I have done only one thru a LQS-and only did half of it....just never got to going back for the rest of it, so now the blocks are done and sitting in a plastic bag-another UFO.........but, I do love to go to JoAnn's and look for their precut blocks, but only when they are on "clearance"...so far I have gathered the parts of three different patterns, including the finishing kit at very reasonable prices. One of the sets did not have all the blocks, so I purchased a few duplicates......that will work just as well. The blocks that are offered are precut, but I have never had a problem with any of them, and some of these samplers have a mix of piecing and applique and because they didn't cost me a fortune, I do not agonize over them....just do them, have fun and on to something else........not a Michaelangelo......