MadQuilter

I only own one kit (a McKenna Ryan) but it is still in the box. I prefer to pick my own colors, and with my stash, I better pick from the pile.

Nancy B

Thank you very much for your help. I will see what I can find.

Cathe

To me, the creative aspect of quiltmaking is a major part of the pleasure of making the quilt.

I can see why a beginner would prefer a kit, though. It's like painting - doing paint-by-numbers can help you gain the courage and skill to do your own artwork. :D

pittsburgpam

Here is an example. The kit is $40
http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/...06&Parent_Ids=

The pattern alone is $6.50
http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/...00&Parent_Ids=

Two charm packs can be bought for $15 on eBay, 40 charms each.
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-PATISSERIE-5-C...3A1%7C294%3A50

Then 1/4 yd border and 1/3 yd binding. Shopping around for the collection you might be able to do it at half the cost of the kit. Or find a fabric at Whittle's that you like to go with the charms and get a yard for $3.50. Look for free shipping on eBay too, that can add up. Or see if the eBay seller has yardage of the collection and combine shipping. Better yet if you have something already for that little bit of border and binding. Might be able to find the pattern for less too, I didn't look for that.

bearisgray

My Mom always had fabric around and I've "always" had fabric around.

I "vaguely" remember "starting" my stash.

After thinking about it a bit, a kit might be good for a beginner that hasn't acquired a stash.

Especially if one has fallen in love with what's in it.

It would be a good idea to check with a sales person to make sure that everything is included - or to find out what else is needed to finish the project.

Even though it may seem expensive up front, it might be more economical in the long run - especially if this going to be a one-project thing.

I've heard that some people actually don't go on and on and on buying fabrics.

judee0624

I like kits. Since I am fairly new to quilting (2 years) I need all the help I can get. I am also green/brown color blind. I have bought some wonderful kits. One thing to note, though, is that you must be careful as there isn't enough fabric for do overs. I have loved all the fabrics I have bought and I really think that it was worth it to buy them. The most expensive one I bought was $62 and it was in fabulous batiks that are a quality beyond any I have seen in the shops. Maybe I have been lucky. I have only bought through small shops, maybe that is the trick.

judee

Roben

I've had the same experience with the kits I've bought locally, judee. I think where you buy them, especially if you are trying to make the quilt exactly to pattern, is really important. I've only purchased two with the intent of making the quilt exactly to pattern, and the shop owner even offered to replace one pattern when I thought I'd lost it in our recent move. Then again, it was a big kit: http://www.gequiltdesigns.com/images...dian_Peaks.jpg

I disagree that kits are for beginners, or the connotation that purchasing kits equals less artistic - I think there is a place for them regardless of experience level and that it is another area of no right or wrong, simply personal choice. I recently bought two of the same kit - one I did according to pattern (because DH just loved it) and the other is on the wall now, a morph of several block ideas but again with the fabric line DH loves. I've purchased several Connecting Threads kits - I don't care much for the patterns, but it did increase my fat quarter stash substantially :lol: I may purchase a kit to get coordinating fabrics to use on something entirely different - but if I need something in a hurry, or I don't feel very creative at the moment, having a kit or two in my stash comes in very handy :wink:

Rose Marie

Ive only bought one kit a small one. All the pieces were precut so you just sew togather. Bought it at a quilt show. Loved the quilt.
Have not found another that I like.

dizzy

i have gotten precut quilts an i don't find very many that i liked an as some of the colors aren't what i'd even like.

motomom

I've never used a kit. I don't have any problem with using one, though, esp if you are a beginner and feel that you need confidence.

I'll admit that one of the joys of my life is going to a fabric store and strolling up and down the aisles of fabric, dreaming of what could be possible with it.