Good Morning, Quilters!
Let’s get right into it….
What’s YOUR opinion on quilt kits?
I’m of two minds…
Sometimes I think– Why re-invent the wheel? When you’re drawn to a quilt because it is perfect…why not just buy the kit?
On the other hand, if someone has already made the perfect quilt (and created the pattern) —why copy?–why not try to be original?
I have made several “kit quilts”. Here are my criteria:
- I will buy a kit when I am learning a new technique (like the Baltimore Album quilt-Friends of Baltimore project I am working on). For this quilt, I wanted to focus on learning complex appliqué and not on choosing fabrics, etc.
- I will buy a kit if it requires a lot of fabric that I don’t normally keep in my stash. (Wool or 30’s for example.)
- I will buy a kit when it’s on sale–even if I am not sure if I will make it. (Impulse buy–not smart–don’t do this!)
- I will buy a kit when I don’t want to think too much but I want to be assured of good results…perhaps for a quilt retreat weekend.
OPEN LINE FRIDAY
What about YOU? Do you ever buy quilt kits? Do you prefer kits? How do you decide?
Do you have any links to fun kits? (I’m an enabler…–so much for The Big Three!)
We’d LOVE to hear!
Happy Stitches!
Lori
PS…This entire post is a grand justification for me just purchasing The Gravity Kit here…Anyone want to play along??? (Guilt loves company!)-
–My sister made me do it (Criteria Excuse #5)
PPS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt. For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com. Thanks!
150 comments
Nena
Everyone is at a different place in their learning and creative curve. Kits sometimes are the help over the bump to get going or going again. Many lament that they feel the need to change something. Nothing wrong with that. One or two pointed out, do the math. That’s fine except you have to realize that if it is pre-cut you are saving money on time cutting out. Many have family and work time hogs that make doing anything creative a challenge. Kits can be the answer. And to the ones saying that they have to explain when they give the finished quilt away… stop and get over your ego insecurity of not being able to brag it’s original. Unless you create in a total void, EVERYTHING you create is the sum total of all your experiences, visual, auditory and sensory. That means you have taken bits and pieces from all that you have learned to create something you say is original. I say if a kit works for you, use it. If not spend money elsewhere. Me, I tend to buy a pre-cut kit and then use it for something totally different than the intended design because I tend to buy based on color. Doing that I have found tends to keep me from falling in a color rut. I am more likely to try on new to me colors because I have not spent my time cutting out the pieces. I then find myself buying more fabric in new to me colors. Uhmm, that may mean that kits are not a good idea for my pocketbook. Oh well!
Terry Chase
I love your thinking and logic. I never tried paper piecing until I signed up for a BOM by Carol Doak and learned the sink-or-swim method. I was very disappointed with the level of materials and instructions in the recent Row by Row season, so a friend and I decided to make kits with everything included including the sleeve. Wish us luck.
Jacqui VMS
LOL Nena…I can so relate to that!!
PJ
I have never bought a kit. I have a hard time parting with the cost even though buying the fabric separatly may be the same amount of money. Just the odd way I have of seeing things. Also often have something out of my stash to use. I rarely even make a quilt following a pattern to the letter and most of what I make comes from a drawing on graph paper. (I may be a bit of a rebel?) I have a friend who only works from complete kits as she has some color blindness, and she does beautiful work. I’m just glad we all have a choice for what works best for each of us.
lswanekamp
As a rule, I never buy kits. Sometimes when they are on sale, I buy them for the fabric- like from Craftsy or Connecting threads, and make my own not using the pattern. I almost never like the fabric and the pattern together that I see. I made one exception last year when I saw a made kit pattern that was from a local designer made in all neutrals that was complicated, unique, and I could never assemble those fabrics myself.
Evie H
I have bought a couple of kits. One I intend to make because I really like that “perfect” quilt. The other I bought just for the fabrics; the kit was on sale and the price of the fabric was right for my pocketbook.
Carol
Love kits for all the reasons you listed, but my big one is …..if I am planning a quilt and purchase some of the fabric THEN when I need the rest…..well you know. It is GONE. Never to be seen again on the store shelf or net again. At least with a kit, I am assured to have all of what was planned in one package.
Ann
I do like quilt kits for a couple of reasons. One reason is that I am terrible at choosing colors and fabric types to go together (truly awful at it), with a kit the choosing is done for me. My second reason is that I am trying to cut down on my stash and I don’t want to add any “leftover fabrics”. Now, I have to talk myself out of buying the kit you just bought. It is gorgeous.
obed101
I will buy a kit if the quilt wows me. I know I couldn’t pick the fabrics that made it go wow to me, so I will get the kit.
that said, most of my work is from my stash and most of my stash is from fabric sales!
Lorraine Doyno Evans
I’ve only bought one quilt kit ever this past year. I liked the quilt, it looked easy and was on sale. I wanted something quick and easy for me to work on when I went to visit my mom in Florida. It worked out great as I didn’t have to fuss with shopping for fabric and didn’t have to cut all the strips, they were a tonga treats pack and I just had to cut the strips down to their lengths per instructions.
doni boyd
Hmmm, kits! It has to be spectacular for me to buy it! And then I always change it around. But there is a whole ‘nother category. Those kits I bought and then they sit in the closet for YEARS!!!
At every “gotta to get rid of some of this” reorganization, I still want to do them, so I keep them and put them back on the shelve! I feel like I need to join a support group!
doni @ Oregon coast
Renee
I am exactly like that
If I want to practice a technique I find that kits are great. But if I want to make something really special for a special someone I put more of myself by choosing colors and fabric myself.
lndgroom
I agree with all the reasons you stated. I haven’t bought a kit yet but I probably will someday when I finish all of my projects I have already started. For relaxation and
learning.
Susan A
I agree with lots of the comments…I usually buy a kit for new techniques or quick small project. I really enjoy the challenge of developing my own fabric choices..that said I can’t resist a new pattern with a new way of looking at piecing.and inspiration….so I guess we all have those things..books patterns fabric that call out to us to ‘you have to take me home’….makes lots of ufo fun
The kit you like is beautiful…with lots of quilting spaces…good luck!!
Patricia
I just cleaned out/re-arranged my sewing room and guess what I found? Kits that I had forgotten I bought. I have purchased kits because I want to learn a technique, because of a good sale price, and on impulse. The only kit I regret buying was a block of the month that I bought online. I thought I would do hand appliqué, but the pattern was designed for fusible. I did one block and decided I won’t be doing that pattern, but I do have the fabrics to re-purpse, so not a total loss, but an expensive mistake!
Rhonda
I can’t make anything without somehow changing it! I start with the basic pattern or kit and I change it. Makes kits too much of a headache! I do buy them sometimes just for the fabric if they are a great deal.
Barbara
I rarely buy kits, as I like to be more original, once in a blue moon, it’s okay to take the easy way out. I almost wish that I didn’t look at that beautiful kit, that you’re getting at Craftsy.
Kat
I don’t buy quilt kits for the same reason I don’t buy art at the furniture store. I want to see the hand of the artist in the work. I want my own choices of fabric and technique to show on the quilt. My choices may not be better than the ones in a kit, but they are personal .
Susan T
I have never bought a kit for a project. I love looking at the design of the quilt, but I enjoy the challenge of “making it my own”, and I’m often surprised by the changes that occur, just by changing the fabric colour, scale or tone!
Carmen
Hi Lori
I’ve never bought a kit, not even pre-cuts although I have received a couple of jelly rolls as gifts. The main reason I don’t buy kits is:1-the cost and 2-every one of those finished quilts from a kit will all look the exact same, the only thing different will be the skill of the quilter. Why go to all that bother, just go to the store and buy a quilt. I want the quilt to be in colors I want, in blocks I want, etc., not one that someone else decided for me. As for pre-cuts, you pay a lot of money for those also and quite often they don’t check to see if they’re cutting true to the grain line, and for jelly rolls they don’t re-straighten the grain line, so you’ve got “elbows” and such. One of the jelly rolls I received as a gift, had so many elbows, I ended up having to re-cut them down to 2″. Why pay all that money for something like that? I’ll just cut my own but each to their own, I say.
Michele
The only “kits” I have done have been taking classes. So I guess I like learning techniques, and making my own choices. Now if we start talking about books….
Kim
I use to leave in a fly in community that had normal quilt store. The lady who ran it would put together just the right amount of fabric needed to complete the project. It was great because I never had left overs. When I did leave the community and hit up a real quilt store, I find that I still get the kits. Safes me time and effort to try and figure out what fabric goes together. I have purchased material just cause it is pretty, but I am not that great at using it, since I have a hard time matching……
Ann
I have only recently purchased a kit that came with the pattern and a starter kit which I love. It is a kaffe fassett appliquéd quilt and I am now able to add more fabric to the project either from my stash and/or new purchases. Either way it will be my own unique quilt because of my placement of all the little appliqué pieces.
Joyce Bardeen
I rarely buy kits, but I have several waiting for me right now. I bought Row by Row experience kits…..my how they stacked up, and how much fusible appliqué is involved! I wonder when the enthusiasm for them will return.
eveline st denis
I buy kits when they are on sale or if they are a really good price. I always check how much fabric vs. price. often I will buy it and never make it as intended. but like someone else said like fabric its easy to have lots….lol
carolynblock
Great topic!! I have such mixed emotions on kits. My favorite ones have been the block of the month 12×12 that are a monthly/holiday theme, where I display a different theme each month. But I have had kits that did not provide all of the necessary ingredients and had to purchase fabric. Generally I stay away from kits for one reasons-I am prone to cutting mistakes and there is little room for error in kits:(
Peggy Geraghty
I like the option of being able to buy a quilt kit and get started right away! I also like the idea of developing an idea for a quilt, auditioning different fabrics, and creating something from scratch. So I vote for both ways of making a quilt.
Marcia
I vote both ways as I usually don’t have the time to explore choosing fabrics or they are not available locally. Usually choose fabrics for quilts seen in the wonderful quilt books.
Kathy
Why, oh, WHY did I go see what that quilt looks like?
Just when I committed to finishing some of the many tops I have completed.
Those colors are just luscious and what you will do with them boggles the mind.
Oh, you seem to have covered most of my reasons for kit purchase.
Such temptations.
Martha Henrichs
I have bought a few kits when I absolutely love the pattern and fabric combination and it uses types of fabric I don’t normally buy. However, I find that once the quilt is done, I lose interest. Those are the quilts that are easiest to give away and I find that that I have to explain that I can’t really take credit for them.
Carole M
I say yay. But much the same reaosns- it’s on sale, learning something new, and frankly sometimes I just need something easily put in front of me to keep the quilting going. I also don’t have fabric shops any where near me so knowing stuff is going to go well together is better.
Maisie
I was looking at that kit last night, too! And I agree with the alert below who said, So many weeks, so little time.
Maisie
Rrrrr – auto correct messed up that post.
Diane
Before buying a kit, I do the math…..
Shar
Hi, Lori and followers,
An interesting topic for sure! My problem with quilt kits is that I always find something I want to change around. I want to put the blue fabric in the squares, not the triangles or I think another block is better in this place, etc. I did see a quilt kit in the 90s that I almost bought by Judy Hooworth (Australian), but I did not have the money at the time and I must have been better disciplined then(?). I did buy a little penny rug kit a year or so ago and cut it all out but have not started on it – and now I think I’m going to change it all around. That’s why I have not bought a quilt kit! That being said, I think quilt designers are brilliant and have the idea down pat!
katyquilts
I’ve purchased two quilt kits. The first one I got bored with and changed the pattern. The other I bought for the fabric and never considered completing it as intended. Having said that, I think they can be great for a beginner. For what it’s worth, I’ve never bought a pattern either and prefer books with pictures over patterns any day. I enjoy the puzzle of figuring things out on my own.
Eze
Yea for kits! I’ve only been sewing and quilting for three years so I’m still building my stash. Kits are a great way to get started. Most of the projects I do now are from my stash. Mostly. I still buy kits if the fabrics blow me away or to learn something new.
Leanne Spicer
I bought them early on. That’s how I learned to quilt. Then as I became more confident, I started picking out my own colors and patterns. But I still see some beautiful kits out there!
Lori
I’m starting the ‘Vintage Farm Girl’ BOM this month. When are you starting ‘Gravity’? I may join you!?!? I just live across the creek from you. “E” is open!!! YAY!!!!
Mary Hoffman
Thanks for the morning laugh, Lori.
I buy kits for two reasons: 1. I need a quick quilt to give as a gift. Don’t have time to do my usual mulling over perfect fabric combinations. Just need to get ‘er done! 2. BOM wool kits, like Timeless Treasures ‘In the Garden’. The monthly kit is easy and small enough for me to take along when I travel. I have the pieces cut and ready in a small pouch tucked into my carry on. I find hand applique with wool very relaxing on long flights. I’ve just finished the 2nd BOM, and excited to start a 3rd right after Christmas.
Brenda
Lori, I’ve only been quilting for about 10 yrs. and still consider myself a new quilter despite the fact that I’ve been actively sewing in all forms for 53 yrs! I am confident in choosing my own fabrics and have never purchased a kit. I’ll admit to having to replace an occasional original choice of fabric, but usually my original choices stand. This is just a personal choice and would never judge anyone who does purchase a kit. I always look at the kits but have yet to find one that strikes my fancy.
June Neigum
Oh, forgot to add that I can’t wait to see what you do with the quilting aspect of this quilt. It is beautiful and bright.
Jean Olsen
I prefer to buy fabric on my own rather than in a kit. That way I can personalize my choices.
Moki
I do both. If a quilt kit speaks to me, which they often do, I buy it!
Mary C
I am similar in thought to you. I do buy kits if I really, really like the pattern and color scheme. Sometimes, I can grab a kit from my stash and start/complete something rather quick so I get my mojo going again. It all depends on my mood.
Barb Sutton
I’ve just over come my quilt-kit phobia. My first will be a Quilt of Valor, designer was Aunt to one of my brave warriors that deployed 3 times.
Jacqui VMS
Lol Lori! I totally share your sentiments, but do occasionally buy a kit, but almost always add something or change it (or leave the kit in the UFO drawer for years and years!). I do buy a kit sometimes when it’s on a really good sale, put the pattern in my files and put the fabric into my stash (often with Kona solids or batiks). Great way to build up a stash. I’m also a sucker for scrap bags and I need scraps like I need a hole in the head. Is there any cure to this? 🙂
Lori Kennedy
Yes…buy more!
Jacqui VMS
Ha ha…that’s what I usually do 🙂
June Neigum
I have bought one kit at a quilt show and it still is on the shelf. I like the process of choosing my own fabrics and it gives me another excuse to go fabric shopping to choose the right piece for my “one of a kind” quilt. I always seem to change a pattern up some how so it is my own.
Kitty
I am hesitant about buying kits because I have run into problems in the past. For example, I bought a kit that had a fabric with small squares that needed to be straightened out before cutting the piece. By straightening the fabric out there wasn’t’ t enough fabric to cut the needed piece. Fortunately, the quilt shop made it right and mailed me another piece. I also worry if I make a mistake in cutting that I won’t be able to get additional fabric.
Brenda Powers
Kits are my favorite! I have trouble settling on a particular pattern, and then once decided, auditioning fabric overwhelms me. I don’t like looking for the perfect fabric, and why should I when it’s already there in a kit? BOM are my favorite!
Rowena
I feel that if you like the pattern and want to make it yourself, then the simplest is to buy the kit, (might be cheaper anyway – less waste). You can always make it your’s by either modifying the layout to some extent or with the quilting.
Mary
I shy away sometimes because have not had enough fabric in kit. Sometimes it takes me awhile to do the project.
Ness
These really got me when I first started quilting a few years ago! I am with you on the sale impulse kit that is now in the shuffled around what was I thinking pile! I do not even look at them now but….I also am working on a quilt in a book for Christmas out of the exact fabric…first time ever and it has been fun, fast and I love everything about it so…no brainer is fun too! I bought the yardage though and am not stressed about messing up and not being able to find the fabric.
Lori Kennedy
I have a room full of “what was I thinking?”–I think we should do an Open Line Friday on that topic!
Carol
I have an art degree and could be quite the snob about kits… but I am not! There is ample opportunity to make the kit your own– swap out colors, add embroidery, quilting is usually left entirely up to you anyway. I enjoy them as much as I do creating my own pieces. Judy Niemeyer’s stars and Lori Holt’s Farm Girl Vintage are on my bucket list!
Lori Kennedy
I agree–there are plenty of ways to “make it your own.”
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