IMHO that is entirely too much to pay. My LQS offers block of the month quilts every year and the price is always very reasonable. They are usually about $5.00 a month with the finishing kit around $40.00. This is for the top and binding. You supply the backing and batting. I would not be able to afford $500.00.

I have never done a block of the month in my entire quilting life of almost 40 years and I surely do not feel as if I have been deprived.

I am glad I did the one I posted. We layered the second one last night (spray basted) and it is going to be quite the challenge to quilt it on my domestic but I'm going to give it my best shot. Honestly, I'm glad it was a BOM because I would have given up if I was to make it in one big stretch because it was a really big project. BOMs are one way to accomplish a really big or complex quilt without getting frustrated and letting it slip to the UFO pile. Best of luck with your decision and especially if you go forward with making the quilt.

I've seen online ones that were $25/mo not including shipping. I can't believe anyone would pay that. Just go to a free block site, pick 12 blocks, use stash or go buy new fabric and do your own BOM. It's crazy

The thing I REALLY object to is that the sampler is made in great colors, there is never enough of that and colors are substituted! I fell for BOM once, and was very disappointed! (This was from a very well known company!)

I found that BOM clubs stack up and the time to finish them timely is difficult. I still have some from 5 years ago that I have not gotten started. You will change your mind as you progress and you will still be committed to the BOM. Expensive lesson but if you still love it - go for it!

I also belong to a group at my lqs...I do some of the bom quilts there, but they are nowhere near $500.00...I couldn't, and actually wouldn't pay that much...just my thing, tho...I also have found a lot of free bom quilt patterns on-line, a lot more than I can ever finish, and a lot of them give color palette suggestions, if someone needs that, too...I like following along on them, actually more so the ones that have already completed...that way I can look at all the steps, the blocks, and the finished product to make sure it is one that will work for me (meaning one that I can actually complete...lol...).
Have a great night all,
Kif

How timely this thread. Only this morning I was looking at signing up for a Feb BOM - but hesitated because of the additional $14.95 pm postage (to Australia). So now all your comments have me rethinking and will now follow this thread with interest.

3 years....oh my goodness...I go nuts when a quilt takes me a couple of weeks to do.

I have tons of free block links on my blog. http://www.thriftyideastoday.com/ I save my money for the fabric. ; )

Depends on your pocketbook !
I did several BOM before, 2 were worth it and are beautiful quilts (but pricey even 8-9 yrs ago at $20-25 mo). The 3rd & LAST one I did from a different LQS, was a BIG disappointment ... directions & measurements were wrong, fabrics were very skimpy. The shop gave us more fabric, but I got tired of trying to "fix it" and gave it to a friend. It's still on her UFO shelf today Lol
IMHO the $5-10/free BOM are great, but the designer BOMs are MUCH more expensive than making your own quilts !

The LQS depend upon you buying something while they are there. That is how they make their money. On line stores do not have you in their stores buying other items. They have to make money on the monthly charges. If you are paying $500 for a BOM, not including backing, then you are paying too much. Shop around. You will find some that are cheaper.

I ordered the Civil War BOM from Keepsake last year. Yes, very expensive. I haven't sewn any of the blocks yet. It's my special project for when I retire or at least that's my story. Won't order such an expensive BOM again. Live and learn!

I agree that BOM's are more expensive than if you just bought the pattern and fabric yourself at your LQS, but the part I like about them is I only have to pay a small amount each month instead of a lot of money all at once. I'm still fairly new to quilting so I tried branching out by buying some BOM's. I'm doing one now that is called "Fundamentals" (???) and it costs $3.50 a week. Each week for a year they have sent me fabric and a pattern for a block that teaches me new tips and tricks. When I have all 52 blocks (for 52 weeks) I'll get a finishing kit to put it all together in a quilt. This has been a great "in-home" teacher for me! The closest quilt shop to me is an hour away so it's nice to see something online and have it delivered to my home each month. Maybe once I get my stash built up I'll feel different.