Congratulations on your pending retirement! I did that about a year and a half ago. I have bought a few kits, but have not paid that much for any of them. I would take a look at the fabric called for in the pattern and check the price (including postage) of buying what you need yourself against buying it as a kit. If you want it to look just like the featured quilt and you can afford to buy the kit, by all means, buy the kit. You will also have to buy a backing. Are you going to do the quilt-as-you-go method? It is certainly a beautiful quilt! You might want to spend some time "practicing" with your new "used" Bernina before you start on the project LOL! Looking forward to pictures!