Kits are KILLING CREATIVITY.... opionion

[Mailmanldy]

I agree with what others have said, there is room in the quilting world for every one, and if kits are your thing, there is nothing wrong with them. If you are not comfortable with selecting your own fabric, then a kit is perfect. If you don't have time to select fabric and cut it out, then kits are a timesaver.

I usually don't like kits, because if I'm going to take the time to make a quilt, I don't want it looking like 100's of other quilts. Granted, not all kit quilts will look exactly the same, but I enjoy picking out my own fabric. I could spend hours in the quilt store looking at all the fabric, and selecting just the right combination.

I have only purchased one kit the entire time I have been quilting. And the only reason I purchased it... I loved the fabrics. It was for a very simple quilt pattern called Take 5. I added some more fabric to it, and made the Take 5 gets the Point. So even if there were other kits with the exact same fabric, I made mine different than the others. At the time I purchased it, I just wanted to make something simple, and not have to think too hard about it, but just wanted something to allow me to keep working with fabric.

I don't think I would ever enter a kit quilt into a show, but then it would depend on the purpose of the show. If it was a local shop that wanted to showcase some of it's classes and what the students have done, then of course there would be a lot of the same quilts. I would enjoy seeing the same pattern with different fabric and color combinations. That helps me learn what works and what doesn't, instead of just using the colors I'm comfortable with. And it always gives me ideas for other quilts I would like to make.

Diane in Colorado Springs

[sandytn]

I think there is definitely a place for kits in the quilting world. I have purchased two (from TQS) in the last 2 years. The 2008 BOM gave me the color palette and I added a few of my on fabrics and I am very happy with the result.

[KakeM]

I have never done a kit myself, but I think it is an easy way for a newbie quilter to make a project, experience the process and then become addicted to it and to want to know more about it. We all learn in different ways...its easy for some to just pick up a book and read about a subject like quilting and then just forge ahead and "learn along the way"....for others it is a hand holding process...they need someone to show them each step of the way...sort of coaxing the creativity out of them one step at a time. But whatever way gets us there, the experience is one that grows ands becomes a big part of our life. TQS has been the mentor for lots of newbie quilters and is directly responsible for educating and giving us a family of like minded quilters to turn to and ask all sorts of questions.....learning all the way! AND those answers are only a mouse click away!

[pam7040]

I wish I was gifted and could easily design a quilt and pick colours that work well together without any effort. Sadly I'm not but I enjoy needlework and have used several patterns and kits. Whilst I wouldn't like to go to a show and see lots of identical quilts, I dont like to feel that I am somehow a 2nd class citizen because I'm not as gifted as others. I ENJOY what I make, it gives me great pleasure and if some people begrudge me that, it makes me sad. I dont mind you being creative so why should anyone begrudge me using a kit? Pam

[pam7040]

OK, I am finally angry enough to reply to this post. The ONLY thing that kills the creativity of quilters are those people who discourage, put down and make people feel inferior by imposing their standard of what is the proper??? way something should be or not be done.
1. Anyone who makes a quilt is creative and is an artist. (does not matter who coordinated the fabric) and it is the quilt maker who is choosing the pattern from the zillions out there.
2. All completed quilts are REAL quilts
3. What is a kit besides a pattern and yardages of fabric - you still have to prepare it cut it and sew it and then "quilt as desired" Not always an easy way out. Just a way of finding fabrics that all like each other and necessary if you don't live near a giant lqs. with hours to look through 1000's of bolts
Now to Ann - NEVER ever question yourself. You are extremely creative, over the top creative and its a shame what was done to you.
Pam Do not ever let anyone made you feel sad your creative quilts are beautiful you are 1st class. The 2nd class citizens are any and all people who do not encourage and support the quilters who wish to support the pattern makers and the LQS's who work hard to kit quilts and all the fabric designers and mfg.companies who make patterns to go with their line.
So in ending to all you people who think your better than everyone else out their cause you wont use a kit - your not - so please stop hurting and making sad the ones who do for what ever reason. Nina in Va.

[pam7040]

Like many folks here, I'm sitting on the fence with regard to kits and the pre-cut fabrics.

I absolutely LOVE to design my own quilts. I'm inspired by many things around me, and have often spent months developing a design around that inspiration. I have a quilt in the "what are you working on now" show and tell that was inspired by ethnic/african prints and my love of traditional blocks.

That being said, sometimes I need to whip something out quickly for an unexpected event (like my quilt "the Monsignor" which is also in the gallery). In this case, a couple of charm packs was all I needed to whip out a quick quilt.

Also, I find that when I buy some of these honey buns and jelly rolls, I can more easily get a scrappy look than trying to buy lots of yardage.

I guess the only thing I would say all to those who feel like they're not creative is "I bet you are!!" Try to loosen up and not be critical of yourself. Don't be afraid you'll make a mistake with choosing colors or making up a pattern. It's the process that's wonderful and if you make something with your hands it has a spirit in it that is unmatched by anything storebought! And that's true even if it turns out the colors aren't just right or the pattern you created is a little wonky. That quilt be loved by anyone who receives it because it was created with love!

[pam7040]

I agree that kits have gotten a lot of people off to a successful start on their quilting journey, and also are wonderful quick projects for already successful quilters. I admit to having bought quite a few BOM kits, I love getting them in the mail & have actually completed several -- and yes, I even got a ribbon or two for the fanciest one!

But I'll tell you a secret: I made a lot of mistakes on that appliqued quilt, which I had to cover up by changing the pattern in several ways. And I could never have done that without the experience all my other quilts have given me, kits or not.

So, I agree, I wouldn't want to go to a show & see eight of the exact same quilt. But I see a kit as a learning experience, a chance to recreate the quilt in the way the designer envisioned, and a chance to put your own spin (however small) on that quilt.

Kathy B.

[pam7040]

I've done a few kits and they were very helpful in the learning process. I have a few in the sewing room stash that will be done...someday. One quilt show I went to had several quilts that were similar as the members had all taken a class by the same lady. I thought it was fascinating seeing the 'same' quilt, but how each made it their own. I recently went to a quilt show in NC and as part of the rules they had listed no panels, no kits. Not all of us have the same experience or the same expertise, but would like to be judged on how we are doing. I don't see much difference in kit, panel, pattern or self designed. Its going to have you in it in some way or another. I don't know professionals or have access to professionals and you know your friends and fellow guild members are gonna say 'great job' when what you really need is someone to tell you that you need to work on mitering those bindings better, or your piecing could be a bit...whatever judges say. I've not entered anything yet as I didn't have any quilts finished for the show last year. Hopefully, I will have several ready when the next one comes around. Its every 3 years and maybe even the 2009 BOM finished by then. Sandi in FL

[pam7040]

I once was praised for a cake that I had baked. When I responded that it was made from a cake mix, the lady quickly responded that even a cake mix can be screwed up! I think the same way with a quilt kit!

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

[pam7040]

I’ve been thinking long about this. I think we all have the urge to be creative in some form. Kits can get you going and scratch that itch or start a path to somewhere.

Maybe the rub for Ladyrags is more the placement in the shows. Perhaps they should be in a class where they are welcomed and not put in against from scratchers. We’ve shown cars in Concours where you are up against 30 or so of the same marque, it is so much more hard work when you’re showing the same thing!!! And showing is certainly a way of pushing yourself and judging against others.

If you have a group of people and you give them five pieces of cloth, all the same, and tell them to use the same block you will have plenty of different results but the start has been dictated. Isn’t that a challenge?

I have been known to sit and sew with the hotel sewing kit when we are away just for something to do! I wondered if the Queen ever managed to make her grandchildren a knitted baby jacket or sew a cot quilt. Seeing as every moment of her life is dictated, I expect not and I feel sad for her for that. The Hollywood stars who can have everything, does Angelina or Victoria sit down and just time out to make something personal for their growing broods? Probably not.

The joy of just manipulating something from something else whether in a kit or not is what we are after perhaps. Sorry for the ramble, it's funny where your mind goes when you're enjoying yourself.

I remember a book I read a hundred years ago by David Eddings. In it was the most powerful sorceress Polgara. One night whilst sitting around a camp fire she was mending a shirt. Her grandson, Garion, asked why she did it. She tore the shirt and ran her finger up the tear and it mended. She then tore the shirt again and began sewing. “Just because I can,” was her answer.

[pam7040]

Thank you for your thought provoking answers.

I am looking at kits differently... I had not thought of the learning aspect of using kits for first time quilters. Or even for the fast gift. I guess there are all kinds of useful circumstances I had never thought of..... probably cause I have a S.A.B.L.E of fabric to select from and just go into the bins to look for fabrics to work together.

To me the best part of the quilting process is the fabric selection.


I was just cheezed cause I drove 100 miles and paid $10 to get into the quilt show .... if I had known I probably would not have bothered going. My time off work is precious to me ... and I love attending quilt shows because of the creativity and ingenuity of quilters. I can understand taking a class and doing the same blocks but I do not understand having everyone use the same fabric in the classes.

I guess not all quilt shows are alike... I will know next time and Check the rules before going.

[ladyquilter]

I remember a book I read a hundred years ago by David Eddings. In it was the most powerful sorceress Polgara. One night whilst sitting around a camp fire she was mending a shirt. Her grandson, Garion, asked why she did it. She tore the shirt and ran her finger up the tear and it mended. She then tore the shirt again and began sewing. “Just because I can,” was her answer.

Oh my gosh !!! I found a kindred soul in you because I thought I was the only person that has ever read this series and it was one of my all time favorites. In fact, I was sad to finish it knowing that it was over.

Couldn't resist commenting when I saw your post. I might just re-read that series because it was eons ago.

JoJo

[ladyquilter]

I occasionally use a quilt kit. Being for the colors in fabrics, or because I like that particular quilt, and I want to try to duplicate the quilt, without going to look for those particular fabrics, and end up with extra fabric. I do not like to see multiple quilts of the same fabric and block selection in a quilt show. I also agree that it is a great learning experience for beginners, as you can learn a lot not only about color, but also techniques.

Margarita in Auburn, CA

[Margo]

I know that I have already said that I would not like to see a bunch of copy-cat quilts at a show, but I must admit that I would LOVE to see a room full of TQS BOMs!!! They are all turning out so different because of the colors that are being used. Not all from kits, but the products of different visions!

[bar7700]

Oh to heck with it.... I'm jumping in. I'm on day five with an inflamed nerve in my head. The meds. are making me whoozy so you all have to cut me some slack. LOL

I like kits. Having said that I wouldn't want to drive 100 miles and see half the show be the same quilt. In Houston I go nuts for the kits because all those samples are hanging up and I just have to have *that* one. Exactly the same fabric. I have a throw that is done up in yellows and blues and I love it and it gives me good memories of IQF. I am in my first BOM, Charleston Harbor, and would never be doing it if I had to pick out and find all those different fabrics. I seriously doubt I will ever run into the rest of the group doing this quilt. I also joined a second BOM for a Baltimore album wool applique. Overdyed wool I would never have scored on my own. The wool is to die for! It's soooo beautiful.

I made a double wedding ring quilt a few years ago when I was a beginner, using John Flynn's method. Cutting the fabric using templates was not fun. Last year I jumped all over a pre-cut double wedding ring quilt kit Fons and Porter has. It will get done someday but in the mean time I smile knowing that half the work is already done and John Flynn is going to help me through the other half.

I don't know if we are suppose to mention brand names here but I guess they can delete me if not!

Barbara