I love to do hand applique, especially in the winter, when I'm watching TV at night and wondered if any of you that applique have ever joined a BOM.

I've found some lovely patterns, however, I have a hard time finding just the right fabric for them where I live. I don't like the thought of ordering fabric because it's too hard to tell on the computer what the color really is.

I was looking online yesterday and found several web's that have BOM and the patterns and material are supplied with each block each month. Some have a startup fee and other's don't and the average cost per month is $25 + shipping.

I'd appreciate your opinions on this. If you've ever joined a BOM, do you think it's worth the price and which one did you join?

I would also check out how much more fabric you would need to buy from them for the sashing/borders etc... if you don't think you could get a match locally :D:D:D

At $25 a month you will have $300 invested in just the blocks... this is what has prevented me from signing up for these BOM's.

I could never afford BOM's.

Ya....it is very pricey. I've thought about the expense and I think I've decided NOT to join a BOM. That $300+ could be used more wisely :)

Thanks!! I love this Board....they keep me grounded and on track :)

I'm the same, winter is the time for tv and appliqueing. I'm so very fortunate when it comes to finding the perfect fabric. My DD has found a wonderful new hobby. She could never find a complete color run, so decided to dye her own! She starts with top grade muslin and goes through so many steps you wouldn't believe it. The results are breathtaking. She just sent me a box containing a total of 21 yards. Each fat quarter a different shade of 12 colors. It is soft to work with, will never shrink or run. It is a heartpounding experience every time I pull out a piece. Very hard to cut into it! :) :) :) :)

There are some places that have BOMs much cheaper. I get most of mine from The Cotton Patch. Doni doesn't charge a start up, her monthly charge is less, and she is great to deal with if you make a mistake and need more fabric. There are some others like that on quiltshops.com.

I haven't done an applique BOM yet. When I get caught up a little more on other projects I'm going to get the Baltimore Halloween one. I did the Butterfly Garden BOM at an LQS and it is going to turn out just gorgeous.

I did a Saturday Sampler that the fabric is gorgeous but the blocks were done with templates. It may be a UFO forever.

I have one called Holiday Chorus that I haven't even started yet that will be gorgeous when it's finished. One of my friends did it and hers turned out gorgeous.

If you can afford them they're a great way to get a really gorgeous quilt.

i seem to always be working on 2 or 3 bom's...and i love applique! the one i chose for my winter project this year is Sue Garmen's Ladies of the Sea. i really shopped around, i knew i wanted to make it but i did not want to pay start up fees, and so much per month...after checking lots and lots of shops i found one that i felt was affordable for the project i wanted to do. and (i have been doing boms' every year for about 7 years) almost always the final month you receive your (finishing kit) which includes the borders, what ever you need to finish putting your quilt together. they do not just 'leave-you- hanging' with 12 blocks and no way to put them together.
it is a more expensive way to go...you are paying for the pattern and the fabrics each month, but i have found it does kind of even out by the time you are done. i've only done one that i thought i could have done better just buying the patterns.. once in awhile you can find a bom that they allow you to just get the pattern each month and use your own fabrics. i've done both. if you join the (fabshophop) it gives you access to something like 180 different quilt shops, you can find bom's in different price ranges, and not all of them charge that $25 start up fee...but do know...it is a commitment...they do not let you cancel part way through...once you sign up you are committed and your credit card is going to be charged every month. but everything is included by the end.
i am also working on a hand embroidered one this year...the blocks are embroidered and sashed...so cute!