Very rarely do my quilts come from a pattern. Some of the ideas may be generated from something I have seen in a pattern or a book. In most cases, I will begin with paper and pencil, even though I have computer software, I like the paper and pencil best. I usually use graph paper. Once the design is on paper usually no larger than an 8 ½" x 11", then this can be run through the copier and an overhead projector is used to get the size needed. I will either trace it to freezer paper or sometimes I trace it to a vellum, especially if I think this is a design that I might want to use later.
Selecting the fabrics is the next step. I will go to my stash first. Most quilters do have a stash. First, you need to pick your main fabric or your focus fabric. Sometimes the focus fabric may not end up in the quilt, but the fabrics that you pulled from the focus fabric will. You may not always have the right quantities in your stash, but at least you will get an idea on color before heading to the fabric store. I sometimes surprise myself as to how much I do have in my stash. The fabric selection is an important step in most quilts. If I am selecting fabrics for a customer, I will then send them the samples to get their approval.
If the custom quilt is a photo quilt, there will be a consultation with the customer to get their input as to what they are expecting and then a drawing will be drafted. In some instances the photos are just put in squares, in other cases I have created the photos in triangles and depending on the number of photos a border of photos could be created. Resizing is usually needed to get all the photos in the same proportion. In some cases signature blocks are also used. I have on occasion taken headings from the newspaper articles and have them copied to photo transfer paper to be added to a quilt. If there are enough headings, you can create a border. I enjoy the photo quilts as each one creates a new and exciting challenge. Each quilt takes on its own personality.
The final process is the quilting and binding of it. A lot of thought goes into the thread selections at this point. Different threads are laid on the quilt to see what gives the best impact. Quilting designs are thought about, in some cases, for several days to see what would work best.
It becomes very rewarding to see the customer's reaction when they see it all come together for the first time.
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