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pinkberrykay 12-31-2011 07:59 PM

BOM are they really worth it??????
 
I was getting ready to sign up for the Civiil War Journal BOM thru Homestead Hearth and realized that when all was said and done the Quilt would cost me over $509.00:shock: not including the backing for the quilt.

I take at least 2 Quilt classes a month, and between fabric, pattern and class fees I am now where close to paying over $500.00 for each quilt. Is there something I am missing to this BOM Club. I am assuming the fabric is precut, and ready to sew so other then that what else is there??

decky 12-31-2011 08:29 PM

I have done BOM thru my LQS, the first month the block costs 5.00 and if you finish and bring in the block every month it's free, if you don't finish the block then you pay another 5.00. I find that the online stores really charge alot, but never figured out how much for the whole quilt. I think paying 500.00 or more to make a quilt is too much money!

dunster 12-31-2011 08:32 PM

You pay a lot for the "convenience" of not selecting your own fabric. I doubt that it is precut and ready to sew. Paying for shipping every month (instead of one shipping charge for the whole lot) also adds to the expense. Personally I don't understand why people do it. There are a few that have tempted me at the LQS, but then I wouldn't be paying for shipping, I would be able to have fun with other quilters while working on the BOM, and the fee per month is more reasonable.

Scissor Queen 12-31-2011 08:37 PM

You're paying for the pattern too, not just the fabric. I've seen BOM patterns for as much as 25.00 each for the pattern alone. For some of them the only way to get the pattern is thru the BOM.

Keep Them In Stitches 12-31-2011 08:44 PM

I don't have the money for something like that. i can do a sampler all by myself.

deemail 12-31-2011 09:19 PM


Originally Posted by pinkberrykay (Post 4829182)
I was getting ready to sign up for the Civiil War Journal BOM thru Homestead Hearth and realized that when all was said and done the Quilt would cost me over $509.00:shock: not including the backing for the quilt.

I take at least 2 Quilt classes a month, and between fabric, pattern and class fees I am now where close to paying over $500.00 for each quilt. Is there something I am missing to this BOM Club. I am assuming the fabric is precut, and ready to sew so other then that what else is there??

you hobby can be quilting or it can be taking classes... think of the fabric palette you could have with $500....and that's just one quilt! maybe it's time you spent your energies on your own work rather than reproducing someone else's..... and i only say that as you have raised the question so you must be re-evaluating things yourself..... it's your time and energy and money, and you should spend all three the way you personally enjoy...it sounds to me as if you're questioning the way it has been going...

deemail 12-31-2011 09:21 PM


Originally Posted by dunster (Post 4829260)
You pay a lot for the "convenience" of not selecting your own fabric. I doubt that it is precut and ready to sew. Paying for shipping every month (instead of one shipping charge for the whole lot) also adds to the expense. Personally I don't understand why people do it. There are a few that have tempted me at the LQS, but then I wouldn't be paying for shipping, I would be able to have fun with other quilters while working on the BOM, and the fee per month is more reasonable.

there would be the problem with me personally...i would never describe it as a 'convenience' for someone to select fabrics for me... the money is definitely a factor, but really, i love my fabrics and i want to make MY quilts...

AFQSinc 12-31-2011 09:40 PM

I posed this question a little bit ago. There were some good comments. My comment was pertaining more to a wool BOM that I was thinking about but the issues are still the same. My thread is here:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...s-t145689.html

I have a BOM that is done with Daiwabo taupes that is from probably 2004(not quite sure) that I am STILL working on. It was so well loved and requested that they have brought it back in the current Daiwabo fabrics. It was about $25 plus shipping each month. However, with those fabrics it is worth it because they are hard to get and expensive at about $17-$19 per yard. So that is worth it to me, though I will have to figure out how I'm going to save for the backing. At any rate, I will be finishing that BOM this year.

I like the idea of a BOM because if you work with others it is fun and inspiring. Also, for those that want to just sew and not worry about coordinating fabrics it is nice and easy. That being said, it is a little bit harder, I think, to stay motivated when you're just doing it on your own - especially if you have many other projects going.

audsgirl 12-31-2011 10:12 PM

The only on-line BOM I have done was from the Fat Quarter Shop. It was a mystery designer, year long BOM. They only charged $10/month, including the shipping. It happened to be fabric I liked a lot, and the idea of a different designer making the block each month intrigued me. The shop also gave generous amounts of the fabric with every shipment, to allow for mis-cutting. Unless the fabric is the hard to find, unusual kind, I think it might be just too much to invest in one quilt.

pinkberrykay 12-31-2011 10:12 PM

Thanks for your thoughts. I am a new quilter, a little over 2 months. So I am taking classes to learn as much as possible. I love the atmosphere in my LQS so I think thats why I like to take so many classes there. I have completed 2 quilts that I picked out the fabrics for and just learned how to do the pattern from a teacher and pattern. I have completely finished 3 kid sized quilts, 2 of which where blocks that I got off the internet and then put together with sashing and boarders etc.

I was more shocked at the TOTAL price the BOM quilt turned out to be.



Originally Posted by deemail (Post 4829363)
you hobby can be quilting or it can be taking classes... think of the fabric palette you could have with $500....and that's just one quilt! maybe it's time you spent your energies on your own work rather than reproducing someone else's..... and i only say that as you have raised the question so you must be re-evaluating things yourself..... it's your time and energy and money, and you should spend all three the way you personally enjoy...it sounds to me as if you're questioning the way it has been going...


pinkberrykay 12-31-2011 10:15 PM

Thanks for the link to your post. I have only been here since November so I missed the thread. I will read thru it and be enlightened on this subject. Thanks Again.:)


Originally Posted by AFQSinc (Post 4829389)
I posed this question a little bit ago. There were some good comments. My comment was pertaining more to a wool BOM that I was thinking about but the issues are still the same. My thread is here:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...s-t145689.html

I have a BOM that is done with Daiwabo taupes that is from probably 2004(not quite sure) that I am STILL working on. It was so well loved and requested that they have brought it back in the current Daiwabo fabrics. It was about $25 plus shipping each month. However, with those fabrics it is worth it because they are hard to get and expensive at about $17-$19 per yard. So that is worth it to me, though I will have to figure out how I'm going to save for the backing. At any rate, I will be finishing that BOM this year.

I like the idea of a BOM because if you work with others it is fun and inspiring. Also, for those that want to just sew and not worry about coordinating fabrics it is nice and easy. That being said, it is a little bit harder, I think, to stay motivated when you're just doing it on your own - especially if you have many other projects going.


IAmCatOwned 12-31-2011 10:17 PM

It's a convenience thing. I have done 2. No more. I'm done. I was under the impression that the patterns would never be available except through the BOM. Not true. Most of the designers are under contract to restrict the pattern for a couple of years. After that, they release it for sale, although sometimes it's hard to find. I'm willing to wait longer and use my own fabric. Both BOM patterns were available for sale about a year after I received all the parts. However, the fabrics specific for the quilts were no longer available. Not a problem most of the time. However, it may be the SPECIFIC fabric that attracts you to the BOM in the first place.

Keep in mind that a lot of what you pay for is individual shipping charges. The patterns alone are not cheap - sometimes as much as $60 given the low print runs or many pages, such as with applique.

Now, I'm assuming you speak of BOMs that are mailed out. I participate in one at my LQS. It's a bit pricey, but not that much more than if I bought all the fabric at once. It's just that fabric prices went up and this is not discounted at all. I thought it would be MORE fun to participate in a BOM where we meet in a group. It is. It is fun.

earthwalker 12-31-2011 10:20 PM

To me $500 would go a long way to realising some of the quilts on my "to do" list. Personally I couldn't justify the cost and participate in a BOM....but I am a bit of a "lone ranger/renegade type":) Personal opinion aside.....I don't think they are a rip-off, not when you take into account the pattern, fabric selection, postage and all the other "business" factors and like others have said, it can bring a sense of community and fun into your quilting life.

pinkberrykay 12-31-2011 10:30 PM

The fabrics are not exclusive I can buy the bundle by its self. The pattern however appears to be exclusive to the Club.

Quiltaddict 12-31-2011 11:57 PM

There are too many free patterns and BOM on line to pay over $500 for one quilt.

Quiltshaker 01-01-2012 03:19 AM

That much money would take the pleasure out of the quilt for me. I like creating my own. I have participated in the $5.00 BOM at the local quilt shop which is fun.

romanojg 01-01-2012 05:00 AM

I have been taking Civil War BOM for a couple of years at one LQS. I love the class and the teacher. The class is 30 each month which includes the fabric and the pattern. It also includes a lecture about the Civil War and I could listen to this teacher talk for hours. Unfortunetly this will be the last one. The LQS has decided to quit doing them even though they are always sold out (any class this teacher does) each time they are offered. They say they are going to reach out to a younger group of quilters. Don't they know that most of the younger ones either aren't interested or are so busy with their kids and families to be able to set time aside to quilt. All is not lost. A bunch of us who appreciates the many tallents of Sue (teacher) and go to her house to learn applique are continuing learning by going to her house. The LQS is even stopping the sale of reproduction fabric. That part is fine with me; I buy most of mine at many stores that I have found over the past few years that have a great selection. Anyhow, for a pattern, fabric, lecture and the company of some great ladies I think that $30 is more than worth it. Plus my teacher will make herself available one day a week if you need extra help with anything; Civil War or not. I do have to admit there are some that are really expensive.

AFQSinc 01-01-2012 05:58 AM


Originally Posted by pinkberrykay (Post 4829459)
The fabrics are not exclusive I can buy the bundle by its self. The pattern however appears to be exclusive to the Club.

I saw that the pattern is available here:
http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/Item--i-HOME-CWJ-BOM-QP

However, I don't know if the historical information about the children and the stories with the one from HoP. That might be an interesting call for customer service. I would think that it is included. It might be something to consider just purchasing the pattern. It looks like they also have the kit for $260. And your shipping would be free. Something to think about.

pinkberrykay 01-01-2012 06:19 AM

Yep, thats the pattern. Thanks so much. Now I need to find out what the fabric amounts are.



Originally Posted by AFQSinc (Post 4829893)
I saw that the pattern is available here:
http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/Item--i-HOME-CWJ-BOM-QP

However, I don't know if the historical information about the children and the stories with the one from HoP. That might be an interesting call for customer service. I would think that it is included. It might be something to consider just purchasing the pattern. It looks like they also have the kit for $260. And your shipping would be free. Something to think about.


pocoellie 01-01-2012 07:01 AM

I only do the free BOM's that you can find on the net. I personally don't buy precuts, although I do have some that I received as gifts. To me, using a kit or doing a BOM using the same fabrics they do, means that your quilt will look exactly like theirs and so will everyone else's, that to me, says I should just go buy a quilt, which is why I want to use MY fabrics and make it mine. I've never taken any kind of quilting classes, either, although there have been a few that I wouldn't mind taking, but I also have to figure in the time and distance, since the closest quilt shop that has classes is 100 miles away, so, no classes for me.

Linda1 01-01-2012 07:44 AM

I could not afford to do it. You can buy a lot of fabric for $500.00 and do your own patterns.

jaciqltznok 01-01-2012 07:48 AM


Originally Posted by Scissor Queen (Post 4829275)
You're paying for the pattern too, not just the fabric. I've seen BOM patterns for as much as 25.00 each for the pattern alone. For some of them the only way to get the pattern is thru the BOM.

this is true...you are paying for all of those conveniences and then some. I have a BOM shop pattern set here that I paid $60 for! It is pretty, but it is only stars...$60...OY....
and then if the shop miscuts, or runs out of fabrics....or YOU miscut...sadly..I won't do a BOM like that...

patchsamkim 01-01-2012 07:51 AM

The block of a months that I have done I have only bought the patterns and then do them in my fabrics, my colors. Still a bit pricy, but not nearly as much as doing kits. $500 is a LOT....but if you REALLY love it, maybe it is worth it to you.

Lori S 01-01-2012 08:18 AM

I look at it this way .. at $10.00 a yard .. $500.00 would buy 50 yards of fabric. I would rather have the 50 yards and buy a pattern.... and still be out ahead. There are so many great patterns that are free or much less costly. In addition, I like to pick my own fabrics, and have a orginal , one of a kind quilt.

Scissor Queen 01-01-2012 08:38 AM

Most BOMs are actually pretty affordable. You don't pay the whole cost at once. They're generally divided into 12 or 13 months. Most of them run around $25.00 a month. I've seen a few as high as $40.00 a month. I have seen fabrics that the only way you can get the focus fabrics is thru the BOM.

Keep in mind the shop owner has to purchase the program and all the fabrics for the program up front. Then those fabrics have to be cut and packaged into individual monthly packages for however many people are participating.

Every shop owner will tell you they have lots and lots of customers that don't want to pick their own fabrics, they want a totally coordinated quilt. BOM programs are perfect for those customers.

Xstitshmom 01-01-2012 08:49 AM

I have heard that it is expensive for the shop to "purchase" those block of the month programs.

I've only done the BOM that our local quilt shop offered -- $10 for the first block and then you didn't have to pay anymore unless your block wasn't done or you missed the class.

Now that my shop has closed I guess I won't be doing any BOM unless they are free.

Kitsie 01-01-2012 09:13 AM

I did a BOM when I was a newbie and learned a lot! Had no stash, so it was a good way to see if I liked quilting. Did another later because I like it. As a BOM it would have been about $350 plus shipping! So I searched on-line and found the whole kit in one go for $150. The fabrics were beautiful and it was a sampler type. I could not have assembled those fabrics, etc. for that price without going to 50 different shops or all over the net!
Again, I learned a lot of different techniques, etc. Don't regret it. Always check for the pattern through Google!!

Karenowc 01-01-2012 10:11 AM

My LQS has one each year and they are a lot of fun. It's usually a specially designed top. I believe we paid 29 up front and then it's free each month as long as you bring in the completed blocks. She shows the blocks you will be making and gives tips on the piecing - sometimes there is a little demo on a technique. We always have show and tell during the 45 min and she tells us what's coming up in the shop, etc.

Mine is not finished - boo hoo. It's a large quilt and I decided to make 2 small quilts out of it for my grand daughters since they are pink and brown and very girly. I'm in the process of making some extra blocks and then will piece the tops together.

BellaBoo 01-01-2012 10:51 AM

I bought this BOM from Homestead Hearth: http://www.homesteadhearth.com/sunflowers-road.htm

I have enough trouble choosing fabrics for my other quilts, it is nice to have one ready to sew with fabric I like. Look at the value, not the cost. The value of the BOM justifies the price for me. I have paid $40 a month for a BOM that included backing, binding, fabrics, pattern and specialty rulers that were needed. That was about $500 when all said and done.

BellaBoo 01-01-2012 10:58 AM

I signed up to to this free monthly BOM type class: http://www.craftsy.com Looks interesting and I can learn and beef up my skills.

YukonViv 01-01-2012 11:02 AM

The cost of that BOM seems quite expensive, I haven't gone yet and checked out the quilt though to see what's involved in it.

Regarding BOMs I love them. I've been quilting now for about 3 years and found the BOMs gave me a lot of pleasure and the ability to try different fabrics and different sewing styles, incorporating my love of stitchery as well. Where I live, fabric is expensive, so spending $25/month for a block kitted up to come in the mail wasn't costly. The BOMs I've joined have been through Pastimes Online ( http://www.pastimesonline.ca/ ) and we get tutorials, we get a video to work along with, and Valerie has become a friend over the course of the BOMs I've taken.

So to answer your question, yes, BOMs have been worth it to me!

nhweaver 01-01-2012 11:14 AM

I just signed up for the free BOM at craftsy.com. This is my first online class, I am signing up for another at $25.00 at crafsy too.

gramarraine 01-01-2012 11:28 AM

I have done several BOMs and have enjoyed them. But, like many of you have said they can be very spendy. Probably won't do one this year.

carolaug 01-02-2012 04:43 AM

the day I pay 500.00 to make a quilt is when I would stop quilting...I complain when I paid 120.00 plus the cost of a class and then a book, which is the most I have paid for a quilt. There are so many free patterns on line or I can create my own. I like picking out my own fabrics...I have been learning alot. At first I had a very hard time choosing colors but its getting easier...and they all look good once they are put together. I get a thrill when finding wonderful fabric sales, I now buy everything on sale...thread, fabric, rulers etc....I love bargins...and my one rule...if its not on sale I do not get it.

countryone77 01-02-2012 04:51 AM

Those kinds of BOMs cost too much for my pocket book. I prefer free ones like the "Just Takes 2" BOM which is just starting at: http://justtakes2.com/welcome-to-just-takes-2/ If you choose to make it with the given colors, then you just need two colors, one for the foreground and another for the background.

This way you get to spend your money on fabric and notions instead of patterns. Of course, their directions presume that you already have basic quilt making skills, though there are some tutorials on the Sentimental Stitches web site. Those other BOMs might give more details?

kbeuchert 01-02-2012 04:52 AM

Free BOM!
 
Check out Craftsy.com they have classes you can sign up for that cost money but they just started a "BOM" that is free, you buy your own fabric or use your stash. Each month she shows you how to make 2 blocks. I watched the one for Jan. yesterday and I thought it was done really well. I think this is going to be fun for a whole lot less money.

Dodie 01-02-2012 04:58 AM

I to thought a bom would be fun until I figured in the total price and it was over 500.00 dollars just for the top ---the first month is 35.00 which includes the pattern then 25.00 a month ther after and we end up with a cloned quilt and the fabric chosen for us so I changed my mind it is fun to get together to sew but not at that price I will settle for 1 or 2 classes a year and go to my Bernina shop for Bernina club I think quilting is going to price all of the young people and a lot of older ones right out of the hobby what use to be for fun is way to expensive to think about just my thoughts

carolaug 01-02-2012 05:08 AM

If you like to do civil war quilts here is a link to a site that is awesome and its free...i love this civil war site. One of these days I am going to start making them. The stories on this site are also very interesting. http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

krisgray 01-02-2012 05:58 AM

The LQS buys the patterns and gets a shop kit that tells them what they need to cut each month. Sometimes it includes extra patterns like shams and table toppers to coordinate with the quilt. Rather than pass a lot of the cost onto the customers my LQS that buys these packages, it charges for the pattern and then the blocks are free each month when you return with a finished block. The owner has about 4 new kits in the shop for each BOM day and specials for the BOM'ers. She makes her money on the extras by getting people in the door, not the BOM program.

As a new quilter, I enjoyed the BOMs at the shop. The comraderie and just chatting with other quilters. However, I haven't finished my first two. One LQS uses Marti Michel's BOMs and I found I was spending 2-3 hours on each block. With the internet and quilt alongs on blogs, I get to use my stash (which is fun) and I get to do projects that interest me more than piecing a 70-piece 12.5" block.

athenagwis 01-02-2012 06:07 AM

Some people like the convenience of not having to pick fabrics, and having the block show up on their doorstep each month. I have done one (though the final cost was not that high, but higher than if I had bought the pattern and fabrics), and I enjoyed being able to do one block a month and not get overwhelmed with picking everything out. I can see why people do them, but it certainly does cost more than doing it on your own.

Rachel


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