Back to the mystery-not a mystery anymore.

So all the steps of the mystery are out and it is gorgeous although at this point I don't know if I like my version. I have been working on one project(only) for a month. This is very rare and I have to finish it because we all know what happens if I put it away. I'm not sure what I am going to do with it. I originally thought it might be for my son and it still may be but the red has turned out to be much more prominent than I thought it would. The blocks are gorgeous but this will be enough small pieces for awhile, I think I need to make something with really big pieces next although I know I really need to get back to finishing UFO's. On Bonnie Hunter's blog she also shows the back of her quilt which is fabulous-she used a lot of orphan blocks from prev Christmas projects and just kept adding pieces until it got big enough. It is like a totally reversible quilt.

Here are pictures of the 2 blocks that make up the finished quilt - I took pictures because that gives me some distance and I may decide I like it after all.

Christmas is almost here

Just the same as every year, Christmas seems to sneak up and BAM it's here. I don't know why; as it is the same time every year but it seems like it is so far away and then suddenly it isn't. I took a break from the mystery quilt to shop, wrap presents and bake. Don't these cookies look yummy.

Scott arrived in Vancouver yesterday on the train then took the bus to the ferry. Victoria picked him up downtown after she finished work and they will be here after lunch today. He will stay for a week so that should be fun. Vicky and I are going to see the local production of "Nutcracker in a Nutshell" this afternoon so that should be fun. Hope everyone is having a great holiday season.

Step 5 - Finally making some blocks

So step 5 is out and I couldn't resist peeking and making a few to see how they look in my colors. I am really pleased so far. It will be another week until the next step comes out with the layout so I'll keep working and see how many I can get done. I needed to look for inspiration to keep going but I love these blocks and the layout should be interesting.

Step 4

More 2 1/2" half square triangles and then sew them to the extra squares that were cut in step 3. This step seems fairly easy but still takes time. I have made a few and here they are.

Mystery quilt - step 3 completed

Here is a picture of what was made with some of those squares and rectangles.
These are not all completed as I am doing some of each step to see how this will turn out. So far its very interesting. Also doing something I haven't done before - as I sew the squares on the rectangles I am sewing 3/8" away from center line and then when you trim you have made 'bonus' half square triangles. I usually toss these cut-off pieces as they go into the cat/dog pillows I make so they are not garbage. This was a proposed idea in the mystery quilt so I thought I would try it for once - they are cute but small. I will have to use them in another quilt but of course Bonnie has some quilts on her site that will use them or they would be great in potholders,etc

Mystery quilt -Step 3

As if I didn't already know I was insane for step 3 you need to cut 592 - 2 1/2" background squares but then she tells you some of these are for step 4 but might as well do them all at once. Then cut 192 - 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" red rectangles. Its surprising with stacking strips this didn't actually take to long. This makes an interesting picture. Now to get back to sewing.......

Mystery quilt update

I should know better than to start a Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt. She uses mostly scraps with a lot of pieces but I'm sure it will turn out great.

Here is how it has gone so far : Step 1 - Cut and piece - 192 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" twosies from blue & tan - no problem

Now make 104 green/tan half square triangles using the easy angle ruler - OK

Step 2 - Cut 208 more tan triangles to add the prev made half square triangles - WHAT

and then add 104 green triangles cut from 4 1/2" strips - OK I know I'm insane and this is only step 2