BOM is only the pattern. In our group we have substituted fabric for the background and even some parts of the block. You can also make them different by sashing and borders. It does not have to look like anyone elses :thumbup:

I have done a few BOM's. I change it up by not having the blocks in the same position or put them on point. I have also used sashing & different width of borders.

I don't like block of the month quilts. I dislike deadlines and don't want someone else to have to wait for me so I don't do them.

I am doing a block of the month now from Sharyn Craig, but you can pick your colorway as they have several options. I am doing black and white, but you add your own background or focus fabric. And, even if you get the exact same fabrics as someone else, your added fabric will probably be different. But, even if it is the same the blocks will be different as you get to decide where each color goes, so one block as many,many possibilities. Looking at some of the sample they have at the quilt shop, you wouldn't even believe that they were the same pattern. It is really a lot of fun and each quilt will be unique.

Our guild is doing a BOM.. Each month we get the pattern for the block but everyone is choosing their own fabrics.. It's great because we are all going in different directions with our colorways and fabric choices.. My kind of BOM!

Our LQS does BOM every year. They give lots of perks for finishing & doing extra - free pattern & FQ drawings, free batting & backing drawing if top gets finished by 1st class of next year. I liked seeing how different each quilt top was, even with same basic fabric; plus the people in the class were most helpful - I learned lots of new techniques & shortcuts.

I have been following an online free BOM (2010) and all the blocks have been published and -- since last November, have been waiting for the final borders and sashing instructions. I guess it could be worked out and whilst I hope and pray that the person doing this BOM is OK - it is very disappointing not to receive the WHOLE project.
In the future I would never start a project until the BOM was complete - a lesson learnt.

Yes I do1 It all starts to look the same.Glad to hear it's not just me.

My DH and I each did BOM quilts in different colorways for our twin daughters. We wanted them to look the same, except for the color! And it turned out to be quite economical to do them too. We bought the first months block for $5, and then each month took the completed block back to the LQS to turn in. If we turned that month's block in during the time frame they set, we got the next month's block fabric and pattern for free. They also gave us a good deal on the backing fabric. I liked that the LQS demonstrated tools and techniques we could use for the BOM. It was almost like a year long class, with the fabric and patterns provided!

I have done 2 now, and I changed up the blocks alittle and made it mine. It's kinda fun to see what everyone does.