Jim's Gem

I wouldn't wash, but I don't usually prewash anyway.

The one kit that I have put together, I won in a raffle, and I really enjoyed sewing it together because I didn't have to think about the pattern, or the fabric choices or any of that. I just pulled it out one time when I didn't want to have to do any planning. It wasn't something I would have picked out and I donated the finished quilt to raise funds for adoption. I had enough of all the fabrics except the backing.

hulahoop1

I recently purchased a twin-size quilt kit from Connecting Threads and love it! In the same order, I purchased similar fabric for another quilt (pattern yet to be determined). I did not prewash this fabric like I usually do because it felt too nice and didn't seem to have any heavy stabilizers in it. It is very soft and flexible. This is my first kit and it has gone together beautifully. And there is a small amount of each fabric left over. I would definitely buy from them again.

RedGarnet222

Here here skeat! I agree. They are very fun and the fabric is quilt shop quality. I sometimes change it up some, but not always. I have bought them and enjoyed them and I have been quilting for 15 years. By the way none of them were precut.

I just got the koyto Blues lap quilt kit last night from connecting threads. It is all there no running around town to five different stores to get everything I will need. Along with tons of thier threads. I had to change over because my bernina doesn't like coats and clark.... too fuzzy.

I have spent way too much money on some quilts over-buying fabric.

Sally Dolin

If you are talking economical then it's best to do the bulk of the labor yourself. Our shop does kits and will create and cut them to the size the customer wants. We also pre-wash, starch and iron hundreds of yards each week since this is our own personal objection to kits. The only kit not prewashed is the rag quilt. It has the batting pre-cut and the fringe done. To answer the next question the rag quilt for a 72x100 Twin is $152.50. The only thing you add is thread. These are packed in Tyvek bags for shipping because of bulk. And yes we will cut your fabric/batting for these - $40. Other kits are pattern kits, from dresden plate ,tumbling blocks, drunkards path and all sorts of 8",10" and 12" blocks. These kits are developed with our EQ software or from a customers existing pattern, and cut using an Accucut machine. 100%Cotton quilt kits that are small enough to pack in a pizza box are shipped that way so you can open it up and start sewing. Then you have somewhere to keep it during that project. All kits that are to be bound contain pre-cut french fold bias and come protected from the box with acid free tissue. Small kits like table runners/small wall-hangings don't come in Pizza boxes. We will cut your fabrics.

tigerlily11

Part of the fun of quilting, for me, is the treasure hunt--for all the right pieces. Love that part! Quilt kits deprive me of that fantastic pleasure. Just more opportunity for self-expression.

Sally Dolin

I agree with you Tigerlily, but lots of our customers as well as my partner, have trouble making decisions on color and pattern. Our goal is to fill each persons need, that is the reason for custom kits. They pick the fabric and we do the dirty work, washing, ironing and cutting. Each of us has our favorite parts of quilting. I love the ironing,designing and quilting; Linda my partner loves the cutting with Accucut and Ladonna who helps us loves the piecing. We are all happy! Truthfully it is more financially rewarding to sell the fabrics and let you do the rest, but so many people ask for kits that we try to fill the need where we can.
It's a beautiful day here in the midwest. Happy stitching to all
Sally

bearisgray

To Sally Dolin -

If I understood correctly -

all the customer has to do is sew the pieces together -

is the batting and backing included?
Is the thread included?

It does sound like the customer is involved in making the choices -

Moonpi

I had some unfortunate results early in my quilting life qult kits... Fading, shrinking, not enough contrast, and the work was harder because you had to sew everything individually rather than strip piece. That being said, there are some beautiful kits out there, and if I had a deadline (wedding/birth/anniversary) that created a deadline, it would probably be a good way to go.

Sally Dolin

In most kits, we include the fabric & pattern for the top. Because there are so many varieties of quilters we will add batting, backing and thread if that's what you want. The backing can be washed & ironed if you want. Once you get past the top of the quilt it is ala carte- you make the choices

The only one that is different is the rag quilt since there is no binding. The flannel for top and bottom as well as the precise cut batting squares are all there. Also the fringing is already on the flannel blocks. No more cutting till your hands can't take it anymore. Oh the beauty of Accucut!

Thanks for asking the questions.
Sally

Skeat

Sally.....I thank you for sharing some insight from behind the cutting mat!:)I've enjoyed reading your posts and thoughts on the subject. Will add that our LQS doesn't prewash and personally that is what I prefer:)
I love mine just like that:)Thanks again-so nice of you to step up and explain insight...Skeat