SEW MUCH FUN!!

Do you know how long it has been since I’ve participated in an “AT HOME RETREAT” with a bunch of Internet Quilters? This feels like THAT!

You know, I had a hard time explaining to others who didn’t “GET IT”-- What was the difference between sewing at home on my own --- and participating in an “at home retreat” with a bunch of other quilters all over the globe who were also just basically at home, sewing at home, doing what they usually do……

But there is a difference in feeling isn’t there? Like we ARE participating in something TOGETHER…instead of being in our own bubble at home all alone.

THIS is why I have to wait for November to do this!

I want to be here...I want to read your excitement, and field whatever questions I can and share in your joys and triumphs and struggles and even fears and frustrations!

I know step 1 is a whammy....but I figure if I start with THIS unit, no one will say "Oh, this is so easy, let's do TWO of them!" LOL!!

Those of you just joining us and wondering where to find the other parts if you’ve missed some? Look up! There in the tabs at the top of the blog, just look for the tab that says ORCA BAY MYSTERY and you will find the previous parts there.

For those with blogs --- I'm thinking of doing a "Mr Linky Monday" during this mystery so that you can show progress on your units! Would you like that? I hope so! Be watching for that post on my blog this coming Monday, November 21st!

Those who HAVE done the Mr Linky thing...any words of advice? I've not set one up before!

I hope you'll participate! It will be great to see what everyone is up to through this Mystery!

You are also welcome to post your photos over on our Quiltville Friends Facebook Page, simply click LIKE on the widget in my right hand side bar over there and we’ll show up in your news feed! I know some of you aren’t facebook users, and that’s fine too –just happy to have you following along here!

One thing I'm having trouble with is answering comments like these:

There are so many things I don't understand. String piecing on paper then remove the paper????? How to sub our color choices for what you are using???? I don't want reds, blues and blacks, but blues, purples and greens. Please take into consideration that some of us aren't experienced quilters and don't know the "lingo" as well as experienced quilters would.

This person commented as ANONYMOUS. No way to answer back. And if she had left a way, I would have directed her to the INTRO page where it said that if you didn't want my colors, you could choose your own. Where I use black, substitute what you are using instead of my black, where I use blue, substitue what you chose instead of blue....but it isn't really UP to me to decide which of your fabrics goes where if you deviate into a different path of your own. That's why it's called a MYSTERY, folks!

If you are inexperienced...either wait until you see the steps unfold, or email me so I have a way to reply. And please read ALL the steps up there in the Mystery Tab to see if the questions are already answered there. Chances are, they probably will be!

That said, if you are a rank beginner, or have only been quilting a little bit, maybe you want to wait it out anyway to see if something this intricate is really what you want to cut your teeth on. In writing this, I'm assuming that everyone have some basic knowledge of rotary cutting, quilting terms, 1/4" seam allowances and general quilting experience including knowledge of the lingo.

Now let's get sewing!

PS. I know some people get "fed up" with blogs that are posted too often! However, when I have information to get out in a timely manner, this is the best way for me to do it. You can easily skim over the posts that don't apply to you. Just know that during Mystery time, this is the best way for me to answer questions that might be beneficial to everyone, or if I think of additional info that I could have explained better -- etc. In other words...I may be more verbose than usual, but bear with me please!