New Mystery Quilt

     Another Mystery Quilt is underway!  Last year, I completed one from the Quilters Club of America, which I wrote about here.  The finished quilt was pretty, and made a nice gift for my cousin.  I realized I needed to work on my color value skills, and I also learned how to use a Tri Rec ruler.  I think these quilt challenges are a great way to improve old skills and learn new techniques!

2016 Mystery Quilt

     This year's Mystery Quilt Along, Magnolia Mystery Quilt, is from Cheryl at Meadow Mist Designs.   This time, I jumped in from the beginning in July, and am enjoying the process, which is on (so far) a very do-able schedule. 

       The first task was to choose the quilt size, and I decided on a lap, instead of a queen size quilt.  In July, I had to pick four fabrics.  Cheryl's instructions were very thorough, and noted which fabrics would be paired.  She also had some suggested color combinations for consideration.   Since I am always trying to use fabric from my stash,  I went with solids I have lots of, and one old print.   

The fabric possibilities.  I ditched the yellow feathers for this project, and went with the turquoise yarn fabric.  

     The August task was cutting.  I made nice little piles, and learned how to add writing to my photos!  I need to figure out how to add typed letters now!  Much of the background (white) will be cut later.

The cut pieces.  

     September brought the first sewing job, sewing the little squares A and D together into HSTs (Half Square Triangles).  The instructions suggested cutting the pieces a bit bigger (which I did) and then trimming to size.  I have never done that before, which might explain a lot of the unmatched points and seams in earlier HST projects!

The squares pinned and marked

The sewn pieces

      Part way through the process of trimming, I was at Joann Fabrics with a coupon (of course!) and picked up a little 2 1/2 ruler.   I figured for a few dollars, this might be a handy tool.  It certainly made the trimming process go a little faster.  The instructions suggest a Bloc Loc ruler, which would be handy, since this little one did wobble a bit on the seam.  Maybe I'll invest in one at a later time!

The little 2 1/2 inch ruler

The finished squares - 72 in all! 

The trimmings! 

         There is a Facebook page for this Mystery Quilt, and it is so much fun to see everyone else's fabric choices and combinations!    I am looking forward to the next steps!

Take care,
Gretchen