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  • Learned something new about kits and muslin backing

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    Old 02-26-2015, 04:00 AM
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    Unhappy Learned something new about kits and muslin backing

    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
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    Old 02-26-2015, 04:11 AM
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    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.
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    Old 02-26-2015, 04:26 AM
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    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.
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    Old 02-26-2015, 04:32 AM
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    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.
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    Old 02-26-2015, 04:43 AM
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    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.
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    Old 02-26-2015, 04:57 AM
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    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/
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    Old 02-26-2015, 05:17 AM
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    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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    Old 02-26-2015, 05:26 AM
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    I love kits too. I have many from Connecting Threads and have never been disappointed. But I usually buy a charm pack of all their new fabric lines when comes available so I know what I'm getting beforehand and makes it easy to choose the yardage I want from the line or the kits.

    I checked my stash of kits and I have the Lasting Legacies BOM kit. The fabrics are true to the online picture.

    Last edited by Onebyone; 02-26-2015 at 05:45 AM.
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    Old 02-26-2015, 05:42 AM
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    my first thought was also tea dying
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    Old 02-26-2015, 07:02 AM
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    I love kits because I am not good at putting colors/fabrics together. I have several from CT and have loved them and I also love the fact that there is always extra fabric in their kits - at least the ones I have bought from them. Maybe the tea dye suggestion will be a good one for you.
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