How do you feel about quilt kits? I haven’t used one, myself, but I think they are pretty ingenious. What’s not to like about getting a snazzy new pattern and all the fabric needed to make it? It can sometimes take me an hour to pick fabric for just ONE block, so I can imagine that a kit would be a huge time (and angst) saver.
A year ago, Craftsy approached me about designing quilt kits for them. I almost said no, because my family was in the midst of moving, but it sounded like it could be a really fun and rewarding project. I will say, I was a little worried, because Craftsy was just beginning their foray into fabric so I had never used their product. What would it look like in person? How would it feel? I am a bit of a fabric snob, so the texture and quality of the fabric can really make it or break it for me. In the end, I decided to live a little and give it a go!
I was commissioned to design two quilts for Crafty’s Boundless DECOdent line and two more for their Boundless Solids line. Once the designs were approved, I wrote up the patterns and then waited a handful of months for the fabric to be printed and make it’s way across the Pacific to me.
I had my patterns tech edited by Alison Schmidt. This was my first time hiring a Technical Editor (I normally barter for pattern testers), so I felt very fancy and professional. Alison has been a friend of mine for about 14 years and she is an amazing TE. We both went to Carnegie Mellon University, worked in costuming and made the switch to quilting. She is very quick, and accurate as well as funny and friendly.
When the fabric finally arrived, I was so pleased! They were gorgeous in person and very smooth and soft. I would equate the Boundless solids to Kona in texture and weight. I really don’t think I will be able to tell them apart in my stash. I washed all of the solids before using them, and there was very little bleeding onto the color catchers.
Yes, yes, I am going to finally get to the quilts!
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Inspired by 1920’s art deco, Boundless DECOdent is not my usual taste, but I love the saturated colors and the metallic gold. As with most metallics, it is SO much prettier in person. There is no way for photos to do it justice.
Measures 65″ x 80″
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Measures 46″ x 46″
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The Boundless Solids quilts were a fun challenge. I wanted to come up with unique designs that showed off the variety of colors in the line and would really brighten up any room. They look more complex than they really are, so don’t be afraid to give them a try!
Measures 60″ x 60″
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Measures 72″ x 72″
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All of the kits are currently available at Craftsy. If you already have more fabric than you know what to do with, the patterns will be available in my store early next year.
Have a wonderful Monday!
Cheryl Brickey says
Beautiful patterns! Congrats from other CMU grad (ChemE 2000) 🙂
Janice@Better Off Thread says
Thank you! I was a Drama MFA in 2002, so we overlapped a tiny bit!
Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts says
I appreciate your review of the fabric. I wondered about the quality of their fabrics as well. I’m a huge Kona fan, and a solid fabric would have to be really nice for me to add it to my solids stash. Congrats on your new patterns – I love that Stained Glass Spectrum quilt!
Janice@Better Off Thread says
Thank you so much!
Ivy says
Beautiful quilts! However, I don’t want to make the same quilt as anyone else, so I would never buy a kit. Plus if I made a mistake, which is a definite with me, I would not have enough fabric to finish the quilt.
Janice@Better Off Thread says
The kits usually leave a bit extra for a cutting error, but isn’t it great that there is variety for every type of quilter?!
Fran says
Congratulations on your new patterns, love the Stained Glass Spectrum!
Peggy says
Love both the Solar Flare and Stained Glass Spectrum. I used to use kits all the time when I started, but have moved away from them for the most part (still have a bunch to put together though), but these may sway me back again!
Sandra says
Craftsy won’t ship to my country. I really want the solar flare pattern. Will it be pdf? Thanks
Vickie says
Hi, I just recently received your kit Solar Flare. I would like to ask what kind of fabric is in the kit. I need to order more white as I mess up my cutting!! Darn it!!!. anyways if you let me know I would truly appreciate it as I want to finish this project.
Also just a FYI, on your directions for the background, reference the blue & white triangles. On the 4th row (last) of the triangle you listed H,G,H,G,H,G. Now which is correct, the Diagram which shows 7 triangles OR should an additional “H” need to be added to your description. I just don’t want to mess this up nor do I want someone else to be confused. Thank you for you help.
Laura says
Hi Janice! I was the lucky winner of the solar flare fabric that Angela Walters gave away on her blog after showing the quilt on The Midnight Quilt Show. I am so excited, but there is no pattern for the quilt. When will you be selling just the pattern?? I’d love to get started on this quilt, it’s calling my name!! LOL
Angie says
Can we purchase just the patterns somewhere?
Angie says
Can we purchase just the patterns somewhere? I’m in love with the Wallflower quilt!
Brenda says
Hello!
This may be a stretch..,,
I purchased some of the Boundless decadent fabric a few years ago.
I am currently making a stash buster quilt out of my leftovers from the line.
I am beginning to worry that I may not have enough to complete the project! I’m wondering if you might know if it might be possible to find someone who also has some leftover bits!
Thank you!