That is one reason I like doing the monthly block. You pay $7.00 or a small price for the first block and pattern. Each month you take your block back made the next one is free. My LQS has one going all the time. You potentially get a quilt top for $7.00 or whatever their price is you also get to visit with other quilters each month and learn new things. It's a great and inexpensive way to get a quilt top done.

I pick my own and always have. I may use a fabric as a starting point but will not limit my work to someone else's artistry.

I carry my fabric folder with me and always compare my fabrics at the store window with natural light. The light source is so important. DGD gave me the paint chips and that's what I'm working with. When I first saw the grays in my house they had a warm feeling but outside they had a cooler feeling. Inquired and found out the preference was for the cooler.

First I went from shop to shop and pick the teals. Then I started on the grays. Friday I completed my search.
I'm a happy camper. Now onto the next step.

Forgot to include picture

That is what I thought/and had heard .. but wasn't sure !
I sure would like a fabric company to approach me and ask me to make a quilt in exchange for all the fabric I could ever use, I would be in hog heaven !LOL

YIKES !!

I have friends who design fabrics for one of the companies. They are given samples of the other lines produced by the company as well as their own. Maybe the blogs you are seeing are by designers...

i am sure it is a marketing thing..

i am sure it is a marketing thing..

Designer Fabric in Uk is approximately three times the price of that in USA yet I always use it, not because I am affluent quite the opposite in fact ,I have to save upfor everything. but I have never had the problems that I read about on this board such as colour run, shrinking etc, I exhibit sometimes too, I have never heard of anyone getting paid for using a particular fabric. I should think magazine contributors get paid for recommending certain fabric for their designs. but that doesn't mean you have to use them.

I have a friend who designs quilts for several different magazines. The fabric co.sen her all the coordinated fabrics, (bolts) she submits her design, and if it is approved, she makes up the quilt for them. All her fabric is free for the quilt. If she wants more, she get's a discounted price.