Magnolia Mystery Quilt Finished

Last year I worked on the Meadow Mist Magnolia Mystery Quilt. Cheryl Brickey designs such lovely quilt patterns. I won't hesitate to participate in any of her Mystery Quilt Alongs!

I enjoyed working on the units for each new clue every few weeks and was very pleased with the lap quilt I made. I chose the fabrics from my stash of batiks. Some from the Island Batik fabrics I had, and the blue background I bought as a remnant at Hancock's of Paducah one year. They all worked well together. On Sunday, I sewed the binding on and the label.

I took the quilt to Pam at Creative Loop. Friends had praised her work. Last year at a quilting retreat, she made a presentation about longarm quilting and the types of battings to use. She showed some of her work. I was so impressed with her knowlegde and skills, I decided I wanted her to quilt this quilt because there was so much background space in it.

I was not disappointed. I think the recipient of this quilt is going to ooh and aaah over it. I am giving it to her as a thank you for all the hospitality she has shown me over the years when I visit her town.

(not sure why this blue color is so off)

Thanks for visiting my blog.
If you are interested in a mystery quilt along coming soon, Merry Mayhem is hosting one on Aug. 12, 2018. It is a one-day event where clues are given every hour. Download the first piece of information (fabric and cutting) from the website HERE. She is calling the quilt, TWINKLE. Wonder if it's for Christmas, hmmm.

Mystery Quilt Progress

Today was a sewing day with my friend Teri. It was a productive day for both of us. Teri completed an 16" origami pillow using Christmas fabrics. I found a smaller sized block like it HERE, at Sewn Up, where there is a video tutorial. Teri's was so cute, I want to try one. By changing the size of the pieces, it could be made in any size.

As for my accomplishment, I caught up on the first 3 steps to the Magnolia Mystery Quilt at Meadow Mist Designs. I will be ready for the December 7th clue release! Cheryl's Mystery Quilt designs have been so  has interesting and appealing in the past years that I joined the Meadow Mist Design Facebook group. The photos others have posted showing their progress made me decide to get started on my quilt. My finish for a good long day of sewing is shown below. (The photo was taken in the evening; I apologize for the lack of vibrancy.)

If I keep up with this quilt, I will be prepared to work on the Merry Mayhem Mystery quilt on New Year's Day. I have participated for 4 years. I enjoy getting the clues each hour and working on the quilt while my husband watches football.

Have you made a mystery quilt  in a class or online? How did you like the process?

New Year for Quilting Goals

Welcome to the new year. I wish each of you quilt-filled progress as you make your way through each week of 2016. 

Goals. Setting goals for the start of a new year is something I have done (and many of you as well) for many years. Sometimes I succeed in accomplishing one or two; but I am human, and thus there is always room to improve each year. 

So, as I ushered in the new year quietly at home with my hubby, I set my quilting goals. 

First, I will try to keep my design area more organized and put things where they belong when finished using them. I want to progress in creating and not have to spend time searching for a tool or such.

Secondly, I bought a planner and will use it to stay on top of schedules and deadlines. Those birthday and holiday gifts, guild challenges, blog posts and pattern designs will get done in time!

And lastly (I don't want to have too many goals to keep in my mind), I am going to finish projects I begin.  

On January 1, I participated in the Merry Mayhem Mystery Quilt. One of 7 clues was given each hour. I worked diligently on each step of the process and after breaking for dinner, I was determined to meet my goal of finishing projects. Below is the top I completed in one day! 

I am following the EmbroiderIt blog in a series of 6 exercises (one per day) about enjoying the moment and enjoying the process of being creative. It is simple but has given me perspective on how to work better and more efficiently. Check it out.

I finished the January pincushion for the swap in which I am participating and sent it out today. That is a good feeling. I can't show it until my swap partner gets it. HERE is the link. 

Happy quilting.