Sunday, July 12, 2015

Mystery Quilt-Along!

Okay, here's the deal...but humor me first by allowing me give you a bit of the background which got me here.

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!


154 comments:

Paula Louceiro said...

Hello Kaaren

I'll wait the next post with instructions to decide.
Lovely quilt with the house blocks.

Becky R said...

Looks like a fun project. I'm out of town but will be home on Tuesday so will check back in then.

Ana's World said...

Most definitely...Yes!!!

barcord said...

This sounds like an adventure. I would love to join in. Thankyou.x

martha said...

Ok, I will jump in with both feet. I think I will tackle it! Count me in.

teresa said...

I would love to join you! Thanks

Tdsvintagelife said...

Absolutely I am in, love house blocks and want to start getting a handle on my scrap binssss! What fun

Sheila said...

Count me in Kaaren, I can't wait!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I would love to join in.

Lesley said...

Great idea! Will definitely make some houses with you!

Unknown said...


Yes, I look forward to it!

Jeanna said...

Stash busting opportunity? And a cute quilt too boot? Count me in, Kaaren. I look forward to sewing along with you!

Marian said...

Look good, nice to do. I'll make at least one house with you.

Kathleen said...

I probably will. They look like fun.

Melanie said...

I'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.

Denise - Paisleaf.com said...

Looks like fun, thank you I can't wait!

Robin said...

Kaaren! 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.

Loris said...

Sounds like a fun way to keep ALL of our quilt mojo's going :-)
The house blocks are sweet. Nice idea!

Dianne Cook said...

Hi Kaaren,

I'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

Maxine said...

I'm in. And I'll really try to keep up.

Unknown said...

I'm in!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to do this!!!

Debbie Lou said...

What 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!

Janet said...

What a great little block... And lots of possibilities for lots of different finishes...count me in .......J.Melanson :)

Janet said...

What a great little block... And lots of possibilities for lots of different finishes...count me in .......J.Melanson :)

Janet said...

What a great little block... And lots of possibilities for lots of different finishes...count me in .......J.Melanson :)

grandma3560 said...

Can't wait, count me in and ready to go.

julieQ said...

I am EXCITED!!!!
And I would love to follow along too! Thank you, Kaaren, for all the time and effort you expend on everyone's behalf. Thank you!!

Joan said...

Yes, I would like to be included QAL, thank you.

gracie said...

By 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!

Susan said...

Looks like fun! I'm traveling over the summer, but will do my best to try to sew along.

Rosa said...

So gorgeous.Can´t wait.And which is the mesure of the block?

Marjorie (Broomfield) Guindon said...

Yes...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 :)

Sheila said...

Sounds like fun to me , count me in !

Linda in PA said...

This will be a great project for me! I have tons of scraps! Thanks so very much.

Unknown said...

Count me in. What's one more project.

Angelia Lanouette said...

So glad you found your mojo because this is gorgeous! Count me in!!

lynneUSA said...

Always wanted a house quilt - I am in

Kathryn said...

I always look for projects that will make a dent in my stash. Look forward to it. Thanks so much.

Material Girl said...

Sounds like great fun but I have just too many UFO s right now. Sure looks cute- thanks for sharing!

tpott said...

Yes 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

carol said...

I need some quilting Mojo. I am interested. Thanks,

Mary said...

I am in! I love house blocks. I may not make mine as big, but it will still be fun.

deb-bee said...

Your 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! ��

Unknown said...

I would love to give this a go.

Teresa said...

Sounds great! My mojo has gone walkabout too

Unknown said...

would love to join in one of my favorite blocks

Sunshine said...

Yes :) 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!

Karen

Sunshine said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
KatieQ said...

I 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.

Terri in BC said...

I love scrappy quilts, and can always start another! Count me in!

sunny said...

Scrappy 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.

Clare said...

I love a mystery and your little houses are so cute. I too like using my scraps. Looking forward to this. Happy Stitching.

Carole Y. said...

I love scrappy house blocks. Count me in with the mystery quilt.
cyeon at videotron dot ca

Kate/Massachusetts said...

Yes! Sounds like fun! Could Frankie come help me? :-)

Unknown said...

I would love to join in on your mystery quilt, thank you.

linny said...

Sounds 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.

Terry said...

I'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

Unknown said...

Just what I have been wanting to do. I'll be checking on Tuesday.

Sam said...

I'm in. This looks like so much fun!

Diane H said...

Can't wait to see what you come up with. Looking forward to giving it a try.

Janet said...

Would love to join in. I guess I have to dust off my sewing machine, about time.

textilefiend said...

Yes, please, I'm in for the Mystery ride!!

sandi s said...

I'm in, it looks like fun! I like the idea of using what I have on hand. Hugs,

CountryGal said...

My mojo has left me as well - hope this will bring it back! I'm in! Thank you!!

Unknown said...

I would LOVE to participate! I am looking forward to using my scraps to make a beautiful quilt!

colleen said...

Yes.
I 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

Unknown said...

I would LOVE to participate! I am looking forward to using my scraps to make a beautiful quilt!
busybeemom

Unknown said...

I love houses so I will definitely participate. Thank you Jeannie j_westenberger@hotmail.com

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Who can resist those cute little houses? :-) And scrappy is even better! In!

Joyce Carter said...

I'm in. I definitely love scrappy. Thank you.

Donna said...

I'm in! Love moving scraps out-ready to go!

Kim said...

I am interested love scrappy quilts

Sally said...

Of course I'll play. Darling small houses and love to use scraps, so....waiting until Tuesday.

Adrienne Cleave said...

My 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.
Adrienne

Unknown said...

Count me in.

June Sommer said...

Definitely want to join in your mystery. Many thanks for the opportunity!

Lorene Holbrook said...

let me think..... hmmmmmm, YES!!!! love it! thank you very much.....

Red Heads said...

Oh 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.

jual said...

I'm in and boy do I have scraps. Thanks.

hennies.pennies said...

Oh boy,my all time favorite block! Count me in! I'm heading for the scrap piles!!

Be especially blessed, Kathy

Sandy said...

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!

Susie H said...

I'll have to pass. Waaaayyy too many UFOs!

Betty said...

i'm in looks like a great quilt in the making

Bev said...

I will take the challenge and can't wait to get started.

Verna G said...

Excited to quilt along. I definitely need to use up scraps!

Mary said...

I 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!

Frances said...

Count me in. Love scrappy quilts!

Sherry said...

I would love to join in, it will work great using my scraps and scrappy quilts are my favorite kind.

Nancy in IN said...

Yes, as I need to use up scraps.

The Prairie Stitcher said...

Count me in. I love scrappy quilts.

NancyA said...

Me, too--Love scrappy!

grann616 said...

I will definitely join. Sharon K.Lozano slozano5@earthlink.net

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

To make this scrappy cute house quilt with you or not, what a silly question. LOL. Looking forward to Tuesday.

margaret said...

would 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!

Unknown said...

Yes! I'm in too.... I really need a scrap quilt ;-).....

Charo said...

I would love to be in, I love scraps!

Greetings from Spain

Sunnybec said...

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.

Unknown said...

I would love to join in. I love scraps !
Have a nice day
Best regards from France

KarenB in OR said...

I've been wanting to do something with houses for the longest time - and this really speaks to me. So, YES!

Ingrid said...

Hola!
Claro que sí!!! Yes!!! Mi cama es tamaño queen, así que creo que te voy a acompañar todo el camino

Regina said...

I'm in. My first house block!

Jackie said...

I'm in, I love the idea of using scraps of which I have mountains!

Nancy said...

I'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.

nine97 said...

Oui cela me tente beaucoup, j'aime beaucoup ces maisons colorées. Merci d'avance.

Granny Anne said...

This 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!

Ulla said...

I love your designs and they go well with my scrappy stash, so I'm in too!

Karleen said...

Will be in and what fun to use up scraps.

Charo said...

claro que me apunto, adelante.

Linda said...

Three 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!!

Celeste said...

Yes, the scrap basket overfloweth! And I just love little houses.

Nfiegirl said...

Hi Kaaren..I'm in! Just looked at my 1st. wall hanging and it is little houses too.

Kaylene said...

I 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...

nancy n. said...

I would love to !!! looks like fun!!

wedolls said...

Yes, 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!

Pam in IL said...

I'm going to try it too!

Briarose said...

I'm IN!!!!
Fun, fun, fun...
Claire
c7lonergan@rogers.com

B J Chaplin said...

Yes, definitely. Boy do I have the scraps to use! Thanks. bjchaplin@willcountyhealth.org

Unknown said...

I would love to join you. Haven't made a quilt in years!!

Wildraspberryhill@comcast.net

Ruthie's Place said...

Hi Kaaren,
I would love to join in. Have loads of scraps just waiting - LOL.
Warm hugs,
Ruthie

Marilyn said...

I can hardly wait! Thank you.

Kim Q said...

Maybe your mojo will rub off on me. :-)

JudiH said...

I love any chance to use up some of my stash and if I can use some of my scraps even better. Thanks Judi

Jackie said...

I always love quilts with houses and lord knows I have lots of scraps so I'd love to join in.

Carm said...

Would love to play along with you!

Ronda said...

Love to quilt with you!!!!! yes yes yes

Wendy Caton Reed said...

I'm happy your Mojo is back too! Thanks for sharing and I hope to join in too.

Wendyb said...

Ooh yes, how could I not with that encouragement? Looking forward to it
Kaaren. Thanks sweet friend xxx

Wendyb said...

Ooh yes, how could I not with that encouragement? Looking forward to it
Kaaren. Thanks sweet friend xxx

Fleurette said...

Thank you ...I'm in!

Southland Woods Lane said...

I 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!

tink's mom said...

This looks like a great scrap buster without looking like a scrap buster. I'm in.

Carli The Quilter said...

Hi Kaaren, I sent you an email too, I'm in!

Unknown said...

Hi 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.
Thanks for doing this.
Mary

sharon in Alma said...

I am going to jump in and try this ... Thanks for Sharing ....

LoriCR said...

I'm going to give it a try.

mayme said...

This looks like fun. I love scrappy.

Jacqueline said...

Love to try your project , as a doll quilt .
Thanks Kaaren

Christina said...

Three possibly five from Logan Lake BC are joining you on this journey. Thanks Kaaren. Glad your mojo is back :)

Bonnie said...

OK, this sounds wonderful!! Kaaren, will we be able to see each person's progress? I love to see how other quilters interpret a project;)

luverlie said...

joining. thanks

Jenean said...

You bet!!

Debbie said...

Just 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!

Mary said...

Looks like fun! I love everything you make, so I'm in!

Veronica said...

I 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.

cindy lanahan said...

Love house blocks. Looks like fun.

Unknown said...

I‘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 .
gunnaherm@gmail.com

Teatime Creations said...

Cute house block and a great way to attack the scrap basket.

MoeWest said...

I'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!

Pamela said...

I want to join in! I'll pull my fabrics and get started this weekend. It looks like fun!

earth visitor said...

late start here - but will try to get caught up
rahobbit@yahoo.com

Rina Spina said...

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.
I 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

Marie Chat said...

Looks like fun and so I'll join!

Liz B said...

A tad bit late to the game, but count me in! Cute quilt, and I love house motifs.

Floor said...

Zooo, jij krijgt veel reacties op je blog!
Maar bedankt voor jouw reactie op de mijne.
Prachtig is je quilt, vol met fleurige huisjes.