TinaRibena

...but now I'm not so sure

Joking aside, I'm in awe of all the lovely projects here that people here have made, but feeling more and more bewildered with regards to what my next project might be. Which design which fabrics when there are so many to choose from! So, your opinions would be gratefully received please.....

I would like to embark upon a large-ish quilt. But, budget is a consideration, as well as knowing where on earth to start. I have seen a few 'block of the month' clubs that are available (bearing in mind I'm in the UK, so there isn't as much choice as, say, the US), and my 'local' shop is quite a drive away. Would you recommend a BOM club as being a good choice? I'm thinking that apart from being able to spread the cost, which is a major consideration, only trying to make one block per month breaks the project down into manageable chunks too. I go to a craft club once a week, so there is designated craft time, as well as more spare time once the new year is here and my job is quieter. I rather like hand sewing too.

Thoughts/ opinions would be very welcome please!

susie-susie-susie

The Block of the Month clubs seem so expensive to me. Some of the quilts are quite beautiful. If you figure the total cost of the quilt, and it doesn't bother you, then go for it. You are right, the cost is spread out over a long period of time. Living in the UK will probably add to the shipping costs. What I did is buy fat quarters and add to my stash. When I had enough, I started a scrappy quilt that is very labor intensive. It is about 3/4 done, and I'm in no rush to get it done.
Sue

tutt

Check out Craftsy.com their BOM quilt for 2012 was really cute and I learned a lot and it was free! Doesn't get any better than that and you can do any fabrics you choose. If you look at their website (I'm not affiliated at all with Craftsy other than I have done the BOM and bought a couple of classes) and you can see posts of other users.

TinaRibena

oh that sounds interesting, will take a look thank you!

dunster

I feel that the BOM offered by online quilt stores, where they supply the pattern and fabric, is usually much too expensive for my taste. For one thing, paying for shipping on a monthly basis rather all at once adds a lot to the cost of the project. Local quilt stores can offer more reasonable prices, without the shipping expense, but you said that there is not one near you. I would recommend the Connecting Threads kits, but they don't ship overseas. I agree with Sue that the craftsy BOM might be a good choice, and you could buy the fabric all at once or as you go along. There are many other web sites with free BOM - just google "free BOM quilts". I admire those of you who persevere in quilting even though you don't have easy access to tools, fabric, guilds, etc.

Oh - that reminds me - search for guilds in your area. I found one in Penarth in South Wales, don't know if it's near you.

TinaRibena

Thank you Dunster! Penarth is quite a long way away unfortunately, but I heard of a more local group today so when I'm brave enough to phone them I can find out more. I just signed up for the Craftsy course; looks great and also with the fabric requirements given up front it will make it possible to cost buying all the fabric up front v. a kit, so that will be a useful exercise.

Knitette

What about the BOMs that run in magazines? (British) Patchwork and Quilting had a nice one this year. It ran from the January issue until December and the only cost is the price of the magazine (plus fabric which you might be able to use from your stash).
The Craftsy suggestion is good too. You can join one of their free classes to see if you like the format. If you like them, be on the lookout for Special Offers with money off.

TinaRibena

I don't really have much stash (yet!), as I'm newish to quilting, so whatever I do I will have to buy the fabric if I want it to look even slightly 'cohesive'. Will take a look at the magazine too, a possible for my christmas wishlist perhaps.

TinaRibena

Well, I signed up to the Craftsy free class, which looks really good thank you. They say you need 36 fat quarters, plus some other fabric.... I understand the importance of using 'decent' fabric rather than cheap stuff, but even the cheapest fat quarters I have found are £10 for 4...that's a lot of money!! I know I could probably buy stuff as I go along, but worry about not being able to get the same design/ colour if I didn't buy it all at once.

I think I might have to be a bit creative and a) not use fat quarters, but maybe see what I can find in terms of charity shop (thrift store) finds...

iwillquilt

There is nothing wrong with using what you have. Old clothes, thrift store finds of fabric. Or you could look online for low cost fabrics and just buy the minimum allowed if it covers what you need. Some ship free. Nothing wrong with lovely scrappy quilt. Every thing matches that way. Enjoy!