I have used the occasional kit, but only if I really liked the included fabrics, and I was in a time crunch. For example, when my nephew gave me 2 months notice that he was getting married and would just love one of my quilts for a wedding present! The kit saved me so much time, and it turned out beautifully! I have only bought kits from Connecting Threads and Keepsake Quilting, both of which have provided high quality kits with plenty of fabric for the design. I cannot speak to other quilt shops. I hadn't thought about buying clearance quilts for the fabric, but it sounds like a great idea!