Learned something new about kits and muslin backing

**sval** · 02-26-2015, 04:00 AM

I am just finishing up a Civil War Legacies quilt kit from CT. It is a miniature wall hanging. It was very challenging since the pieces are small. Also, there are 8 pinwheel blocks.
So I'm looking at it from a distance today and wondering why it isn't thrilling me. I remember loving it when I ordered it. I got the picture out that came with it. It looks nothing the same. The cloth that came in the kit isn't at all like the picture. The background fabric is a solid off white, whereas the picture shows more of a beighish shirting. All the fabrics are much more muted and complimentary in the picture for a more overall blended look. Mine the pieces are popping out of the quilt in a not good way.
I know kits state that the fabrics might not be the same, but similar. These have affected the whole look of the quilt. I'm not sure I even want to hang it up. That is if I finish the binding.
Because I put a piece of muslin on the back since it is going on the wall. Why is it so difficult to hand sew through such open weave? It seems it should be easier.
I'm reminded of the old saying "Buyer beware"
SVAL

**ManiacQuilter2** · 02-26-2015, 04:11 AM

I have never been a buyer of kits because I was blessed with the talent of putting together an assortment of fabrics together. I can understand your disappointment because some of my quilts don't quite turn out like I had imagined they would and other have exceeded my expectation. I feel you should GET what is in the picture. That is just my opinion.

**sval** · 02-26-2015, 04:26 AM

Originally Posted by ManiacQuilter2

I have never been a buyer of kits because I was blessed with the talent of putting together an assortment of fabrics together. I can understand your disappointment because some of my quilts don't quite turn out like I had imagined they would and other have exceeded my expectation. I feel you should GET what is in the picture. That is just my opinion.

This is my first experience with kits. And will be my last. I was in between projects looking for inspiration. So I took a chance and bought a few clearance kits from CT. Won't again.

**MS quilter** · 02-27-2015, 06:40 AM

Originally Posted by sval

This is my first experience with kits. And will be my last. I was in between projects looking for inspiration. So I took a chance and bought a few clearance kits from CT. Won't again.

sval, don't give up. My experience has been wonderful with CT. Maybe it was your choice of batting. Try to consider all the possibilities. I have found their kits to be generous with fabric, directions good, and the finished product good.

**toverly** · 02-26-2015, 04:32 AM

That's a great warning. I have never purchased a kit but I have had them in my hand and put them back. Next time I'm tempted I'll look closely at the fabric. Thanks for posting.

**Jackie Spencer** · 02-26-2015, 04:43 AM

You would not believe the number of kits I have purchased, and I have never been disappointed. I bought all of mine from Quilt Shops, Homestead Hearth, Crafttown Fabrics, and Fabric Shack just to name a few. I love kits! Sorry you have had a bad experience with them.

**eyes** · 02-27-2015, 04:19 AM

I buy some small quilt kits and haven't had a problem. I also use a good muslin as backing after buying a cheaper one before and learned my lesson. I don't have a problem with sewing through it but then I hand piece and hand quilt all of my mini quilts so maybe I'm just use to it.
But I do have a problem with your post...I think you should tell CT about your experience as it is unfair to post it here and not give them a chance to make it right with you. This is just my own thoughts which probably should be kept to myself.
Another thought...if the quilt top is finished could you sell it to someone else to finish?

**teacherbailey** · 02-27-2015, 02:33 PM

If you haven't tried the kits from Hearthside Quilts, you need to. I love their timeless calicoes.

**dakotamaid** · 02-26-2015, 04:57 AM

Originally Posted by sval

I am just finishing up a Civil War Legacies quilt kit from CT. It is a miniature wall hanging. It was very challenging since the pieces are small. Also, there are 8 pinwheel blocks.
So I'm looking at it from a distance today and wondering why it isn't thrilling me. I remember loving it when I ordered it. I got the picture out that came with it. It looks nothing the same. The cloth that came in the kit isn't at all like the picture. The background fabric is a solid off white, whereas the picture shows more of a beighish shirting. All the fabrics are much more muted and complimentary in the picture for a more overall blended look. Mine the pieces are popping out of the quilt in a not good way.
I know kits state that the fabrics might not be the same, but similar. These have affected the whole look of the quilt. I'm not sure I even want to hang it up. That is if I finish the binding.
Because I put a piece of muslin on the back since it is going on the wall. Why is it so difficult to hand sew through such open weave? It seems it should be easier.
I'm reminded of the old saying "Buyer beware"
SVAL

Try tea dying it. It will help mute the colors and make it more antique looking. Just a thought.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-...ions-for-Dyin/

**Quiltngolfer** · 02-26-2015, 05:17 AM

The tea dying sounds like a great idea to me. I'm sorry you have had a problem with kits. I use them all the time. I buy them at local quilt shops and they are always the same as the sample they have made up. I have also made up kits from Keepsake Quilting, and they are great too.

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