Alex Anderson's Mystery Quilt

During this time of Staying at Home, and Quilter's Quarantine, Alex Anderson has posted on Facebook Live three times a week, mostly to help all us quilters stay connected and productive in these uncertain times.

First, a confession: Alex is a friend and I work for her and Ricky Tims on The Quilt Show, helping with the Block of the  Month quilts and other assorted tasks. So I an not an unbiased observer. BUT I have been a Star Member of The Quilt Show forever, handing over my money the first day I could, in 2007. Best money I can spend on quilting--I have learned so much and made many friends, worldwide, through our connection on The Quilt Show.

Many people have "found" Alex for the first time or for the first time in a long time with her Facebook Live posts. If you don't do Facebook, the great news is all of the videos are recorded and available on You Tube--Alex and Ricky Live

Starting tomorrow, Monday July 20, 2020, Alex will be teaching a Mystery Quilt, featuring some Kaffe Fassett fabrics along with lots of solids. Just so you know--Kaffe is pronounced like "Safe". You are invited to play along--I know you will learn things, have fun, and it's FREE.

Here is a Kaffe Brassica fabric, the kind Alex loves to use. This is not the one she is using for her quilt, just a colorway I really love:

Recently, Alex said quilters basically work in one of two ways. Some like to have a pattern, all fabrics in hand, and know exactly what they are making before they begin. Others just start and see what happens. Alex and I are in that later camp. Here is that process:

1.Come up with an idea
2. Select fabrics you want to play with
3. Start
4. Use a design wall to help you make decisions as you go

You can start at any time. Watch the videos and when you get inspired, start. The videos are all posted on YouTube whenever you want to watch.

Alex is calling this a Mystery Quilt because she doesn't know what it will look like until it's done--neither will you. Just use fabric you love and all will be well. If you just can't work that way, watch all the videos and when the Mystery Quilt is done, whenever that is, you can decide if you want to make it. Then Start.

For The Quilt Show members, we have a Forum topic where you can ask questions, post photos, and enjoy the process more with like-minded friends. This is especially helpful for those who don't do Facebook:  Forum--Kaffe Mystery Quilt--Learn with Alex

Here is a fabric pull for this project by JudySews, I found it on the Forum. These fabrics make me swoon:

Here comes my sales pitch again: The Quilt Show provides so much bang for your buck. Currently, they are offering a Stay At Home Special, 6 months for $19.95 or 12 months for $39.95. This offer is good for new Star Members AND those who want to  renew. You get access to ALL THE SHOWS FROM THE BEGINNING--that's 13 + years. The current Block of the Month pattern, Aftternoon Delight by Sue Garman, is FREE--an $80 bonus. And so much more. The four Master Classes, available right now for members, feature some of the best advice on Piecing and Applique--a chance to refresh our memories on all that great info available on the shows.

I hope you will take a look at both www.thequiltshow.com and Alex and Ricky's Playlist on YouTube. So much terrific content--plenty to get you inspired and productive.

Which type quilter are you? Have to know what you are making ahead of time? Or someone who takes an idea and gives it a try?

Let's quilt.

Barbara

New Projects for the New Year?

This is the time of year that a lot of quilt projects get started--often offered on the Internet, some for free, some as subscription.  Some are called Sew-A-Longs, some Quilt-A-Longs, some are Mysteries. Lots to choose from.

I try not to get pulled down that Rabbit Hole but occasionally I do.

Here are a few I am thinking about:

1. Two BOM for 2020 from Barbara Brackman

This year Barbara Brackman offers two Block of the Month quilts, one pieced, one applique. I learn so much history from Barbara Brackman's Block of the Month patterns, most of which is women's history. Not sure I will do either of these but I'll be following along. Here is the 2019 Applique quilt, Hospital Sketches--this is NOT the 2020 quilt but gives you an idea of what is to come:

2. MODA Blockheads 3 starts January 15. Here is where I first learned about it: MODA Blockheads 3 is coming--this blog is by my friend, Betsy Chutchian. Here is her Blockheads 2 quilt from last year:

The Facebook group for MODA Blockheads 3 says there are 14 designers and 56 blocks. I couldn't find a link yet with fabric requirements but there must be one as the Facebook group shows lots of people's fabric bundles.

3. Kathleen Tracy's Small Quilt Lovers Facebook Group 2020 Mystery Quilt:  This is available on Facebook in Kathy Tracy's Small Quilt Lovers group. I have started this because I like small quilts, the pieces so far are simple, and I wanted a Leader/Ender project right now--Step 1 prepped and ready to go:

4. Temecula Quilt Company: Scavenger Hunt Sew Along  This starts soon and requires the latest book from Sheryl Johnson:

5. Bonnie Hunter's Annual Mystery: Frolic Mystery  This one is just about over but the patterns will remain available to download/print through January 31, 2020. I am saving the patterns and when the mystery is revealed, I'll know if it's one I'm ever likely to make.

I'm sure there are many more out there, most I never  hear about until they are finished. What about you? Are you working on a new quilt this year or have a favorite coming online this year?

Let's quilt.

Barbara