Mystery QAL # 2: April Update

| Cindy Anderson

Can you believe the first month of our second Mystery QAL is almost over! It seems like only yesterday that we were getting started. The rules for our Mystery QAL state that Tracy and I will give you a little nudge each month around the 28th. The purpose for this gentle prodding is to rekindle your enthusiasm. We’ve been keeping a watchful eye on your updates. The progress you have made is so encouraging. This Mystery QAL looks like it is on track to be the best one yet.

If you are visiting for the first time and would like to join the Mystery QAL you will find the specifics about participation listed below. All of us are using the fabric chosen by my cohost Tracy. Tracy selected Tea Flowers from Connecting Threads.

English Tea
Collection: English Tea Pattern: Tea Flowers Color: Tomato Item #: 91329 Vendor: Connecting Threads

Here are the rules for participation:

Mystery QAL # 2 Rules Page

Please note: In order to be entered into the drawing for Mystery QAL # 2’s prize you must complete your item, and post a story about it on or before June 30, 2018. The story must include a photo of the finished project along with a link to Tracy’s blog as well as this one.

These are the Mystery QAL # 2 participants:

To show your enthusiasm for Mystery QAL # 2 you can add the following graphic to your posts and/or sidebar of your blog.

Mystery QAL 2
Mystery QAL Hosted by Cindy of https://inastitchquilting.com and Tracy of https://itsatsweetsday.blog

Do you have any questions! If so don’t hesitate to ask.

Now head back to your sewing room. You have a project waiting for you. 💃 We will touch base again on or around May 28, 2018.

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The Mystery is Over

| Cindy Anderson

https://inastitchquilting.com/category/32-projects/

Now that the end of our second Mystery QAL is just around the bend I decided it was time to share my own project. Over the last three months I have been busy designing, and creating my masterpiece. This wonderful little art quilt originated while exploring the Five-SidedMade-Fabric technique taught by Victoria Findlay Wolfe in her book 15 Minutes of Play.

Late in 2017 I challenged myself to create each of the 32 projects listed in the book. Although my progress has been slow, I have enjoyed and learned a lot from each of the sections.

Creating my own fabric from scraps is a technique I have used many times. I have not, however, tried Victoria’s version. On pages 40-41 she provides directions for a Five-Sided Made-Fabric. As the name suggests, each of the blocks begins with a five-sided center.

Using the QAL designated fabric,

English Tea
Collection: English Tea Pattern: Tea Flowers Color: Tomato Item #: 91329 Vendor: Connecting Threads

along with scraps from my overflowing bins, I fashioned together nine blocks. All nine were then combined to create an art piece I have called Five-Sided Center. Art Piece # 45 measures 23 1/4” x 23 1/4”.

My new art piece was sandwiched with a layer of Warm & Natural batting and a cotton fabric backing. I quilted my piece on my conventional sewing machine using a variegated thread and a geometric straight-line pattern. The raw edges of Five Sided Center are protected by a facing. A hanging sleeve and label were added to the back.

This is my Mystery QAL art piece.

Five Sided Center, AP # 45
Five-Sided Center, AP # 45

Thank you so much for visiting today! I hope that you have enjoyed reading about and seeing my latest art piece.

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16 Quilts, Are You Crazy!

| Cindy Anderson

100 Block Challenge

Are You Crazy!

No! Well, at least I don’t think so. 🤣

I’ve been working diligently at creating each of the blocks in the book 100 Modern Quilt Blocks by Tula Pink. I am happy to report that I’ve completed the first 75. I think the last time I talked about them I had just completed block number seven so a lot has happened since.

Time For A Break

After completing block 74 I made the decision to stray, for a while, from my mission to make all 100. The last grouping of blocks I had just completed was slightly more complicated than all the rest. After accomplishing those my brain needed a rest. I was exhausted and needed something else to throw my quilting enthusiasm into.

Orphans

I maintain a box of orphaned quilt blocks and misfit pieces. Every now and then I pull it out and peer inside to see if anything is calling my name. My recent scrounging reminded me that I still had remnants left from the Courthouse Steps debacle waiting for my attention. I’ve shared stories about these blocks in the past. You will find them listed under the category Courthouse Steps, Block of the Month. Feeling the strong desire to wrap up a few loose ends I chose the remaining remnants for my next project.

Ugly Ducklings

The blocks had been labeled by me as too ugly to be included in AP # 17: The Chosen Nine, AP # 18: Four Friends # 1andAP # 19: Four Friends # 2.

Four Friends # 1, AP # 18
Four Friends # 2, AP # 19
The Chosen 9, AP # 17

Ugly because I didn’t like them.  They were just too boring for my taste. To make them appealing I had to camouflage their existence. The best way to do that was with a rotary cutter.

Time to Start

One by one I attacked all 6 ugly ducklings with a determination to turn each one into a beautiful swan. The end result created 16 brand new art pieces. All 16 have been quilted and are ready for finishing touches (binding, hanging sleeve and label). I’ll share photos when they are all finished. Until then I will leave you with a a photo of one of my experiments.

Courthouse-Steps-Experiments.jpg

Thank You for sharing in my celebration of my newest art pieces! I hope that you will return to watch all 16 unfold.

Talk with you soon!

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