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kona fabric

Old 05-18-2012, 02:31 AM
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saf
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Has anybody used any of the light coloured Kona fabric? I am piecing my second quilt. The block is Arkasas crossroads. The main block is scrappy from a couple of jelly rolls that I have been given as a birthday present and I want to use an off white/natural or cream to go with. I ordered some material from an online shop because my nearest fabric shop is nearly 30 miles from me and I am housebound at the moment. It has just arrived and I can see that it is very poor quality, thin with no body at all. Can anyone recommend a good quality plain fabric that I can buy in the UK? Two online stores sell Kona or Moda Bellasolids but I am reluctant to spend more money only to be disappointed again.
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Old 05-18-2012, 02:57 AM
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Kona is my choice for solid fabrics whether light or dark colors. I also like the Bella but the Kona is available in my area.
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Old 05-18-2012, 03:00 AM
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I just purchased some white Kona and very pleased with it. Check out JoAnn's on line and if you have a coupon you can get it cheaper
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Old 05-18-2012, 03:06 AM
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I love the Kona solids, their colours are beautiful, White Snow is the only white I use now. Kona is a Robert Kaufman product. A very reputable manufacturer.
Prices vary on-line. I haven't needed any in a while so don't remember which vendor I use. Google it and compare the prices before ordering.
I've also bought Moda Bella, which is a good product, but I prefer the Kona colours.
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Old 05-18-2012, 03:31 AM
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Thanks everyone for your advice. I am really keen to get on with my quilt and it was very frustrating to see the poor quality of the fabric that I got in the post this morning. I am still very much a novice and it is so helpful to be able to ask the advice of more experienced quilters and I am sure it will save me from making more expensive mistakes.
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Old 05-18-2012, 03:52 AM
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I love the Kaufman Kona...it's different (much nicer feeling) from what my local Joann's calls "kona". Plus I find that I barely have to iron it after washing. The Moda Bella is nice too, but I prefer the Kaufman.
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Old 05-18-2012, 03:55 AM
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Kona softens up a bit and the weave tightens once it's washed. You may want to try that before you order anything to replace it. It may make enough of a difference for you.

As for other choices, Moda Bella has a softer hand than Kona solids, but it's still a broadcloth (60 square thread count). RJR Supreme Solids are very close to regular quilting cotton in weight and hand, with a large choice in colors. I do not know the exact thread count, but I recently discovered this line and like it a lot. I'm sure it would be available in the UK. http://www.rjrfabrics.com/fabrics/co...packageID=1007

I'd try pre-washing the Kona you have before you make any further decisions. Bird in the hand, yes?
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Old 05-18-2012, 01:06 PM
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Prewash it and dry on normal to high heat. Then starch it (careful not to scorch, though) and see what you think. I prefer to use sizing on light colored fabrics because I'm usually too impatient to wait for the starch to penetrate--LOL.
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Old 05-18-2012, 01:10 PM
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Huge Kona fan too. The ones I purchased at Hancock Fabrics were much more 'see-through' than the ones I bought at my LQS. Not sure why they are thinner, but I now only purchase my solids at quilt shops.
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Old 05-18-2012, 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by SingerSewer View Post
Kona is my choice for solid fabrics whether light or dark colors. I also like the Bella but the Kona is available in my area.
I'm just the opposite. I find Kona too thick/stiff but LOVE Moda solids & have been known to buy them by the bolt!
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