new poll - do you use the pattern layouts?

I’ve got a new poll for all you lovely readers :-)  The results from the last one were pretty clear, everyone said that they have to alter their patterns!

Because I’ve been sewing so much clothing lately, from new patterns, I’ve looked at a lot of different layouts that pattern companies suggest you use.  I’ve found that I can quite often use a lot less fabric than they suggest.

Case in point - I’m making a sundress from a pattern that calls for almost 3 yards of fabric.  I laid the pattern pieces out, and I can cut it out of just over 2 yards of fabric.  I’m still paying attention to the grain lines - although the print is random.

So my question is - do you follow the pattern layouts as the pattern suggests, or do you try and squeeze the pattern pieces onto the smallest piece of fabric possible?