Paintbox Quilt Along: Q&A

This post will attempt to answer questions asked in the comments to the other posts.  To recap, the previous quilt-along posts include: Introduction, Supplies, How to Make Classic Blocks, and How to Make Scrappy Blocks.  We also have a Flickr Group for showing off our work in progress.

 

First of all, I've learned via the Flickr Pool that Fabric Depot is sold out of Kona Roll-Ups.  Unfortunately, they're still listing them for sale on their website, so you probably want to call before placing an order.  I've added more links to the Roll-Up Sources Thread, so you may want to check that out.

Okay . . . let's see if we can't get some of these questions answered! 

What exactly are the "Variation" blocks? How are they different?

I didn't explain this very well, did I?  By Variation, I meant blocks that weren't trying to emulate the "paintbox look" of monochromatic blocks in a spectrum of colors.  A lot of us are trying to create monochromatic blocks in a full spectrum of colors.  However, there's no reason you can't quilt along making Classic or Scrappy blocks in an entirely different color scheme, or with fewer different solid fabrics. 

Do I have to use a Kona Roll-Up?  Can I use more strips each of fewer colors? 

You absolutely do not have to use a Kona Roll-Up.  In fact, I think a Roll-Up is likely to look odd with anything other than a similarly-colored (i.e. rainbow-y) range of prints.  If, for instance, you want to use precut 10" squares of a particular collection of print fabrics, I would definitely recommend using fewer, well-chosen solid colors to match that collection.

Regardless of the look you're after, you can use as many or as few different solid colors as you want.  I've revised the Supplies Post to give a list of different yardages and how many 2 1/2" strips you could cut from each.  I'll also include it here:

• 3 yards of a single solid fabric, cut into 40 strips
• 1 1/2 yards each of 2 different solid fabrics, each cut into 20 strips
• 3/4 yard each of 4 different solid fabrics, each cut into 10 strips
• 1/2 yard each of 8 different solid fabrics, each cut into 5 strips
• 3/8 yard each of 10 different solid fabrics, each cut into 4 strips
• 1/4 yard each of 20 different solid fabrics, each cut into 2 strips

Any of these should work beautifully.  I'm also going to give a shout out to my favorite source for Kona yardage, Fabric Shack.

Is it okay to use a combination of Classic and Scrappy blocks?

Of course!  It's okay to use whatever you want and I think a combination of both would look just smashing.  If you want to make the 62" x 77" quilt, you'll just need to make a total of 40 sets (80 blocks).

If I don't prewash the Kona Roll-Up, is it okay to use it with my prewashed stash fabric?

I think it's fine.  In fact, a lot of the print fabric I'm using in my scrappy version has been washed.  The amount that quality quilting fabric shrinks in the wash is, in my experience, not significant enough to distort the shape of blocks made from a combination of washed and unwashed fabrics. 

There's always some risk involved with using fabric that hasn't been washed.  (In that there is always the chance that it might bleed or do something else funny in the wash once it's already sewn into your finished project.)  My experience has been that you're unlikely to have problems with high-quality quilting materials like Kona solids and designer prints but, again, there's always that chance, which is why a lot of people like to stick with prewashed fabrics.

I'm making a Paintbox Quilt using the original pattern.  Can I participate in the quilt-along?

Sure!  I didn't provide instructions for finishing the original version but, since the blocks are the same size, you could make 40 sets using that pattern and then finish them using the instructions that I post for the new version.  Just keep in mind that, if you want to make the Swatch Card Blocks for the quilt back, you'll need a 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" piece of each solid and each print that you use.

 

I hope to have my "Eight Blocks a Week" to show you on Monday.  Whatever your pace, I look forward to seeing your blocks in the Flickr Pool.

Comments

[Jinah]

I was at my local quilting store today, and they had a good selection of jellyrolls and a bunch of Kona roll-ups. If anyone is in Atlanta or Decatur, try Intown Quilters (www.intownquilters.com).

[Kayla]

Oh, and if anyone wants to answer this. I saw that JoAnne's carries Kona Cotton solids and they claim to be "quilt store quality." Does anyone know how true that is? Because if they really are...they are on sale for 2.99 a yard! Sounds too good to be true though.

[Sew-Fantastic]

Do you by chance remember the name of that dot fabric. I have some in a dark orange red but the selvage is gone I cant remember. I think it's alexander henry right. I had no idea it came in pink and blue to. Me want some :P

[Margaret]

Yeah! Thanks for answering my questions, hopefully it will encourage me to get a move on!

[Angie]

Kayla.....The JoAnn's sale is precisely why I'll be joining a little late in the quilt-a-long. I'm going with 16 or 20 colors and getting them during that sale!! $2.99 a yard!! I'm pretty sure I just used some of JoAnn's Kona Cotton in a recent quilt and I was quite satisfied with it. Seemed, to me, like excellent quality. Of course, I may have different standards than others, so please check it out for yourself!! The sale where I live starts on 1/17. I don't know if it will be on sale online, too, but here's the listing on their website.....http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=prd57239

Can't wait until 1/17 so I can start quilting with everyone!!

[Sherri]

Kona is $2.99/yard at Hancock fabrics right now.

I actually think the solids is the easy part. I have NO idea how I would collect that many monochromatic prints to use w/ the solids (and make sure they match up!) any time soon.

Anyone have any tips on getting those?

[Elizabeth]

As many of you know, JoAnn often carries second run or otherwise lesser versions of better quilting fabric. A good example of this is the Alexander Henry prints you can find there. They're the same prints, but the quality of the printing and fabric is not nearly as nice as the better stuff you find in quilt shops. The question people are asking in the comments above is whether the Kona solids at JoAnn are "the real thing" or a second run quality like the Alexander Henry prints.

My take is that they're the same (or at least close enough). I have a JoAnn two blocks from my house, so I've had occasion to buy Kona solids there on many occasions. To my hand and eye, they're the same as the better stuff that I've gotten from "better" shops. I have numerous JoAnn Kona pieces mixed in with my stash and, honestly, cannot pick them out from the others.

I think another indicator is the price point. My JoAnn sells Kona for $5.99/yard, which is in line with what quilt shops charge.

Really, my only complaint about the Kona at JoAnn is that the range of available colors is pretty limited!

[Peggyann]

Yes I was one of ones that Fabric Depot called about the outage of Kona rollups. I giggled and asked if there was a run because of Oh!Franson's quilt along. There was a pause on the phone and then, "we're having a really big sale this weekend." I have an idea the two combined cleaned them right out! oh, well! I have several kona's on hand in the stash. looking forward to get going.

[christie]

Just a quick note... I found you via Craftzine via Facebook, and I am thinking about making a quilt like this for one of my daughters. These tutorials are *excellent*, very well written and illustrated. Thank you.

[wishes, true and kind]

Oh, for heaven's sake! It seems like it's only been a week (or two) since I checked the blogs I follow, and look at all the action taking place over here! I'm missing out on all the fun, but plan to take some time to look over your past several blogs and just might have to join in. Very pretty and inspiring.