This day has been saved from being COMPLETELY horrible by die-cut Keepsake Quilting strips. On this thread, I had originally asked about Keepsake fabric quality and, after reading a lot of good input, I joined the KQ Gold Club with my main goal being, at present, to make a French Braid quilt using lots of batiks.

I ordered the book "French Braid Quilts" (Jane Hardy Miller) and got it yesterday; last week I ordered and got 2 packs of Bali Pops - each 40 strips: 2-1/2" wide x 44" - and a pack of neutrals & browns from KQ. The other pack of neutrals/browns that I'll need and some yardage for the same quilt has been shipped to me today.

Yesterday I opened one pack of the Bali Pops so I could play with the fabrics and to line them up in the order I want to sew them; they looked fabulous except for one jarring strip right in the center. I laid them out downstairs on my cutting table and every time I found an excuse to go downstairs, I'd take another look, hoping it would miraculously look right. But, sadly, no!

An hour ago, I did it!!!!! I made a couple of strip exchanges and we have lift-off!!! I am so happy. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you after the cruddy day I've had.

The strips cost much more money than I'm in the habit of spending, but with the color matching and cutting already done, I'm not complaining. Plus, there's enough strips left for several more quilts.

You will post a picture when you have it together, right?

You bet I will! It's not going to be the one I originally planned to do. Once I got the book, I found one I like even better. It will take more strips, but since I was such a Miss Piggy and ordered so many, that won't be a problem.

I have read about the Keepsake sale. It is definitely on my someday list!

This has been very informative to me.
Thank you for clearing this all up.
I am trying to find great online quilt/fabric shops to order from since where I live, there really isn't any great LQS nearby.
Kirsten

I've been to the shop and it's so nice. Everything you can imagine for quilting is there. Those of you that live close to go there often are so blessed!

Oh...now I'm really just jealous! I wish I lived closer...*going to pull out map...hmmmm...how many miles to go shop???* Wonder if DH will be bothered by the road trip?? :lol: :lol:

I just can't wait to see what you are creating with the Bali pops...can't you show us your line up??? Prurdy pleeeeeezzeee?????

I agree with this.

I can't resist that purdy pleeeeeeze, so here are 2 photos; neither one does justice to the "real McCoy", but gives you an idea. The subtly marbled lavender fabric that the lineup is on will used for the narrow outline strips of the separator bands. I had it in my stash! Ain't stashes grand?

:shock: :shock: :shock: It IS beautiful! I tell ya'...I didn't used to care much for batiks, but I'm beginning to fall in love! I think your quilt is going to be gorgeous with those together! Kudos on whoever pulled those together!

I bought some yesterday at my LQS that starts out dark on one side, then goes to very light on the other side...all in one piece of fabric..of course in the same tones..Its really pretty!