-it once in awhile.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this wonderful book.
CathyC in Alberta
cathyc1950(at)gmail(dot)com
I start with a pattern, and end up somewhere very different sometimes. I think thats what quilting is, making it your own. Of course as of lately I need a good kick in the rump.
I'm often a pattern sewer, but I also try out my own ideas. I like to change up borders and finishes for a different look. Thanks for the chance to win Pat's book!
I sew from patterns and often tweak them just a bit to make them more my own. Of course, choosing your own fabrics make them unique too.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Definitely a pattern follower.
I usually start with a pattern but many times will change it to suit my tastes. It's fun to make a quilt pattern different from the original. Thanks for the chance to win one of Pat's books.
I use patterns but usually tweak them to more of what I would do with the fabrics. Thanks for the chance to win!
I'm generally a pattern sewer. I might make changes as I go but I need something to start with. Thanks for the chance to win :)
I get ideas form patterns and books - I can't stop buying them - but I usually change some aspect of the design.
Sometimes I use a pattern and other times I'll do something on my own. It all depends on the projects. Linda
wlinda_ca@yahoo.com
it all starts with a pattern.... but I can't say it will look like the pattern when i'm done... I usually like to make it my own and change something up. Creativity is good. Feel the need to let it flow. Wish I could just follow the pattern... might be able to crank out a lot more quilts if i didn't have to think out of the box so much. thanks for a chance to win this great book. have pattern will sew :) janita
I sometimes start with a pattern, but then I depart from it and make changes and additions. Patterns are great inspiration.
I do sew with patterns. Sometimes I will combine patterns. This looks like a fun book. Thanks for the opportunity.
I usually start off with a pattern for great ideas and then end up going off on my own tangent somewhere along the way. Got to personalize things, you know! Thanks for a great giveaway. :)
I am mathematically challenged, so patterns are the way to go!
Nice fabric selection for that pattern, Dana! I am most definitely a pattern user, though of course the best part is getting to choose the fabric :) Aren't we lucky these great books are offered as prizes? Count me in!
Following a pattern is not my forte. I love looking at patterns though, they can be very inspirational but the fun is making my own.
Well I am not that breat at math to want to figure out a quilt pattern, so I love patterns. Someday I may make my own quilt. Thanks for the book giveaway.
I try to stick to a pattern as the math is done for me, less chance of mistakes. awolk at rogers dot com
I do both depending on the fabric and project.
Yup. I used pattern I downloaded from the blogs. Thanks:)
I use patterns. Guess I like the math already done for me. I love the fabrics you have picked out.
I've made several medallion quilts and have always liked them when I'm finished. I love Pat's new book.
I definetly need a pattern to get me started...although I usually end up tweaking it to suit my tastes!
I have always been a pattern sewer, but have recently been branching out and trying some things on my own. Medallion quilts are a great way to try things out and they are fun! Thanks for the opportunity to visit your blog and I took the opportunity to give u a "like" and hope to hear more about you and your patterns!
Love the fabric choices. I can't wait to see how it comes out! Thanks for the chance to win and the awesome intro to so many cool blogs.
I am usually a pattern sewer, but then I sometimes I change a pattern to suit the fabric that I have. Thank you for the opportunity to win Pat's book.
I am probably both. A pattern sewer but I also am inspired from patterns and make up my own.
Reds and pinks. I would love to make the Carpenter's Wheel quilt adding a dash of black to the pinks and reds!
Definitely a pattern sewer here. I take particular delight in piecing traditional blocks in non-traditional fabrics. Just recovering from using only shiny fabrics.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Being rather new to quilting I am an avid pattern user. I am slowly venturing into adapting patterns as I sew. I'm loving the process. Happy quilting.
I am a severe pattern follower. I wish I had more courage to break out on my own! I've done two wall quilts without a pattern in the past few months and love the results so I'm really trying and am encouraged by the progress. Meanwhile, the patterns in this book are gorgeous - I'd love to use them - thanks for the giveaway!
I enjoy looking at patterns and then make a few changes such as size to suit my need. Thanks for sharing.
I sew from a pattern, but I have made some table toppers from my own ideas. I also like to tweak a pattern to suit my style.
commenting and subscribing! cant wait to see more! loving the blog tour!
I don't use patterns often either. But I WILL end up buying this book!
I usually use a pattern but have made my own too. I like the freedom to change the pattern to my liking.
Definitely a pattern sewer. I HAVE to follow the directions. I'm a preachers' kid and a teacher. Both do a lot of rule making and rule following. lol
Okay, YES I am a pattern sewer! I admit it and I love it!
But, yes there is a but....I am trying to branch out and let loose :0)...slowly I have made a few liberated pieces and I am going to Gwen's retreat this Fall so who knows what might happen????
thanks for the chance to win Pat's newest book and
Happy Sewing
I just started my transition from a pattern sewer to a non-pattern sewer. I like it so far...
I love patterns!
I have done it both ways.
I'm a beginning sewer, so I need a pattern to follow.
I can do both but love a Pat Sloan pattern.
I can do both but love a Pat Sloan pattern.
Oh I have to have a pattern. It's usually a paper piece pattern too. that's my addiction and I'm sticking to it!
To me, patterns are a jumping off point. Imhave never followed a pattern exactly, and doubt I ever will, but love collecting them and using them for inspiration.
I'm a pattern sewer at the moment. I'm a newbie quilter, and just learning, but hope one day to design my own too. Thanks for a chance to win! :)
I love red and aqua! sometimes I use patterns but often I like to work it out for myself!
patterns are great and I use them often...but I totally deviate from following them on every step.
I don't use individually purchased patterns, but I do use ones from magazines and books and tutorials on the internet.
Love the reds, and those fabrics. Great quilts made by great quilters.
patterns for clothing, not necessarily for quilts :)
I use patterns and sometimes I just fly by the seat of my pants!
I use patterns. Try to follow every instruction; even try to match the colors. Tis so sad!
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