quiltease

I have only bought one kit and that was for a Ricky Timms Rhapsody quilt. BIG mistake! The directions were printed from the web site (something I had already downloaded) and the fabrics were really ugly colors, nothing like the picture! Also they were listed as batiks, but I've never seen stiff, heavy batiks before. And that's after washing them! Wish I had never bought it. Anyone with a good kit experience???
bev.

vicki reno

Ido a lot of applique. While I struggle constantly with fabric choices and color, I pick from my existing stash. I have lots of small pieces but if I need sashing or borders, usually have to find a source for that and try to pick something that will go with what I always have. My sister likes to purchase fabrics for specific projects and go from there. So it seems that everyone has their own ideas of what works for them.

May in Jersey

For the most part I prefer to pick out my own colors and fabrics and buy at least 1/2 yard more of each fabric in case of mistakes or changes in the layout or size of the quilt.

I've bought a few kits and had good and bad experiences. First one was when I first began quilting and I was happy with the colors and that it was precut but the fabrics were a little thin. Picked up a few precut kits over the years but was disappointed that I had just enough fabric to make the quilt. The two kits that I bought on sale from Keepsake Quilting had excellent fabrics and directions and enough leftovers in case of mistakes by me. They were not precut. I didn't purchase the backings from KQ as they were expensive and I pick up top brand wide backing fabrics at low prices whenever I'm in Lancaster PA. Just finished one from KQ, a huge log cabin block that measures 66 x 86. Will post a picture after I attach the binding. May in Jersey

sandpat

I've never really bought a kit, however I've gotten a few in with some "lot" wins on ebay. I've made up 1 of them and it turned out pretty good..I have another in there waiting..but my line of to do projects is pretty long. Don't know when I'll get to it. I can see both sides...I guess it depends on how lazy I feel whether I would actually buy a kit or not.

Rose Hall

I love this discussion! It has helped me immensely (sp??) with my business.

thank you, thank you, thank you!

keep the comments coming!

Rose Hall

cjc

I have purchased several kits. I like them because all the fabrics usually go together. The first quilt shop that I went to had so many fabric choices that it was overwhelming when trying to pick out something and the clerks at that shop were not very helpful. The shop that I go to now has kits that are wonderful and include the pattern. I think that they are fairly economical..you get the fabric you need and they don't have much waste.

swanrd

mary quite contrary
I just love the pattern you have for a picture could you share the name of it for me?
Thanks Cathie

Skeat

I'm a 'kit junkie'...If I love the example..I'll pick it up. There have been times the kit runs about the same as just buying the fabric and times it's a bit more...but, here's my thought on all the above....If you are dealing w/a quilt store that you use often, love their style and great to deal with...you are going to love their kit:)It's a great way to have a project w/not much thought (and you can really work on a skill this way since the color think is out of the way)and enjoy the sewing. I have had many and I mean many different kits, BOM's, etc...and, only once was I shorted a bit and the shop made it right immed. I like that project ready to roll....:)And, I am not wasting my time looking for a 1/8 of a certain orange...:)I almost always end up w/plenty and at times enough to do 2 espec if it's a smaller kit....Just my experience...Skeat

Skeat

{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 agree w/you Roben on that thought....when we see a picture of a quilt or a pattern and it catches totally in awe...you have to stop sometimes and think...'is it the color?', 'the pattern?'...then you can decide the direction to go:)I like patterns and do them to my liking...and, then there are times I fall in love w/a quilt/pattern and buy that 'kit' for that exact look. If you like it, want to try it....go for it:)Skeat

bearisgray

Just wondering -

How many of you wash the fabrics in the kit before cutting?

Or do you go directly to cutting?