Michael Miller's jet black solid is $1 cheaper than Hancock-Paducah at http://www.fabric.com. Also shipping free if one orders $35 or more + I think there's a 10% coupon available.

Go with whatever is your preference. A lot of us use Kona because of swaps - most people can get Kona and the blacks are usually pretty consistent and retains the black. However, Kona is thicker and sometimes a pain to use if you want to put hand embellishing on it. I prefer Moda for applique pieces, although either work for background. Both retain their black well.

I find it interesting that Keepsake as a rule doesnt divulge the manufacturers. Wo knows what their black really is. I suspect it may be Kona since theyve carried it for years - long before Moda Bella or MM jet.

They certainly aren't trying to hide anything and they're happy to tell you if you ask them. They carry only major manufacturers goods and do not cover up the bolt ends like some stores do. As I said earlier, their solids are primarily Kona and RJR with a few others that are also 'name brand'. It's been a couple months since I was last up there, so unfortunately I don't remember all of them. I believe Moda is one, however.

My RJR sales rep told me a couple of years back that it is the RJR Cotton Supreme that Keepsake sells as their black solid. We carry it in my store, and I do like it. It is soft to the touch, and does have a bit of a sheen to it (more so on one side than the other). The color does vary a bit from one dye lot to the next.

I always bought Kona because that is what I could get at the LQS and Joanns. I have never liked it, the Moda I have used is so much nicer. Now I have Kona I have to use up before buying more Moday.

The Kona at Joanns is not the Robert Kaufman Kona. Big difference

Good to know. I can only buy online. Wish I was closer to Keepsake

I like Kaufman Kona Black, It works great for me and I have also used Amish Black and it's another great one, it's just easier for me to get Kaufman Kona in my area.

I personally find Kona to be too stiff & hard -- not a good hand (IMHO). I always use Moda & love it... in any color!