You must live in Charleston!

Use what you have or want. It's your quilt and most people will never, ever know that the shop model was in the colors you used. Unless you tell them! Enjoy the class!

there are lots of red/white quilts of all types so the sample is not an original idea to begin with. You'll invest many hours in it so let it be just what you want.

Use whatever fabrics you want to use. Even if you were to use the same colors the shop used, you would be creating your own masterpiece. I've have never taken a class that called for a specific line or color of fabric. Every one of us, it seems, has his/her own color and fabric likes and dislikes. All of the quilts in a class may follow the same techniques and patterns, but every single one of them is different. That's what makes quilting such a pleasure for me: there is so much variety. Go for what makes you happy and enjoy your creativity!

Use the colors you like. DOn't worry about it being the same as the instructors. Someone commented that one of their LQS says you have to buy your fabric for the class at their shop. I wouldn't be taking any classes there unless then the class was free. I rarely buy all of my fabric for a quilt all in one shop. I like a big variety. I also like to pull from my stash. It is in my stash because I love it, I usually need some things to go with it. Can't wait to see the completed quilt.

My question is " are you expected to buy fabric from the LQS when you sign up for a class?" Many times the LQS make money on the class by selling fabric . The shop owner may be more upset if you use your own fabric than if you choose the same colors as she has.

Imitation is a great form of complementing someone.

When I taught a few classes, some students wanted to make their quilt similar to what they saw in my quilt. I didn't take any offense, it was actually a compliment. Just go and have fun !!

Your instructor will probably feel flattered that you are using the red/white combo. You will not be copying, except for the pattern, as I'm sure your fabrics will be very different and just as beautiful.

Use whatever you have. It wouldn't be copying. Think about classes where they offer a kit for the class. The kit usually contains the same fabrics as the sample, so is it really copying?