Patterns, Why I chhose

[Pete Ricci]

Well I hope I am not being a pain here but I have another question I would like to get several opinion on. Why do we choose particular patterns? I know there are several great pattern makers out there. I do not happen to be one of them though,LOL. I was just wondering why you choose particular patterns made by particular artists? Do you have a favorite pattern maker and why? I hope this is not an inappropriate question for this forum?
Pete

hopefully we can stimulate some discussion. I am also hoping to learn about certain pattern makers.

[Ellenburg48]

Personally I don't choose a particular pattern maker........patterns I choose are just ones that jump out at me and say "cut me NOW".............and then I pretend I know what I'm doing lololol.

As a pattern maker myself............I choose images that I think someone might be interested in. For instance if there is a particular subject that is popular at the time...........say ornaments...........then I try to come up with different versions of ornaments than I am seeing. In this way I hope to give everyone what they are looking for but at the same time hopefully unique versions.

Most of the requests I get are private requests for portraits.............my specialty.
Christina

[Andy]

Good question that I'm eager to follow the answers to and see what motivates pattern choices. Personally, I chose patterns for myself that are of interest to me specifically as I rarely, if ever, scroll for someone else.

I've passed on numerous patterns that are beyond my level of skill to cut. Although they do interest me, I pass on them for being too difficult. I shouldn't say it's only because of difficulty but a lot because of the time necessary to finish them. My attention span isn't that long and they'll end up on the side of the workbench incomplete, if I can't finish them in a day or two. AADD? LOL

Another point to take into consideration is are the patterns for use now or later? I save a TON of patterns that I hope to one day cut when I've got more time. The main choice then is how clean is the pattern. I don't enjoy jagged lines but prefer a smooth, flowing patterns, and often modify the pattern to make it suitable to my taste. As I look through the Wooden Teddy Bear, a GREAT source for patterns, every designer in there seems to have something I really like ... guess that means I'm easy!! LOL

Andy

[groverd]

I agree with Christina, , I look for patterns that jump out at me, , , after I do the ones my wife wants!! My personnality seems to drive me to the whimsical type patterns. . here are a couple of my favorites, , ,

[Bluebird]

Hello Pete, your questions are very appropriate, keep them coming!
Personally, I am like Christina and I purchase a pattern for what it shows. Either I wan't to make that piece for myself because I find it appealing, or I make it cause I think it could sell well.
I do have my preferences though regarding how patterns are made. When I started Intarsia, I was looking for patterns with detailed information on them such as suggested wood shade, wood thickness, grain direction and sanding indications. This was easier for me to figure our which wood to use and how to shape it. Now, this information is less "crucial" but I always appreciate when it is on the pattern. If not on the pattern, at least when you have a picture of the finish piece with the pattern, I find it helps too.

Also, I now prefer electronic version of patterns for various reasons:
- I can keep a safe copy of them.
- I can also modify them directly on the PC
- I can resize them to any size I want
- since I am using the cut & paste method to glue the pattern on the wood when I cut, I can print many copies without having to scan them first, in the color I want.

oh yeah, I like pattern with very thin lines (1/32") too. What else? I am sure there is some more features I like but this is enough for now LOL

[Jim McDonald]

Pete, I don't really understand why I am drawn to certain patterns. It looks good, someone might like that particular cutting, I'm in the mood for a challenge/easy, design, etc.

I've had the same problem with photography for years--I know that I like to shoot and what I like to see and the two may be the same or worlds apart. I think wood patterns, like photography, appeal to us on various emotion levels and how we act/react is based on that particular moment.

And, like Andy, I pass on a pattern that is past my abilities but I have several saved for whenever that moment comes that I feel like cutting them.

[Wood Dog]

Good question Pete........I choose to cut patterns that just "talk" to me. Don't know how to explain it any other way. I do like compound cut patterns, because of the surprise inside. I'ts exciting to get to the last cut, and pop out the inside. Sometimes I like it very much, and sometimes I say to myself "what the hell happened here."
Very small pattern projects also are on my favorites to cut.

[Pete Ricci]

Well now that I got this started I have more questions. Have you ever purchased an intarsia pattern and noticed its not of the quality you are accustomed. I mean I have purchased some great looking patterns but when I get the pattern and start to check it out the detail I am used to in my intarsia patterns just isn't there. I have had this happen a few times when I purchased patterns from new sources and just was not pleased therefore I am always reluctant to try a new source. I get used to a certain quality of pattern and won't waste my time cutting an inferior pattern. Like most I choose a pattern that jumps out at me. I usually see the pattern and know just who to make that one for.
Pete

[Burdez]

HI! Pete:
My answer to your question is this as I'm fairly new to scrolling {almost 1 year now} I tend to look first if I like the theam of the pattern and then if I think that I will be comfortable cutting it but now also as far as the patterns offered on this site I pretty much get a copy of all of them because I figure hey who knows what I may want to cut tomorrow or next week or next year [0] but as for intarsa I have not got up the nerve to try it yet maybe after I get more comfortaable with doing portraits as for now this is to my liking I have cut a couple for differnt pepole and I really enjoy this {I do not sell but give my work away
Erssel

[Steviegwood]

I have been cutting fretwork for almost twenty years now and I usually pick a pattern that appeals to me or the wife. I will get a pattern that I do not even like if I know I will cut it for someone that it fits, if that makes sense. I do not pick a pattern based solely on the designer but on the content of the pattern. I do sell some at shows so I try to have a large variety of items and different themes. I really enjoy doing portraits and make most of those patterns myself but do have to get help with them from time to time. For some reason I have a terrible time trying to make patterns of my own family. I have bought patterns that I think look good from the book but when looking over the pattern before cutting I have made several changes to some of them either to add or subtract something from it or to add strength to it. Just a few of my thoughts on your question. Steve