Change is Good, Right?

I must confess...

The anticipated 2015 Applique Mystery Quilt is no where to be found! Last time I checked, it was still nicely stored up in my imagination; and it has not progressed past the initial stage that it was in from last year.

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CHANGE - too little and life can be boring; however, too much of it and stuff can really get in the way of creative progress. Anyways, that's how it feels to me.

I still want to design the project that resides in my head; however, the desire to go to that next step has eluded me. And then, when too much time passes by; the gears don't seem to want to restart.


So, in order for me to get back to my sewing room and do some actual sewing/quilting, I figured perhaps, small goals would enable this forward motion a chance to flow.

And because I don't particularly like unfinished projects hanging around; feel if I could get those few UFOs done from 2014, I'd have more energy to design new ones.

I will begin with my pieced string blocks. And make it into a fun BOM with a twist. One that allows you to make one block at a time into a mini quilt; or make and save the individual blocks to create a wall or larger size quilt in due course.


MY GOALS FOR THESE BLOCKS

1.) Create an applique design that suits the color theme presented in the current blocks.
2.) Perhaps add some other ideas to make pieced string blocks without the applique. And which, could be made as filler blocks to make a wall or larger size quilt.

SO....
From these, if anyone wishes to follow along; and make them, I will be posting on my other blog: Quilt Strings when they are available.

FEBRUARY:
Chocolate Hearts - available now and free for this month

CHOCOLATE HEARTS

Other block titles in the works:
      Country Cabin
      Flower Patch
      Outdoor Adventure
      Sail Away


Quilt It With Me...

So thank you for those that have requested to be part of the 2015 Applique Mystery Quilt. When I do get to that place that the project is ready to share, I will email those on the list. I, however, cannot say at this time when that will happen. Thanks for your interest and patience.



Cheers!

Mystery Quilt Revisited

Just over four months ago, my first APPLIQUE MYSTERY QUILT ALONG was completed. Have you finished yours yet?

Or did you miss out; and wish you had joined in.... no problem! You can purchase the pattern from my Craftsy store at the special SALE price of only $4.95. Check it out now; and save $4.00 during the month of September. 

Thank you to everyone that joined in on this spur-of-the-moment quilt along idea. I am honored to have shared those four months with you. And if you haven't had opportunity to complete yours yet, here's some new incentive to still complete it in 2014.....



Special Report:


I am planning to do another Applique Mystery Quilt Along... in 2015! This one will only be FREE if you receive a special invite from me, to participate. See details below.

For anyone that has made the 2014 project: "Life's A Journey" quilt, whether it was during the quilt along or by purchasing the pattern; and submits a photo of the quilt before the December 31, 2014 deadline; will receive a free invite, when it is available. (Approx. mid-January 2015.)

Please note: If you do receive an invite; you are not required to participate. This will give you the option; and I'll send further details to you, if you are interested. 

If you have already emailed me a photo of your quilt, you are already on the list to receive a free invite. 

I plan to post photos on this blog; soon, and wish to have others see your creative versions of this pattern. However, if your quilt is a gift for someone; and they haven't received it yet; please let me know in your email when I can post the photo.




2015 QUILT ALONG

Once you receive the free invite, you will email me back to confirm your interest; and only then receive the mystery quilt details. These will include: the supply list and design options for the project. 

TIMING  (Example: If the project begins on February 1, 2015; your invite will arrive mid-January; and this will give you about two weeks to purchase supplies and be ready to begin when the project opens.) 

At present, dates are approximate; and the project is still in the planning stages. But, here are some clues:

• It is a small wall hanging quilt with an artsy flair; using fabrics in grays and blacks.
• It will have applique; however, you may change it with one of the options!
• It will be pieced and embellished in sections to finish up in only four to six weeks.
• Adding color will be fun -- do it with applique, stitching, crayons, and/or embroidery.
• Don't like grays and blacks; then replace any with brighter colors!
• Is it perhaps time; to try a small quilt project that is done from start to finish, quickly?

Over the next couple of months, I want to test out my design to see how these options will turn out; and if it could be made into a larger project. More details forthcoming...

EXTRA NOTES:
If you can't wait for the weekly clues; 
or need to know all the details at the start, 
or cannot submit a photo of your finished 2014 project to receive the free invite; 
the full pattern will be available for purchase at my Craftsy store. 
You can then decide if you want to follow along, or make it on your own schedule. 

Happy stitching!!

A Final View of QAL Project

NINE-PATCH PIECED BLOCKS

The first photo shows how the quilt top without borders looks with the applique designs done ALL in black. Here, I used nine-patch blocks for the pieced blocks that were a little bit smaller than the pattern asks for; however, I was still able to successfully put it all together. With only the quilt top done; I could add borders to include or exclude the swag applique design. The appliques have not been stitched yet.

APPLIQUE MYSTERY QUILT ALONG -- NINE-PATCH
(As shown: 25 1/2" x 25 1/2" square)

With everyone having a choice of at least four different pieced blocks and using their own fabric colors for their applique designs; one can see that each quilt would be totally unique. Each quilt can tell its own story; and that was what I entitled this project: "Life's A Journey". 

The approximate finished size of this project; if using only the two borders in the pattern instructions, it should be: 33" x 33" square. Please feel free to try other layouts and color choices for more new and exciting story telling... using colorful fabrics and thread. 

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SCRAPPY PIECED BLOCKS

I wanted to have you see that going totally scrappy will still create a stunning quilt. I even used only one thread color for the complete project. If I don't have enough fabric in a specific color grouping, I can easily select new ones, and still come up with a beautiful arrangement with these quilt blocks.

And even when I messed up; I was still able to continue. Or when I changed my mind, it still was possible to make adjustments. That is what is great about quilting, one can make changes or adjustments; if the need arises.

1. While the pattern needed a three-inch cut for the second border; it was late when I was cutting out my own; and I forgot to add the seam allowance to the finished measurement; so mine ended up narrower than it should have been; because I hadn't written out the final instructions, at that point.
2. I wanted to brighten up the quilt with bright borders; however, the pink was too much for me; so I added the brown to tone it down. 
3. Before finishing up the final hand-stitching of the hanging sleeve and quilt label, I auditioned buttons and added them to several of the applique designs.  

Here’s how my quilt turned out...

APPLIQUE MYSTERY QUILT ALONG -- SCRAPPY BLOCKS
(Size: 34 3/8" x 34 3/8")

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Closeups of some of the appliqued blocks:

Block 7 -- Potted Flowers (embroidered stamens)

Block 5 -- Fence (with Flowers)

Block 5 -- Fence with Flowers (button centers)

Block 11a -- Boat 

Thank you for joining with me to make this applique mystery quilt along project to brighten up those long winter months. The weekly lessons will be available on my website until May 18, 2014.

Happy Quilting....