Kits??
 

I have never bought a kit before, nor do I follow patterns really. I like to create and fly with it. But I was given a lovely queensize quilt kit from Connecting Threads for my b-day. The blocks are huge...30"! I never do such big pieces! For me 2" is normal, preferably 1.5". Lol! I'm wondering if I am the only one out there like this? I'm stumped on how I can personalize the kit and make it mine... if you know what I mean? Hand embroidery, maybe? Appliqué?

Can you reverse engineer the instructions for the completed blocks? I would think it shouldn't be that difficult to reduce the block size and the units that assemble the block into a size you like better. You can then make more blocks to make the quilt. Instead of say 6 30 finished blocks you may end up with 12 15" finished blocks.

Then you would have your own twist on the pattern and probably ample fabric (I understand CT kits are quite generous). Another way to make a pattern/kit your own is to change the setting. You may have to supplement fabric for that or you may use much less. It all depends.

Hard to give suggestions without knowing what the pattern is.

Here is a picture of the kit. Sorry I couldn't find it on their website. Each block calls for two and half entire FQ.

Maybe you could use that for the backing of one of your own creations, which would result in a reversible quilt.

It is very pretty. Since you never did a kit before, give it a try. Looks like there is lots of places for additional embroidery , applique, or fancy quilting. But I would start as is. Sounds like it is very different from your comfort zone....but that is ok too

That looks like the swoon pattern......created with lots of hst......I think...... I really can't see how you can "personalize" it, other than just put it together from start to finish...that's pretty personal to me!

correction.....I enlarged your pic and no it is not the swoon pattern, but nonetheless pretty as it is, so just do it.....a challenge!

I would say give it a try from the pattern. You might learn to like bigger blocks and patterns. Then embellish to your heart's content.

Not sure how close to the gift giver you are, but I think it best to make it as she presented . She selected it . You can embellish it with quilting to make it your own.
Jmho

Connecting Threads is always very generous with the amount of fabric you get in a kit. Many times I can add just a little of my own yardage to make another quilt. That being said, I would make the quilt as the gift giver intended, then make another quilt with the leftover fabric.

I would do the quilt as per the instructions. It is very pretty.

You can always do what I did with a fabric set I bought to make a certain pattern and never did. I just used the fabric for something I wanted to do!

Thanks for all of your ideas:) I'll do the pattern as is. I do like it, please don't get me wrong. I guess I just can't imagine blocks that big. The fabrics are so pretty too.

This is not in reference to kits per se, but to quilting patterns. I too like lots of small pieces, but when I need something quick, I go with blocks with larger pieces. I'm always amazed at how quick they are, and I usually like the result! I would do the pattern as is and see how you like a top with a quicker completion timeline.

They *are* big blocks. But they're not simple blocks, like say if you had 30" pinwheels!

I've only done one sewing kit, and it wasn't a quilt. They're not bad, but they're not for me. On the other hand I love those felt/embroidery/sequin kits to make things. Now that I think about it, I don't know why I like one but not the other. Probably the same reason I use patterns for clothing but not for quilts, just because that's how I started off doing it. I didn't even know that there were such things as patterns for quilts, or kits for that matter.

Let us know how you like using the kit. And happy birthday. :)

It may be out of your comfort zone but why not try it! You may find that you enjoy the process

You could easily turn these into 10" blocks and your pieces would be small, coloured strips would finish at 1".

good idea!!!
and as someone suggested, it could be a reversible quilt with one of your own design! learning process also!!

No one says you have to use the pattern that came with the kit. Use the material in any pattern you wish and explain to the "giver" that you loved the fabric...just not the pattern. As long as the quilt you develop is loved by you the "giver" will be happy for you.

Put the top together and see if it speaks to you. There seems to be wnough white if you wanted to embroider something.

Think of it as a way to try something new and step out of your comfort zone. When you're done and added your personal touches as others have suggested and if you're still not thrilled with it, give the quilt to the person who gifted you with the kit. I wish someone would give me a kit!

Well. 30 inches is a big block and rather quick....
I say go ahead and make it, Try something NEW!!!
Have fun...
Kirsten

I think it is hard to re-purpose a gift as given. It looks like a fairly quick quilt to do because of the large pieces and blocks. Because you care about the feelings of others I would suggest you make the quilt and display it and then go back to the small piece quilts that you seem to enjoy more. Who knows, the experience might be more fulfilling than you currently think possible. I know I love doing intricate quilts but sometimes I like to do something quick and done.