2018 Finishes - On Ringo Lake - #42

This quilt is another Bonnie Hunter annual mystery quilt.  This is the fourth year that I have participated in her mystery quilt programs.  They are free and happen every year between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

This is the second mystery quilt that I did in fabric lines from Fig Tree Quilts by Moda.  I have quite a collection of her lines, so I was able to have enough to do this mystery quilt again for the 2017 Mystery Quilt.  Progress posts of this quilt can be found here.

Every one of her quilts are quite large, this one is no exception at 75" X 90".  

Close up of the block and quilting.  Notice the binding, I had to use both yellow and backing fabric in order to have enough to do the binding, just like the backing.

I did not have enough of the yellow to do the whole backing, so I included another color (background) as part of the backing.  I sewed it as opposite pieces and this is what it looks like.

Size: 75" x 90"

Fabric Lines Used:  Various Lines from Fig Tree Quilts by Moda

Colors:  pale yellow, red, pink and background

Batting:

Pattern: On Ringo Lake

Designer:  Bonnie Hunter, Quiltville

Long Arm Quilter:  Carol Logan Nelson

Year Began: 11/2017

Year Completed: 06/18

2017 Finishes - Fat Quarter Shop 2013 Mystery Quilt - #38

This is one of the few Mystery Quilts that I have done from the Fat Quarter Shop.  This one was from 2013.  You can see about each block here, as I happened to blog about each one.  One of the few times I tracked each block on the blog.  I finally dug it out last year to do the sashing, and borders.

I guess you would call this a semi-row quilt, as each row has same theme all across the row.  Row 1 is baskets, row 2 is stars, row 3 is houses, and row 4 are supposed to be a flower block.

I have not done a border like this one before, I didn't think I would ever get the pieces done to make the pointed border.

The backing is matching to the front border, and the binding matches the pointed border.

Size: 74" x 89"

Fabric Lines Used:  Moda Avalon by Fig Tree Quilts

Colors:  Pale Blue, red, yellows, greens

Pattern: 2013 Mystery Quilt from Fat Quarter Shop

Designer: Various Moda Designers

Long Arm Quilter:  Carol Logan Nelson

Year Began: 2013

Year Completed: 11/17 

2016 Finished Quilts - Crossroads - #25

Warning, lots of pictures.  This quilt is one quilt that I started in 2016, and finished in 2016.  Actually, it is a BOM from Fat Quarter Shop, and it was a Mystery BOM quilt.  I did lots of many posts about the process of making these blocks.  You can read it all about it here. This link will show you all the blocks up close and the process of completing the quilt top.

Here is the front of the block all done and in it glory.  It is done in a fabric line from one of my favorite Mode designers, Joanna Figureoa who does Fig Tree fabric lines.  This line is called Strawberry Hills Revisited.  The colors are cool and yummy.  

This is the different way of doing a backing.  The last instruction was the big block star surrounded by the backing fabric.  Really like this backing for this quilt, would probably do it again, if I am short on backing fabric.  Usually I have fabric left over from these BOM's and could do a big block to make the backing stretch.  

Picture of the quilt all laid out, you can see the red Irish chain bringing all the blocks together.

Here are close ups of the different blocks throughout the quilt.  The constant block is the red Irish Chain.   

This quilt had five borders, all the same size, just in different colors.  The one sawtooth border is scrappy reds.  This took a long time to sew and get put together, but I really like the end result.

The backing is a favorite of mine, being white with pink/red roses all about and the polka-a-dot binding is just perfect.

A better view of the back, you can see the big block better.

It's been folded for awhile, with other quilts on top of it, so when I pick it up after photographing it, I folded it different so that the fold lines don't get engrained in the quilt.  I read somewhere that to keep the permanent creases from forming, to take them out and refold them a different way.  

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Size: 66" X 83"

Fabric Lines Used:  Moda Fig Tree, Strawberry Hills Revisited

Pattern: Crossroads by Fat Quarter Shop Mystery Quilt 2016

Designer:  Several From the Jolly Jabber Blog (Moda Designers)

Long Arm Quilter:  Carol Logan Nelson

Year Began: 02/2016

Year Completed: 10/2016

2017 Finished Quilts - "Mum's the Word" Mystery Quilt - #30

This is my first finish for 2017.  I'm slower this year.

I started this mystery quilt, from a blog site back in April 2013, and all I did was pull the fabric together and started clue one.  Then it got put away until I pulled it out in June 2016 (you can read about the details here)and finished the top and pinned it together to quilt on my machine rather than sending it out to a long arm quilter.  And it sat there on my to do pile, got moved around, and sat some more, until this last week when I was at a point that I wanted to quilt it.  Part of my procrastination in working on this is because I have not done any quilting on my vintage machine, and wasn't sure how it would perform.  Although, I think it was just plain procrastination on my part, because I don't like this part of the quilt making process.  I knew from following a group on Facebook called Vintage Sewing Machines, that this machine would perform just fine.  And, of course it did, and it works wonderful.  

This is the full size, about 40" X 50".  At first, for me, I couldn't really see the pattern of pinwheels, but the camera brings out them.  It is all made from one jelly roll, including the border and the binding.  

For the backing, I used a scrap of leftover fabric from the backing of my Chocolat quilt from last year.  I did just a cross hatch stitch in the ditch following the pinwheels top to bottom, sided to side.

It has been a cold winter this year in the Pacific Northwest, so I am going to use it to throw over my legs while I'm siting at the machine.  But, since it is finally spring and warming up, it will have a place on the back of my sewing chair.

Size: 40" X 50"

Fabric Lines Used:  Moda Whimsey by Fig Tree

Pattern: Mystery Quilt "Mum's the Word" 

Designer:  Heather Spence (www.heatherspencedesigns.com

Long Arm Quilter:  Renee Steele

Year Began: 04/2013

Year Completed: 04/2017

2016 Finished Quilts - Alliatare Mystery Quilt - Quilt 11

This is my second year of participating in Bonnie Hunter's annual Mystery Quilt program.  You can read my posts about all the details of this quilt and how her Mystery Quilt works here.

This quilt was made with mostly (other than the dark green print) are from several different lines of Fig Tree by Moda.  I like using mode fabrics, as their lines within a designer, can be mixed and matched and come out just beautiful!!  When I posted it on the Quiltville FB page, I even got a comment from Bonnie herself!!  She has over 30,000 followers all over the world!!  

This is another rather large quilt, 82" X 95".  All of her mystery quilts are this big.  My first one, done in Thimbleberries (you can read about it here).  I still have to get a backing put together on it and get it sent off to be quilted at my long arm quilter.

A lot of the comments from my FB post were about the border print.  Everyone liked how it looks on the quilt.  I bound it in the dark green print and it pulled the quilt together.

The backing was a tough one, I had lots of the background fabric leftover, but not enough to cover the entire back, so I used up the peach print from the quilt top and made a different looking back.  Not the most attractive looking back, but it works, as no one will ever probably see the back, except my readers.  The front steals the show, and the back will stay off stage.

I am anxious for the next mystery quilt coming this November.  I am already deciding what type of fabric I will be using.  That's how I dream, always thinking about the next quilt project.  Sigh....

Next are the specific facts about the quilt:

Size:  82" X 95"

Fabric Lines Used:  Moda Fig Tree - Different Lines

Pattern: Allietare

Designer:  Bonnie Hunter

Long Arm Quilter:  Carol Nelson

Year Began:  2015

Year Completed:  2016

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2016 Crossroads Quilt Along

This is the pile of the next and last set of blocks.

It is named the crossroads block (thus the where the name of the quilt a long came from), 

All eighteen of them will tie the quilt together with the other blocks that we have been making so far in this quilt a long.

All the reds are scrappy in each of the blocks, and the center is of the different colors throughout the quilt.

All of the blocks are done, so next month should be the top finishing instructions.  

Hang in there, this one is almost done.

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2016 Crossroads Quilt Along

Back in February, I started a Quilt Along through the Fat Quarter Shop.  So far I have kept caught up with the blocks that are to be done each month.

February Blocks:

March Blocks:

April Blocks:

May Blocks:

I had the May blocks cut out when the pattern came out on the 15th, but did not get to working on them until the last few days.  Tonight I can say I am caught up until June 15th.  Sigh.

Just a note, I have completed 7 quilts in the last two months, but have not figured a good way to get them photographed for the blog.  This is something I am working on, as I want to get them documented as well as getting them shared with all who follow my blog.  I am feeling accomplished in betting old UFO's done, but now the quandary of getting pics and then a final blog post about each one.  Stay tuned...

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Next Crossroads Block

The next block pattern came out this last Friday, and I was able to get them cut out and made.  This next release is a block called "Friendship Block"  It is made up of squares and 8 flying geese per block.  I am not a fan of "flying geese", as mine don't ever come out as good as I think they should, but all in all, I think they came out pretty good.

  You can read and see the prior blocks here.  Also the post has all the links to the information about this quilt-a-long.  The patterns are free, they just ask that you make donations to the March of Dimes.

Come back next month to see more progress.

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Crossroads Quilt Along Blocks Continued

I did get a chance to complete the March blocks of the Crossroads Quilt Along.  They are called Diamond Blocks.  There are only three blocks this time.

Block 1 set:

Block 2 set:

These blocks looked fairly easy at first glance, but putting four triangles on each of the 5 squares in each block took quite a bit of time.  Not something that I could just sit down and whip up!  

Block 3 set won't be available until around the 15th of this month, so I am on hold until then for this project.

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Why I've Been Away

I know it has been awhile since I have written a post.  More than a month, but as you all know, I am a full time caregiver to both my mom and dad.  My dad's health took a turn for the worse, and we had to put him on hospice.  He passed away this past Friday, due to more complications with his health.  Not an easy time for anyone.  The funeral service will be four states away next week, and we will be traveling most of next week.

I did get to do some sewing these last two days.  It was good therapy to just do something I love and not have to think of anything else.  Some escapism is good for the soul, and sewing is just that for me.

I signed up for the BOM program, Crossroads Quilt Along, found on the Fat Quarter blog here  I also went ahead and purchased the kit, so I am doing the pattern in the fabric from Moda, called Strawberry Hills Revisited by Fig Tree.

The patterns are available for free, found at the link above each month, with the request that you donate something to the March of Dimes each time you down load the pattern.

Here is the first set of blocks done called the house block:

I now have been working on the next blocks, the diamond block, and have them almost done.  Will post soon.

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FQS Mystery Designer BOM - Block 12

I have been out of state for the past few weeks and have not been able to get any sewing done until today.  This block, the final block, was in my pile of mail when I returned home.  I cut it out and stitched it up this evening.

This end the 2013 club, and the 2014 will start in June.  The Fat Quarter Shop has this club every year, and I have participated for the past two years.  I am not going to do this year's club.  I need a break to do some catch up work on my older UFO BOM's!

This is block 12, and I have the finishing kit to get the top done.

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FQS Mystery Designer BOM Block #11

Well, the 2013 Fat Quarter Shop Designer Mystery BOM is almost over. There is only one block left after this one.

Block 11

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FQS Mystery Designer BOM Block 10

Remember, at the last post I did regarding this BOM, wondering what the next three blocks will be to finish out the program?  

Well, the 10th block came in the mail a couple of days ago, and it looks like the last three blocks are going to be a "flower-like" pattern.

Of course, Fat Quarter Shop always does such a nice job on their blocks, and I have never been disappointed in any pattern block they have sent, and this is not exception.

It should be noted that the common thread through out each block is the center square 2 1/2" block of navy with white polkadot.

This is block 10.  If you want to look at all the past blocks, just click on the label "Fat Quarter Shop Mystery Designer BOM 2013" at the bottom of this post.

If you have enjoyed following me on this BOM from the  Fat Quarter Shop and think you might want to join up for the new Mystery Designer BOM 2014, you can get the details here.  I will not be participating this year, as I do not care for the colors or the fabric line being used for 2014.  I have plenty of older and new BOM's that I can work on this coming year without buying a new one.

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FQS Designer Mystery BOM Block 9

That time of the month has rolled around again, because when I returned home from my Quilt Run 101, the next block for the Fat Quarter Shop Designer Mystery BOM came in the mail and was waiting for me to get it opened and completed. I get so excited receiving each block, because one I don't know what it is going to be and to see how so darn cute it is time and time again.

This is block 9, which as you can see is another house. Cute, cute, cute...

To recap, so far there are three basket blocks, three star type fill-in blocks, and now three house blocks. Now it has me wondering what the last three blocks will be, and how it will all come together for the final top of the quilt.

So much fun!!

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FQS Mystery BOM #9

This is block 9 of the Fat Quarter Shop Mystery Designer BOM program for 2013.  This is the second house in this BOM, and I am liking each one so far.

At first I thought it was going to be only basket blocks, but then the blocks were just general in nature, and now we have been doing blocks that are houses.  It will be real interesting to see what the whole quilt will turn out to be, as this program every year never fails in coming out just perfect and beautiful.

If you would like to see the other blocks in this BOM, just click on the label at the end of this post "Fat Quarter Shop Mystery Designer BOM 2013", and it will bring up all the past posts and pictures in the series.

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2013 FQS Designer Mystery Club BOM - Block 7

Yep, I received block 7 in the mail last week and cut it out that night.  I just got around to sewing it up today.

Each month I am please with the blocks that are rolling out in this club.

Now back to the sewing room for some more UFO BOM stuff.  

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FQS Mystery Designer BOM #6

Block 6 came in the mail when I was still working on the Browning Bag, and today was the first time I could spend some time on my regular quilty stuff.  A little more complicated than the previous blocks, but I like the illusion of a moving triple pin wheel!

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FQS Mystery Designer BOM #5

Here is block 5 done for this BOM.

If you would like to see the prior months blocks, just click on the on the tag Fat Quarter Shop Mystery Designer BOM 2013 at the end of this post.  Apparently to use this blogger program limits the space you can use, and pictures take up a lot of space, so instead of adding the past pictures of the blocks for this BOM, i'll just have to refer you to prior posts.  Bummer!

Block 4 (Fat Quarter Shop Mystery BOM)

Here is block 4 of the Fat Quarter Shop Mystery BOM.  My first thought when I opened the package and looked at the block, I noticed that it wasn't a basket.  The first three blocks (see below) were all variations of an updated basket pattern.  I am making an assumption here, by thinking this block and maybe a few more, will be the alternating blocks between the basket blocks.  Oh, wait a minute, it is called a "mystery" BOM.  So, I guess, we will have to wait until each month and see how this "mystery" plays out.  That is part of the fun of this program that they offer each year.  You can find out more about this BOM here.

Here are the prior month's blocks:

Block Three

Block Two

Block One