If you remember...and if you don't, that's okay too...when a couple of months ago I was asked to design a line of fabrics? I was taken completely by surprise and was in 'shock and awe' mode for about a week.
To make a long story short, I was given about six weeks in which to complete everything from start to finish.
I have always worked best when under pressure and this adventure proved that I haven't lost it since retiring in 2006. I made the deadline with time to spare and to be honest with you, it took the wind right out of my sails once it was done.
The great news is that Blank Quilting loves it which was another burden lifted from my shoulders because there's always an element of self doubt when you're under contract and designing for someone else.
After all the work was done and everything was sent off to New York city, I kinda lost my mojo. I was designed out and really didn't feel like starting into anything new. Yes, there was an attempt at starting Leanne Beasley's Journey of a Quilter but I soon realized that the fabric I had chosen from my stash just wasn't me and quickly put it aside. As a matter of fact, that same fabric is now living in Washington state with a friend because I knew that it would just languish and collect dust in my stash cupboard(s).
I made a few 'smalls', two pincushions that I shared with you both here and on Facebook. I thoroughly enjoyed designing and making them because I am not a happy camper when my hands are idle.
Still, no desire to start a new quilting project.
But I always have my sketch book handy and the other night while I was doodling at the kitchen table where I do all of my handwork, I came up with an easy peasy house block.
Now who doesn't LOVE house blocks?
In my last post, I spoke about starting a new project which at the time was going to be a mini quilt. I didn't want to commit myself to anything larger for fear that my mojo would run away again.
Remember this photo?
Can you spot the little house block there, right beside my sketch book, the one with the red roof, aqua door and black sides? I made that as my prototype to see if the measurements worked and if it was going to work for what I had in mind.
Well guess what?
It did!
And to the extent that I think I got my mojo back because I'm not going to stop there!
So would you like to make your own along with me?
Here's what I'm going to do.
For lack of a better term, we'll call it my 'Mystery Quilt-Along'.
At least once a week I'll post the next step with photos and measurements. I'm not going to "teach" you how to make this quilt because as you'll see, it won't be difficult to make. And of course there'll always be the option to either email or PM me if you have a question.
It is my intention to make this a queen size quilt and of course you can stop at any time if you reach the size that suits you. This is definitely going to be a great stash buster because that's all I'm going to use. As a matter of fact, all I've used so far are off cuts and left overs from previous projects. The scrappier and more colorful the better is my motto!
So, are you in?
Just leave me a short comment or even a 'yes' or 'no' so I can get an idea of how many will be playing along. Oh, and there will probably be a giveaway in the next little while and the winner will be chosen at random from the comments left on this post.
You'll be happy you did!!!
So spread the word because it's always more fun when we have lots of company.
Frankie has given his approval and says, "Welcome on board!"
So come on back this Tuesday the 14th when I'll be posting the information to get you started. In the mean time, round up all your scraps and get ready to have some fun!
Are you excited?
I am! And I'm even happier that my mojo is back!!!
Happy stitching!
Hello Kaaren
ReplyDeleteI'll wait the next post with instructions to decide.
Lovely quilt with the house blocks.
Looks like a fun project. I'm out of town but will be home on Tuesday so will check back in then.
ReplyDeleteMost definitely...Yes!!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an adventure. I would love to join in. Thankyou.x
ReplyDeleteOk, I will jump in with both feet. I think I will tackle it! Count me in.
ReplyDeleteI would love to join you! Thanks
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely I am in, love house blocks and want to start getting a handle on my scrap binssss! What fun
ReplyDeleteCount me in Kaaren, I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI would love to join in.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Will definitely make some houses with you!
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteYes, I look forward to it!
Stash busting opportunity? And a cute quilt too boot? Count me in, Kaaren. I look forward to sewing along with you!
ReplyDeleteLook good, nice to do. I'll make at least one house with you.
ReplyDeleteI probably will. They look like fun.
ReplyDeleteI'm in. We're contemplating a move, so need to reduce my "treasures" into an easier way to carry. A quilt is better than fabric in a box! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun, thank you I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteKaaren! You always inspire. I'm in! I've been wanting to get back into machine sewing and this gives me the push I need. I "hope" I can keep up each week. Seems easy enough but life does get in the way sometimes.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun way to keep ALL of our quilt mojo's going :-)
ReplyDeleteThe house blocks are sweet. Nice idea!
Hi Kaaren,
ReplyDeleteI'm in. Cant wait for the instructions. Looking forward to your fabric line when it comes out.
Just hope i can keep up. Have a wonderful day.
Dianne
I'm in. And I'll really try to keep up.
ReplyDeleteI'm in!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to do this!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute block? I would love to join you. I am going out of town for awhile, but will try to keep up. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great little block... And lots of possibilities for lots of different finishes...count me in .......J.Melanson :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great little block... And lots of possibilities for lots of different finishes...count me in .......J.Melanson :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great little block... And lots of possibilities for lots of different finishes...count me in .......J.Melanson :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait, count me in and ready to go.
ReplyDeleteI am EXCITED!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I would love to follow along too! Thank you, Kaaren, for all the time and effort you expend on everyone's behalf. Thank you!!
Yes, I would like to be included QAL, thank you.
ReplyDeleteBy the looks of all the comments I think you have a class! I am not really a quilter but oh yes please count me in. I think a wall hanging would be it for me!
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun! I'm traveling over the summer, but will do my best to try to sew along.
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous.Can´t wait.And which is the mesure of the block?
ReplyDeleteYes...oh I'd love to join in Kaaren. This is just what I needed! I've been in a no sew mode for too long now and this I hope will give me the kick start I need. Thanks and count me in :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun to me , count me in !
ReplyDeleteThis will be a great project for me! I have tons of scraps! Thanks so very much.
ReplyDeleteCount me in. What's one more project.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you found your mojo because this is gorgeous! Count me in!!
ReplyDeleteAlways wanted a house quilt - I am in
ReplyDeleteI always look for projects that will make a dent in my stash. Look forward to it. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteSounds like great fun but I have just too many UFO s right now. Sure looks cute- thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYes I'm in, I've wanted to make a scrappy house quilt for a long time. Thanks Kaaren! Glad your mojo is back. 😃 Toni Anne
ReplyDeleteI need some quilting Mojo. I am interested. Thanks,
ReplyDeleteI am in! I love house blocks. I may not make mine as big, but it will still be fun.
ReplyDeleteYour houses are looking very cute! Queen size will be waaaay to big for me! However, I'm excited just to see how big my quilt will get. That will be my own Mystery! Lol. Thank you and let the fun begin! ��
ReplyDeleteI would love to give this a go.
ReplyDeleteSounds great! My mojo has gone walkabout too
ReplyDeletewould love to join in one of my favorite blocks
ReplyDeleteYes :) I'm in. I may make it a little smaller - like lap or twin. So I'll begin with a smaller center. But it sounds like fun!
ReplyDeleteKaren
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI would love to make the quilt. It looks like a great way to use up some of the scraps I am drowning under. Maybe it will help me get back my mojo. I haven't sewn anything since the end of April.
ReplyDeleteI love scrappy quilts, and can always start another! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteScrappy House blocks - you bet I'm in!! I've been working with my scraps all year, but still have plenty to choose from. thanks for bringing us on your journey.
ReplyDeleteI love a mystery and your little houses are so cute. I too like using my scraps. Looking forward to this. Happy Stitching.
ReplyDeleteI love scrappy house blocks. Count me in with the mystery quilt.
ReplyDeletecyeon at videotron dot ca
Yes! Sounds like fun! Could Frankie come help me? :-)
ReplyDeleteI would love to join in on your mystery quilt, thank you.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great idea. I've naturally got plenty of scraps(what quilter doesn't) so hopefully I'll put a dent in the pile.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to sew along with you. Maybe this is what I need to get my sewing mojo back...it seems to have gone missing! LOL
ReplyDeleteJust what I have been wanting to do. I'll be checking on Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteI'm in. This looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you come up with. Looking forward to giving it a try.
ReplyDeleteWould love to join in. I guess I have to dust off my sewing machine, about time.
ReplyDeleteYes, please, I'm in for the Mystery ride!!
ReplyDeleteI'm in, it looks like fun! I like the idea of using what I have on hand. Hugs,
ReplyDeleteMy mojo has left me as well - hope this will bring it back! I'm in! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to participate! I am looking forward to using my scraps to make a beautiful quilt!
ReplyDeleteYes.
ReplyDeleteI will follow along . I have very much emotional termoil in my life at present so I might not sew but it is so helpful to look forward to something positive right now thank you so much for doing this.
Colleen
I would LOVE to participate! I am looking forward to using my scraps to make a beautiful quilt!
ReplyDeletebusybeemom
I love houses so I will definitely participate. Thank you Jeannie j_westenberger@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteWho can resist those cute little houses? :-) And scrappy is even better! In!
ReplyDeleteI'm in. I definitely love scrappy. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm in! Love moving scraps out-ready to go!
ReplyDeleteI am interested love scrappy quilts
ReplyDeleteOf course I'll play. Darling small houses and love to use scraps, so....waiting until Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteMy mojo has been awol for a while so although I should be completing other projects, this sounds like more fun. I'll try to participate.
ReplyDeleteAdrienne
Count me in.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely want to join in your mystery. Many thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeletelet me think..... hmmmmmm, YES!!!! love it! thank you very much.....
ReplyDeleteOh Kaaren, I love this new project you are sharing with Soo many of us. I would love to be part of this group. Thanks. D.
ReplyDeleteI'm in and boy do I have scraps. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteOh boy,my all time favorite block! Count me in! I'm heading for the scrap piles!!
ReplyDeleteBe especially blessed, Kathy
My mojo has flown the coop lately also. I love being in my sewing room, but summer time usually means more yardwork and that makes me sad. I think this might help...I love house blocks. I say YES!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to pass. Waaaayyy too many UFOs!
ReplyDeletei'm in looks like a great quilt in the making
ReplyDeleteI will take the challenge and can't wait to get started.
ReplyDeleteExcited to quilt along. I definitely need to use up scraps!
ReplyDeleteI need another Project--NOT! But the houses are just too cute. I have lots of scraps I need to cut up! I'll share this on my Blog in the AM. Glad you got your MOJO back!
ReplyDeleteCount me in. Love scrappy quilts!
ReplyDeleteI would love to join in, it will work great using my scraps and scrappy quilts are my favorite kind.
ReplyDeleteYes, as I need to use up scraps.
ReplyDeleteCount me in. I love scrappy quilts.
ReplyDeleteMe, too--Love scrappy!
ReplyDeleteI will definitely join. Sharon K.Lozano slozano5@earthlink.net
ReplyDeleteTo make this scrappy cute house quilt with you or not, what a silly question. LOL. Looking forward to Tuesday.
ReplyDeletewould love to take part fingers crossed it is not foundation paper piecing as I cannot get my head around that, shame I have used all my scraps in a scrap vortex quilt so will have to delve into the stash!
ReplyDeleteYes! I'm in too.... I really need a scrap quilt ;-).....
ReplyDeleteI would love to be in, I love scraps!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Spain
I so need to get rid of some scraps! I have just made a scrappy granny square quilt for a friend and I am nearing the end of a scrappy Irish chain quilt for our bed. Would love to make another scappy quilt.
ReplyDeleteI would love to join in. I love scraps !
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day
Best regards from France
I've been wanting to do something with houses for the longest time - and this really speaks to me. So, YES!
ReplyDeleteHola!
ReplyDeleteClaro que sÃ!!! Yes!!! Mi cama es tamaño queen, asà que creo que te voy a acompañar todo el camino
I'm in. My first house block!
ReplyDeleteI'm in, I love the idea of using scraps of which I have mountains!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got your mojo back because I need a push. I love the houses and it looks like fun. I'm in. Nancy P.
ReplyDeleteOui cela me tente beaucoup, j'aime beaucoup ces maisons colorées. Merci d'avance.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like it will be fun! I too have lots of pieces around, and with the heat we are having, hiding out in the sewing room is just the ticket. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love your designs and they go well with my scrappy stash, so I'm in too!
ReplyDeleteWill be in and what fun to use up scraps.
ReplyDeleteclaro que me apunto, adelante.
ReplyDeleteThree cheers to your returning 'mojo' and yes count me in, sign me up for the house blocks love to use those scraps. Also loved the pin cushions!!
ReplyDeleteYes, the scrap basket overfloweth! And I just love little houses.
ReplyDeleteHi Kaaren..I'm in! Just looked at my 1st. wall hanging and it is little houses too.
ReplyDeleteI have never made a house block nor have I took part in a sew along. So, think this might be a good time to do both! I have loved everything that you have done so far! Thanks...
ReplyDeleteI would love to !!! looks like fun!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I will sew along! Have been wanting to do a house block quilt for sometime, and this will launch me in that direction. Mine will most likely be small...but definitely scrappy!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to try it too!
ReplyDeleteI'm IN!!!!
ReplyDeleteFun, fun, fun...
Claire
c7lonergan@rogers.com
Yes, definitely. Boy do I have the scraps to use! Thanks. bjchaplin@willcountyhealth.org
ReplyDeleteI would love to join you. Haven't made a quilt in years!!
ReplyDeleteWildraspberryhill@comcast.net
Hi Kaaren,
ReplyDeleteI would love to join in. Have loads of scraps just waiting - LOL.
Warm hugs,
Ruthie
I can hardly wait! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMaybe your mojo will rub off on me. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love any chance to use up some of my stash and if I can use some of my scraps even better. Thanks Judi
ReplyDeleteI always love quilts with houses and lord knows I have lots of scraps so I'd love to join in.
ReplyDeleteWould love to play along with you!
ReplyDeleteLove to quilt with you!!!!! yes yes yes
ReplyDeleteI'm happy your Mojo is back too! Thanks for sharing and I hope to join in too.
ReplyDeleteOoh yes, how could I not with that encouragement? Looking forward to it
ReplyDeleteKaaren. Thanks sweet friend xxx
Ooh yes, how could I not with that encouragement? Looking forward to it
ReplyDeleteKaaren. Thanks sweet friend xxx
Thank you ...I'm in!
ReplyDeleteI would love to join in. Just the thing to get my creative mojo going again too. We have just moved and it makes me think of my new neighborhood. So many pretty houses and I have no idea of what is behind each door. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great scrap buster without looking like a scrap buster. I'm in.
ReplyDeleteHi Kaaren, I sent you an email too, I'm in!
ReplyDeleteHi Kaaren, I think I will give it a try. I wasn't sure if I could keep up since I have to start a baby quilt as well but I do love the houses and have lots of scraps to use up.
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this.
Mary
I am going to jump in and try this ... Thanks for Sharing ....
ReplyDeleteI'm going to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like fun. I love scrappy.
ReplyDeleteLove to try your project , as a doll quilt .
ReplyDeleteThanks Kaaren
Three possibly five from Logan Lake BC are joining you on this journey. Thanks Kaaren. Glad your mojo is back :)
ReplyDeleteOK, this sounds wonderful!! Kaaren, will we be able to see each person's progress? I love to see how other quilters interpret a project;)
ReplyDeletejoining. thanks
ReplyDeleteYou bet!!
ReplyDeleteJust found your "Mystery Quilt-along" through Primitive Quilts blog post and love it! Count me in on the happy scrappy house along-thanks for your designing mojo returning!
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun! I love everything you make, so I'm in!
ReplyDeleteI am in, too. I love house blocks. I love quilt-a-longs as it is a great way for me to get things done. One little bit at a time. Thank you for offering this. I can't wait to get started.
ReplyDeleteLove house blocks. Looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteI‘d like to join in, I‘ve never taken part in something like this before, not even made a queen size quilt, so I’m looking forward to this .
ReplyDeletegunnaherm@gmail.com
Cute house block and a great way to attack the scrap basket.
ReplyDeleteI'm just catching up on my blog reading. These look so cute when you get a bunch of them together. I'll be making some!
ReplyDeleteI want to join in! I'll pull my fabrics and get started this weekend. It looks like fun!
ReplyDeletelate start here - but will try to get caught up
ReplyDeleterahobbit@yahoo.com
I would like to join, but I have to wait until I will return home, now I'm visiting my son and his family in Houston.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog and I love the thousands project you do, you're a source of inspiration to me.
God bless you and keep your hands busy!
Greetings from an Italian lady in Houston.
Rina Spina (no blog). june.seven60@gmail.com
Looks like fun and so I'll join!
ReplyDeleteA tad bit late to the game, but count me in! Cute quilt, and I love house motifs.
ReplyDeleteZooo, jij krijgt veel reacties op je blog!
ReplyDeleteMaar bedankt voor jouw reactie op de mijne.
Prachtig is je quilt, vol met fleurige huisjes.