This applies to all of the crafts I love (quilting, knitting, crocheting, sewing). If the pattern is overpriced (in my opinion) and I think I can recreate it, I wouldn't hesitate. If the pattern is overpriced and I don't think I can recreate it, I think long and hard before I put out those dollars. I look around and see if I can find something similar and if not, I think some more, LOL. I may break down and buy it, if I truly adored it and couldn't figure it out myself.

I try to figure out the pattern myself....I've only purchased two patterns thus far, one I kicked myself for buying and one I was very pleased that I purchased...It was one I was not going to figure out. I have an appreciation for the designers, but I've only seen a few or variation thereof that weren't available free on the quilters cache or on another site.

V.

Theresa, I do not feel obligated to buy a pattern when it's something you can figure out. Sometimes, you can make it even more simple as it's been changed so they can call it their design. I would have to love a pattern a whole lot to buy it. However, I did recently (December) get the book Patch Pals Collection for the animal patterns. :-)

I don't seem to have a problem buying books. LOL! I have a collection which I am starting to weed out and pass on to DD 2.

I also get a catalogue from a clearance house so the latest book i bought was a Kim Brackett book for $6.99. 18 patterns for that price. Even if I only use two or three, it is a bargain.

It is just those individual patterns, I resist.

Thanks for letting me know that I am not alone.

Theresa

If I can figure it out on my own ( has to be pretty simple..lol) I don't buy the pattern. I sometimes feel guilty with all the free patterns I print from fabric manufacturers and use from my stash to make those quilts. I know they are sharing in hopes you will buy those fabrics. I spend enough in the quilting world with fabrics, books, patterns, etc I really shouldn't feel guilty to those on the receiving end. I agree with Theresa, why buy one pattern for so much when you can get a discounted book or a magazine with so many patterns.

I see patterns everywhere ☺
I look at exhibits in museums and see patterns.
I look at a quilt, study it and draft my own patterns.
Everyone has different strengths. We create accordingly.

Ninety five percent of the patterns out there are combinations and/or variations on old designs that have been around for years so I have no guilt about recreating them for my own use. There is so much out there that's free that a pattern has to be pretty special for me to buy it. I do buy patterns from time to time depending on my mood.

I agree with Fran. Simple color choice and placement can make a pattern look different. I would REALLY like a specific pattern before I would pay big bucks for it. If I can't draft a similar one, I can usually find a free one somewhere that is very similar.

I agree with the others. I don't buy if I can figure it out myself.

I do buy books with patterns...not often, but I did get the Patch Pals book with those cute patterns that Sharon mentioned and a landscape pattern book and a couple of others.

~Geraldine

If I can figure it out on my own without buying the pattern, I will. Sometimes though, I'll buy the pattern because I know I would spend too much time trying to figure it out on my own and it might possibly not turn out right, so I don't want to waste my time and my materials. My biggest problem is actually making something out of all the patterns that I have bought!

I took board drafting at college, and money is limited where my hobbies are concerned, so anything I can draw on my own I do so.
Best to you,
Sandra

Theresa, my hubby and I have had this debate so we agree to disagree lol! As all quilters become more advanced they have pretty much seen patterns for sale that are just a few changes from another traditional pattern or one sold on the market.

For while, it seemed the popular thing was taking more traditional patterns and adding an unusual blocks size to resale the pattern.

I will usually only buy an applique pattern (and it has to be full size). He says that if I use the pattern I must pay the author. I disagree! If I can look at the pattern and make it I will. There is zero way I would ever share the pattern with another, sell the pattern, or the item made with the pattern without the authors consent.

Plus, some of the patterns and the blocks of the month are outrageous prices! I fell in love with the Halloween block of the month that's appliqued. I haven't looked at it lately, but it was about $1000 for all of the blocks! and then YOU spend a lot of time appliqueing the beautiful blocks (unless your applique skills are as bad as mine lol).

You'll probably find different views on this question!
Rosa

There are so many patterns in the magazines that I buy I find it unnecessary to buy patterns. Although in the past I have bought books and some patterns that were appliqued wall hangings that I felt were unique and I wanted to make. If the patternmaker created an unusual design then I think they are entitled to compensation but just putting blocks together doesn't qualify in my opinion. Some patterns are way over priced.