Good, Better or Best?

Sherry,

Do you have a Joann's nearby? I used to get all my batting there (I am no longer in the US, therefore "used to").

Sometimes they have 50% on all batting, or you can use a coupon. They do sell a variety of batting, personally I have always machine quilted and tend to just stick to Warm and Natural or Warm and White - bought from the bolt very wide in 10 or 15 yard pieces (but only on sale or with a coupon!). They also have some prepackaged stuff.

I'd hate to have the back not behave nicely (maybe over time). Often I use leftovers from the top on the back (planned leftovers?), and for quilting I like to know that I can do what I want to do with the batting. So I don't experiment much on that either.

Hmm, not sure that was much help, except you could try to find what you like to use cheaper than at LQS. My LQS in the US didn't do that much on batting, I think they realised they couldn't easily compete on brand name stuff available elsewhere also. But even though you can get some reasonable fabric in Walmart (and I use their kiddies panels all the time) in my mind it is just not quite the same as LQS quality.

Hanne > I just added up what I've spent to complete a throw-sized quilt and I > am horrified.

Depends on the quality of the stuff at Wally World et al. Some of their fabrics are loosely woven and some are dye-runny. Sometimes it doesn't matter.

I have used wool batting and it's a positive dream to hand quilt- but this was Matilda's Own and not Heirloom Wool. My finished quilt was very washable (thank goodness because I spilled Diet Coke all over it!). The directions recommended dry cleaning, but I washed it in the washer anyway. But then, I very heavily quilted it.

-georg

Sometimes, Sherry, (perhaps mostly?) this is a sum it is not wise to do.

Most 'hobbies' or ways of life, away from day to day work, are expensive

- take golf, for example, or horse-riding! Keeping pets is expensive. A lot of the things we love are expensive. But, cost is not everything.

When I was running my own garden design business, I used to charge flat rates, based on size of garden. Well, those figures were based on very little - certainly nothing scientific - more on what I thought someone would be prepared to pay! With the result that, quite often, *if* I calculated afterwards, I would find I had been working for about 30p (50c). As I was lucky enough not to have to make a living on this, it didn't matter; but I was far happier doing that than I had been in any job for years. So, how do we price 'happiness'? . In message , snipped-for-privacy@aol.com writes

I also use batting from Joann's bought with a coupon. I am starting to piece my backings using big scraps; there are lots of great ideas for that. I also use John Flynn's method of piecing a backing when I am just a little short on piceing the backing from one fabric the traditional way. It works great. I often pay to have my quilts done on a long-arm now, and I justify that by comparing the cost to buying my own machine and practicing enough to be that good.

This is the only portion of your post that I feel comfortable addressing:

Wool Batt quilts like butter!

Cindy

First thing, stop adding everything up. You can't put a price on something you enjoy doing. Most hobbies are expensive, but they are good for our mental health. I usually buy my batting at Jo-Ann's with a coupon. I buy some fabric from Wal Mart if I am making something for the grandkids. I know it is going to get lots of washing and use. They are 7 & 9 so I'm not worried right now about using the best fabric on their things because they don't care. They just want something that is cute. Also, their tastes change so they might only use the quilt for 6 months or less. I am not trying to make a work of art for them. I just want them to enjoy them. I have been told by the lady in the fabric department at Wal Mart and by a LQS that Wal Mart will be completely out of the fabric business by the end of

Sherry Starr

If I had to buy everything at a LQS I would not be able to quilt. Especially now that I can't work. I buy fabric that feels good and looks good wherever I find it. I do prewash, just in case. I hit the big 50% sales at fabric depot. I watch the second hand stores. Garage sales. Just tell yourself you are getting back to the roots of quilting. IMHO that is Using what you have to make something beautiful and functional. Of course at my skill level I am not looking to make any family heirlooms. I would rather my quilts are used now and I am remembered by people who knew me . Than years from now being folded up somewhere and not used because it is too old to actually use on a bed. But, like I said that is only my opinion.

Vikki in WA State

I like the Matilda's Own wool batting and have found it to be very reasonable, if you get it from King's Men Quilting Supply, Inc.> I had great experience ordering from them, I think it was less than a week from the time I ordered until the day I got my wool batting. You can find them here:

I haven't gotten anything else from them but I was very happy with my order, and I LOVE the Matilda's Own. You can just throw it in the washer and dryer (as you would a blanket) before quilting or leave it the way it comes from the package.

My daughter loves the quilt I made her with this batting, she says it's the warmest quilt ever.

Judie > I just added up what I've spent to complete a throw-sized quilt and I > am horrified.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, I think it's better not to add up the cost of the quilt, some things are just better left alone.

Judie

snipped-for-privacy@aol.com wrote:

Most battings are not going to shift if you are quilting it enough. So the big deal about battings is that you like how the quilt feels and drapes after quilting, and that it can be quilted by your preferred method easily. You don't need to spend a fortune on it if you don't want to. I buy a medium priced, medium loft poly batt at JoAnns because it feels and looks right to me and it can be hand quilted or machine quilted on my machine without problems. I've tried Warm & White cotton and I was greatly disappointed by how it looked and felt in a quilt, and I couldn't hand quilt it, so I'm not using any of the flat cotton battings again. As with other things, middle of the road priced battings get you your money's worth while cheep battings have thin spots and expensive battings are mostly over rated. A lot of my mother's and my quilts are backed with good quality muslin, prewashed of course. We have also used JoAnns fabrics and Wal-Mart fabrics for both our backings and our top fabrics. There is nothing wrong with JoAnns, Hobby Lobby, or the nicer fabrics at Wal-Mart. You do have to be able to tell the difference between low quality fabrics and good quality fabrics at those stores so you can make wise decisions about the fabrics you buy, but it is easy to tell badly woven thin cottons from good quality cottons. Even with non-quilt shop fabrics, quilting is an expensive hobby, but few people will ever know if you paid $7.00 per yard at Hobby Lobby or $15.00 per yard at a quilt shop for the fabric you have used in your quilt. Debra in VA See my quilts at

Some quilt shops have a back room or bargain area with last year's out of style but perfectly good fabric at a discounted price. A lot of my stash is older than that so I don't mind buying this for backing, or just because I like it. Unless you are really lucky, you will probably be disappointed with fabric from JoAnn's or Wal Mart for "good quilts" but it is OK to try out blocks or for wallhangings.

Some LQS also sell online, and they have bargain pages, too.

Jane in NE Ohio where we've had a few flakes of snow today

lol - I am assuming that this (butter) meant as a good thing! It just sounded funny.

We (quilters in my region) use mostly Wool/poly blend in Australia (probably where modern wool blend batting was developed as Matilda's Own and Nu-Wool have been around here for years and years and years . . . ) and I rarely consider anything else. I know that in the US you are all used to cotton and cotton blend batting, but after my first few quilts using American cotton batts I chanced across wool and have never gone back.

Matilda's own now has some new wool blend batting including wool/alpaca, wool/mohair and wool/silk. The alpaca is SO warm and light, and the silk is just plain drop dead gorgeous to work with. And yes - they are more expensive. But one of my sewers was making a wedding quilt and when I suggested splurging on a wool/silk batt she moaned at the price. But we worked out that is added only about 10-12% to the overall price (not a big quilt) and made it so special it was worth it. I would not use the more expensive silk batting in a kids snuggle quilt that was to be washed every week, but I might in a baby christening gift.

I tend to consider the end use when looking at the cost of a quilt. I will use good quality but cheaper materials in quilts that are going to be worn to death in a few years. I will spend whatever I can afford to get the best for that special gift that I hope to see around and still in use in

I have all my students keep a record of what they spend on their quilts, and they often express shock at the final ost - quickly followed by comments like "oh yeah, but it's worth it!". You need to be aware of the cost, but keep it in perspective. What would you spend on another hobby/craft that produced such an outcome.

For the record, wool blend washes like a dream and is great to quilt - IMNSHO worth every cent.

And you haven't learned the meaning of "expensive" until you buy quilting fabric in a LQS in Australia or Europe rofl!

lol - cheaper than we can buy it here!

Howdy!

Contrary to some opinions I see nothing wrong w/ adding up the cost of making a quilt. How else will you know what to expect when you head to the store (be it quilt, discount, fabric)? Do you really want to spend a big chunk of cash on a quilt that won't be appreciated and cared for by the recipient (if you give it away)? Knowing the cost of your hobby/passion can help you in planning your next projects, can teach you how to shop for the best deals. As it is impossible for a clerk to un-cut fabric when the customer faints from sticker shock knowing what to expect, in general, is a good thing for those on both sides of the retail counter. However, you can cut the cost of quilting. Some of us still use scraps from clothing & other sewing projects, sheets, remnants, look for freebies, watch the sales at quilt shops & online, clip those coupons for Hancocks, JoAnn & Hobby Lobby, cozy up to son's girlfriend who works at a craft store , and keep our eyes open for other money-saving possibilities. Wallyworld is not an option for me; I choose to not ever shop there (as a corporation: they suck). I do have fabric that was bought there, and thank god it's pretty good quality, which isn't always the case. But isn't Wally shutting down its fabric dept.? W/ some research & experience you'll discover different levels of quality in fabric, you'll find what feels right for you, what you like, what you should pass by. Talk it up: tell people, "I quilt." and "I'm always looking for more quilting fabric." I've had so many offers of free fabric, some of it not so great for quilting, but most of it ..er..interesting, and quite a bit of free cotton has come into my stash. ;-)

What would happen if you shopped elsewhere? It would rain chocolate! Well, I can hope, can't I?

Haven't used a wool batt, yet. Just haven't broken that "wool--in Texas?!!?" barrier, so far. The Hobbs Heirloom has done so well for me that I've stocked up on it. However, I'll look for some wool batt in Houston, see if I can get a smaller size (don't want to carry around a big armful of batting at a quilt show! ); I want to try the silk batt, too.

Good luck, Sherry, and Happy Shopping!

Ragmop/Sandy

On 11/2/06 8:58 AM, in article snipped-for-privacy@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com, " snipped-for-privacy@aol.com" wrote:

BTW - our quilters here in town buy some things as a group for better prices. Do you have other quilters nearby?

For instance a roll of batting lasts no time here so we get the best price when buying without one person having to buy and store for a long time. And we get cotton (in basic/neutral colours) in large enough quantities to attract an extra discount. Also cutter blades in bulk, and sewing machine needles. Lot's of things.

Every little bit helps. More dollars to spend on fabric.

Thank you! It's not that I'm that much of a cheapskate, but what I really wanted to know is: If I can get the same performance out of a less expensive product, and not compromise the quality of the product, why not? Remember I am a beginner. Some of the nuances of high quality material might be totally lost on me, at least until I get more experience. I guess I am just basically frugal in all aspects of life. I don't mind paying a high price for high quality when it's necessary, but not when the less expensive item works as well. It makes me feel wasteful.

What I won't ever do is add up what I've spent on tools. I might faint. :-)

Thanks to everyone for the replies.

Sherry

It's your hobby; buy what you want to buy, whether that means LQS or WallyWorld.

I personally don't like working with the cheaper fabrics. The colors don't appeal to me as much, I find them more difficult to work with, but YMMV. I'd rather make one quilt I really love than 10 quilts that were frustrating.

I can't tell you about hand quilting, but I love the Heirloom wool so much I bought a bolt of it. The loft is wonderful to show off the quilting (I do a lot of texture work in my quilting), it washes great, travels well, and is very snuggly.

At least if you intend the quilt for a gift or are donating it to charity, you have some idea of the value.

I started quilting with fabric from JoAnn's, but am using mostly quilt shop fabric for tops these days. I have a Mill End Fabric Outlet store nearby; they carry a lot of the brand name fabrics, but for less money than the LQS. I'm sure some of them, especially the flat folds, are seconds or overstocks, but most of it is very usable. That is where I usually shop for backings. I also use a lot of muslin for backings; I buy that by the bolt when it is on sale at JoAnn's; they carry Roc-Lon brand, which is also what I've seen at the LQS.

My favorite batting is Hobbs Heirloom 80/20. I get that on sale or with a coupon at JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby. There is no point in paying LQS prices for that. I've never used the wool batting -- that's on my "someday" list. I don't buy much fabric online because I like to see and feel it before buying, but I don't hesitate to buy batting on line if the price is right.

Julia > I just added up what I've spent to complete a throw-sized quilt and I > am horrified.

You can buy the best quality without paying full price. Most quilt shops will have sales and discount racks.

I personally don't like Wal-Mart fabric. You can get decent fabric at Hobby Lobby but it'll cost nearly as much as the quilt shop. I do buy fabric out of the disount bins at Hobby Lobby for backings.

You really can tell the difference between a top quality fabric and poor quality fabric.

Why would you use cheap fabric and then turn around and use Heirloom Wool? I love the way quilts with wool batting feel and drape. I've never used it personally though. I have used a variety of cotton and poly battings.

Ms P