Friday, January 16, 2015

It's a Mystery...

How it got to be January 16 already.  And how it's been a month since I posted.  And how I get myself wrapped up doing mystery quilts before I know what it's going to look like.

I've been under the weather for 10 days with the head crud my husband caught at work.  I'm still coughing and feeling less than 100%.  This week I had to postpone 2 quilt classes and did not go to my monthly guild meeting--only the second time in 26 years I've missed a meeting.  The good news is I'm feeling better and plan to teach a great class tomorrow.

The next great news is I just finished my  Grand Illusion Mystery quilt, from Bonnie Hunter's blog.  Mine is half size and has some variations.  I have more than enough projects going that I had no business starting this one BUT:  it's so easy to get excited by the fabrics and the units as they are released.  So, here is MY version:

Bonnie Hunter selected the colors based on colors used at the Grand Hotel in Michigan and I liked these bright, vibrant colors, especially for winter sewing.  When the reveal came, I decided to change the layout somewhat--here is what Bonnie's quilt looks like:


It took much longer to complete than I anticipated.  I'm glad it's done and know what I'll be doing with this one.  And I really mean it:  no more mysteries until I know what it looks like--OR I finish 20 of my PHDs:  projects half done.

The NEXT great news is:  we found out the sex of our grandchild.  Take a look at my son's
Announcement! video.  We are thrilled!  It's 20 weeks and all is well!  Their due date is June 4, 2015.

It's a new year and I trust I am getting all my sickness out of the way for the whole year.  The coughing has been tough and I've mostly read and slept for the last 10 days.  I'm ready to get more sewing done--that grandbaby will be here before we know it.

Let's quilt!

Barbara

UPDATE:  Go to Bonnie's Link Up party to see what others did with their Grand Illusion.


10 comments:

  1. I really like your version. I'm pretty sure I'll add sashings to mine, just not sure what to do with the border units, after five mysteries with BH this is the first one I really don't like. I think I'll go back to waiting for the reveal too. Glad you're feeling better.

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  2. You were much missed at guild yesterday. Glad you're feeling better! I think I had that mess last year. It seemed to go on for forever! Congrats on the ... new baby!! (I won't spoil the surprise for anyone who's not watched yet!) :)

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  3. I think your sashing has pulled this one together really well. Great job.

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  4. I'm with you, Barbara -- no more mysteries. This one was over the top. I'm hoping to make a plan this week as to what I will do with the pieces and parts I did get finished. The block, itself, is nice; I think a simpler sashing like yours really helps.

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  5. Barabara, I also changed my block design a bit as my blacks were not dark enough to let the pattern spin. My blacks are now inside and I added a black and white middle. Super fun mystery.

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  6. I like your version of the mystery than the original. I took a break and did not do it because I have not finished the last 2. I'm so glad that I didn't get persuaded to join in this time.

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  7. It looks like you just added black sashes? So simple, and yet such a dramatic change.

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    1. Yes, just 1" finished solid black sashes. I find I often like what a touch of black does to a scrappy quilt.

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  8. Hello, Barbara, I really like the slight change you made to the mystery quilt. I got mine all cut out and the pieces sewn together, but then never assembled it because it was too busy (actually, it made me a little seasick when I saw the picture, lol). So the pieces languished in a bag until today. I pulled it out, and then googled the mystery quilt to see if there was any way I could do something with it. I found your website and what you did with the sashing. Such a simple fix that will give me a quilt I will love. May I have your permission to copy what you did and add the 1"'sashings?

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    1. Absolutely, you may. I am pleased you like my design. I haven't done a mystery after this one so I could be sure I liked it before all that work. I did like last year's but probably won't ever make it.

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