All I use is the thread from Conneting Threads and I won't use anything else. For some reason, my machine does not like poly thread. The thread at C.T. is a very good deal. I just got a spool of dark brown, and with shipping, it was less than what I got buy it for at JoAnn's.
Just my 2cents worth.
Bev

If it's Olfa it is going to be the same quality whether in a kit or not. As for the thread, I have no idea. Connecting Threads seems to have really good thread for amazingly low prices. It's worth a look for you.

www.connectingthreads.com

Since you are close to a Joanns see if you can get a coupon for a cutting mat. The closest Joann to me is over 100 miles. I got mine on line. I got the Olfa 24x36 (recommended by posters here) with a 40% off coupon and free shipping for less the $35.00. Best thing I bought. I love the fact you don't have to fold your fabric more then once. Much better cuts. Just make sure you get a 24" ruler. If you get more then 1 coupon take what you just bought and go back in and buy again. Posters are always putting coupons up for the members here.

I'm new at quilting too. Have already bought tons off stuff I have no idea what I'm going to do with. All I have to say is enjoy the ride, the posters on this board are all enablers :lol:

I've had a 12x18 mat I've used for paper cutting - so possibly I could lay this one and my first one together.... but maybe it's the width I need more? Without having done this at all, it's hard to fully understand why you need what. Hopefully someday I'll be answering posts like this! ;)[i]

And I'll check JoAnn's for the Connecting Threads brand.

Thanks for all your comments!!

Sounds like a good deal to me. It's a great way to start quilting. Have fun.

Connecting Threads is a website and they have their own brand of thread everyone is referring to, called Essential Thread. You won't find it at Joanns or anywhere else. I just recently have gotten some and so far so good. Lots of people on the board recommend it. The spools are large and the prices good, and it is on sale right now.

www.connectingthreads.com

I checked a different JoAnn's - actually a larger one than is near me, and neither have the Connecting threads thread. But the bigger one does have the all cotton Gutterman's, so next time I get a coupon, or it goes on sale, I will get some.

Speaking of thread..... I hadn't thought about what color to get before - after doing a search I think I saw that most quilters use a neutral color - like grey?

Connecting Threads is a website.

I have used the Gutterman's thread and sometimes it is good and sometimes I have a lot of breakage. Gray or Tan are good choices for color. I use my small cutting board when I am traveling or staying at a motel, I went on a run with my husband in the semi and used the small mat to cut out the baby quilt i made for my daughter. The small one makes turning the mat so much easier than walking around the table to cut from the opposite side. I always look for the clearance bargains. Olfa is a good brand- you made a good choice.

I have a lot to learn, don't I?! Thanks for being so patient with all of my questions - I feel like a kid in a candy shop!