My Thoughts on Cheater Cloth

One of my quilt 'cheater' panels. I hand quilted this little quilt out of my deep love for Holly Hobby.

   While picking out seedlings in a greenhouse a question was posed about cheater cloth quilts, and before an answer could be uttered opinions abounded from those nearby. It seems quite a stand off between the 'yeah's" and "nay's". The reality is, I never even got the opportunity to share my thoughts on the matter. Poor soul who asked had to be overwhelmed with the responses she got..and I doubt she was prepared for the fervor in which they came.  So, what do I think?
    Let's start understanding what it is we are talking about. Cheater cloth is basically fabric that looks like a quilt top. Sometimes it is sold in panels depicting an appliqued quilt top or an artistic image. Yardage of cheater cloth may be printed to look like a pieced quilt or be pieced squares. The idea is, it's a printed quilt top in need of batting, backing and quilting.
    I quietly listened to the strong comments made regarding these pre-printed items..some felt it a shameful fraud to use such a thing, while others praised their convenience and beauty. Being a teacher, I love any tool that helps you to get where you need to so you can learn best. Cheater cloths are always on hand in my sewing studio and serve a good purpose.
    If your heart wants to learn quilting there is no need to frustrate you with piecing a project.  Cheater cloths can provide a beautiful finished product for budding quilters, hand and machine alike. My early attempts at quilting found me using printed panels to practice how designs worked together to compliment different fabrics and images.
    A dear woman I cared for was loosing her vision. She could no longer see to match the fabrics and piece a design, but did well with cheater cloth- making hand quilted treasures for her family. Giving someone continued purpose and joy is never a bad thing.
    The only downfall I see to a cheater cloth is it could become a crutch when it would be better as a stepping stone. Getting too comfortable with them doesn't help us grow and stretch our skills. Like any other tool, use it wisely and don't stop growing, yet, if you love it..quilt it.  What about you? Do you have experience with cheater cloth? Would you be offended if someone gave you a cheater cloth quilt? Share your thoughts.