I was a slow starter too but have decided it's a good way to get an assortment of fabrics from one line. They also speed up the process since I'm not fond of cutting. They are a bit pricey but I look for them on sale.

I am a scaredy cat, nervous cutter when I go to cut my materials. It at times near exhausts me trying to make sure I'm doing it right. I have found something that has helped me a great deal with this other than resorting to purchasing those precut packages. That's those Shape Cutter grids from June Taylor. They are somewhat pricey but I know I purchased my grids at JoAnn's when they had 40% off quilting tools or I was able to use a 50% off coupon.

Here's one that I have, allowing cuts to be made in ½ inch increments :
http://store.junetailor.com/store/p-...cut-ruler.aspx

Here's the other that is a bit smaller and cuts as small as ¼ inch:
http://www.amazon.com/Shape-Rotary-C...ref=pd_sim_k_2

Cutting is SO much easier, accurate and less nerve racking for me now using these.

I do like to buy FQs at times, especially when I am looking for a gradient of colors. I lay FQs on top of one another, fold to fit under on of those grids and cut away. Viola, my own jelly rolls or charm packets! ;-)

What's a Candy Bar?

I think they are from Moda, 4 - 2.5" x 5" packs (half the size of regular Charm Packs) and come in white or dark chocolate! ha-ha

OK, Susie, I'm a little behind the curve on this. What are Candy Bars? Know you're not talking Hershey here.

The only pre-cut pieces I buy are FQ. I started my stash with FQ basically because they were easy to buy and get to know quilting with. I still buy a few - especially here on the board or if they're on sale at my LQS.

I won't buy cut pieces any smaller than that though because I'm a firm believer in pre-washing.

Get on the Moda Bake shop site hon!
I would take a pic but I'm busy with my Mom here :D
My sweet Mommy!!!!!!!!!!!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_E_6dOZfGLrE/TK...031%5B6%5D.jpg


Here ya go! They have darks and lights. Of course I had to get both lol

Hello from another Missourian :)
I don't get it either, I have never bought fat quarters, jelly rolls, etc. I primarily make scrap quilts, but prefer to buy 1/2 yard pieces. This way I always have fabric leftover for my stash and the next quilt.

As far as I can see, quilters are willing to pay more for these pre-cuts because many hate to cut or find it difficult. When we have guild "hands on" sessions to make community quilts, very few will take on the job of cutting. It seems to be the #1 least favourite job. Choosing colours is also hard for some quilters so being able to grab a colour co-ordinated jelly roll ready to go is an easy sell. I never buy them or even fat quarters as I like to cut strips the full fabric width, stitch strata and sub-cut. I have now worked out a deal with one of our older members. I cut her fabric in exchange for her binding my quilts. It works for both of us.