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....

Quilt Along Layout

It was only a few weeks ago, that this project began. And I have already enjoyed seeing some of your work and look forward to seeing your final layouts; when we get to the end of this project.

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As promised, I am ready to share some more details... on the quilt's layout. I know we are not ready to assemble these quilt blocks, yet; however, it'll give you more options, if your block sizes vary in future projects.

For anyone wishing to make a smaller or larger rendition of this project, here is how you can adjust the block's sizes to fit your own.



The original design...
calls for 10 nine-patch blocks intermixed with interesting applique blocks. So when my nine patch blocks were smaller then my design called for; I decided to make up a quilt anyway, using these blocks.

At that time, I had decided I would use my nine patch blocks with blank applique blocks to show you how to adjust the size to fit this pattern's layout.  This will also work with larger blocks.

The pieced blocks coming in weeks 12 and 13 are still hidden to be revealed later on.





So here it is....
This is how you can resize the applique blocks to fit your pieced blocks, regardless of the block size, required.

For Sections 1 and 4; the quilt calls for six blocks in these two sizes:  5" x 5" and a 5" x 9.5". Now what I needed to do was resize them to match my nine patch blocks that were only 4 3/4" x 4 3/4" in size.


FIRST STEP: 
Cut six blocks the same size as your pieced blocks. (My example here is: 4 3/4".) Then... to resize the second set of blocks, lay two of these 4 3/4" squares, side by side, as shown below.

Two blocks (each: 4 3/4" x 4 3/4")

SECOND STEP:
On the ruler, we see the total length is 9 1/2". To cut the other six blocks, make them 1/2" shorter and cut these six blocks at: 4 3/4" x 9". (If desired, you could add this 1/2" and then trim the blocks in a later step.)

SECTION 1 AND 4:

 

In this post, we will be working with only sections one and four. I will reveal the other two sections in a later post.

 

 

 

Both sections use the same blocks in their layouts. Section 1 fits at the top left-hand corner and Section 4 fits at the bottom right-hand corner of the quilt. 

 

For the quilt along, we are creating each unfinished block, one at a time, in order that we have the flexibility to rearrange our pieced blocks and applique blocks, as desired. Plus, this allows the applique mystery to unfold block by block.

 

 

However, in these examples, to help demonstrate the layout, at this time; the applique blocks are left blank (shown in this example in white). I will be adding the appliques, later.

 

To create these two sections....
Lay out the blocks, stitch into rows, and then into a section. (Section 1 is demonstrated here.)

 

Laying Out the Blocks

 

1) Prepare all the blocks; both pieced (nine-patch); and applique blocks (shown in white here).

2) Arrange your blocks, as desired to fit this layout.

 

 

Blocks Sewn Into Rows

 

                 

3) Sew these eight blocks together into three separate rows. 

4) Then join these three rows into a group, which I refer here as a section.


NEXT STEP:
Once these blocks are stitched together into this configuration; measure all four blocks before trimming. Because I have already made the other two blocks, I knew my final measurement would be 13" x 13" for these four blocks.  (Examples below are not trimmed yet.)

 

 

SECTION 1: Blocks Sewn Together

 

 

SECTION 4: Blocks Sewn Together

When all four sections are sewn together, we will measure the width of the quilt top across its center and cut our border lengths to fit this measurement. That instruction will be given in April; when we get to that stage of this project.



Happy Quilting!!
Darlee