Iona D.

Hmmm. I like this particular thread for continuously pointing or bringing out the possible wastage precious variables of time, money, and patience buying bolts of fabric and sewing up a given project for something that should not have seen the light of day in the first place. Speaking for myself, I hate kits, pre-cut fabrics in cute names, overly hard patterns, and some quilting classes. I choose to research, design, and execute my chosen project myself. I don't necessary need other people's input during the creative process.

In the fashion industry there are people who go around and claim to be "inspired" by some idea or muse. Not so. It's more akin of outright stealing some idea or process and running off with it to some other workroom or factory to make money-or fame-for themselves. So I learn techniques that are speed up the cutting & construction of the desired classic/traditional or "old fashioned tried and true" patterns spanning many years of use from various sources (books, Youtube, fabric store displays). I select my own colors and proceed from there. I might do some construction modifications as I prefer to machine stitch my quilts as much as possible for strength, durability, and speed. I don't enter the finished project in any professional contest and/or sell for monetary gain. This furthers me away from taking advantage of some other person.

I did once buy a kit or pattern from a quilting company. I won't say which one. It was for a Lone Star quilt that has a foundation sewing guide printed on a sewable medium. Never used the foundation as I did not need to. I really did not like the stiffness of the finished product. The techniques introduced and used in the kit was more than enough. That is my goal. Once a project is given the green light after sample making some blocks or sections, I use the mean necessary to finish it. That is where I send and spend my money. Purchasing ideas or techniques gives me the right to use the these tools just as much as my sewing machine or my notions I already use. Plus avoid or eliminate possible waste of not finishing or even liking the project.