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Friday, March 27, 2020

Who is up for a Sew-in-Place-Along?


Since March fell apart and will continue into April and most likely May and beyond into June – I’ve been thinking.

What if we did a mystery that really wasn’t a mystery– but a Sew in Place Quilt Along instead?

And we would break it down, with a different section being made each week.

And we could do how-to videos with my tools and techniques and more Quilt-Cams and sharing, etc?

So it would be like a mystery, but not really – but all of the fun of mystery time – and more.

Would you be in?

If you could sew from your stash – no paint chips involved.  

If we said something like “Choose 3 colors and a background” after seeing my graphic of the quilt center – would you be excited to dig in?


The thing is – I’d be sewing just a few days ahead of everyone else to get the next step ready to show because let’s face it.  Things are nuts (I have a new puppy) and things are stressful (There are cats at the QPO and loads of mail order going out) and I might not be able to get all the needed tools in right away (but if you’ve done previous mysteries you’ve already got them on hand.) 

And did I say this is nuts?

I know MONDAYS are a drag for most folks.  It’s another week of this shelter-at-home stuff ahead.  So to shake things up, I’m thinking of starting on MONDAY-

Monday will be our day for new parts for that week.  I think Mondays will become the bomb.

THIS IS NUTS?!  But do you trust me? Would you be patient with me doing this on the fly? Quilts and quilt designs are not just something I can pull out of my back pocket on a whim and a prayer.

And yes, it would be free.  Here on my blog.  Just like mystery time.  And there would be PDF copies of steps.  Just like mystery time.  And there would be a tab at the top of the blog where everything goes.  Just like mystery time.

And at the end of it all – it gets retired and turns into a PDF pattern in the Quiltville Store, just like mystery time.

It will likely be 7 to 8 weeks of instruction just like mystery time.

Everything will come from Scrap User’s System sizes – so you can start there.

The question is – how do I present it?  

I’ve been working on a design behind the scenes over the past couple of weeks (That new puppy thing gets in the way!) and I really am thinking about a medallion layout.

It can be semi-mystery maybe?  I could start with the medallion center and have you make that.  And then the next week the next round could be revealed – and you could make that, and the next week the next round - Adding your rounds to your quilt center as you go.

I love the idea of revealing each new round each week so you see this grow as you make it, but there are still some surprises?

I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about this.  It was seriously hard to get my brain to shut off.  And what color ways do I want to make my own in?

Be watching for more info (yardages, etc) to come over the next few days – we’ll start sewing on MONDAY!

And by then, maybe this quilt will have a NAME because I haven’t even gotten that far.  (I was thinking My My My CORONA *head bop* for just a short time!!LOL!)

And this was yesterday afternoon while I thought some more:


This is the back view of Quiltville Inn from Wilson Creek below.

We thought as the day wrapped up that it would be a good day to take Zoey Jo on another walk up and around Round House Road, but when we got over there – the wind was coming off the New River and it was just downright cold – the sun had gone down behind the ridge, and even though there was much daylight left – it just was not pleasant.

I’ll admit it – I’m a fair weather hiker, and I see no sense in pushing through bad weather conditions and freezing my butt off to prove anything to anyone!

So we went back to the Inn to grab some things, and wound up walking down behind the inn to the creek just to see how the Kelpie in Zoey would kick in.



The old derelict Fields Manufacturing Company mill -

It looks different from this angle!

(It still makes me sad that this place is not functioning.)


A man and his dog – heading to the creek.


Oh, there were so many smells to be smelled!

Oh the wonders of cow patties and goose poop and whatever else caught her fancy.  She did dip her toes in, but the water was rushing pretty fast, and she didn’t go much farther than a dainty ankle-deep wade.

But as soon as summer arrives – watch out!  This is a dog that loves water (even if she doesn’t know it yet!)


Don’t worry – we are naturally socially distanced out here.

There is no one about.

Only the mooing of the cows from up on the hillside across the way were heard.


One clump of loveliness down by the bank.


Label sewn down – this came with me for photo ops yesterday.

Shoo Fly Shoo is  COMPLETE!  Click to Play:




I love how this turned out -

And it’s not the best photo but:


70-ish by 90-ish is just the right size!

(So be looking for our Sew-in-Place-Along quilt to be about this size roughly)

I need to play a bit and see how many more blocks I need to turn the Shoo Fly Shoo leftovers into a second twin for another bed. 

Not many of my quilts have been made in full size – many are larger and there is quite a bit of over-flow tucked against the wall at the side of the bed.  Over time it will be fun to make quilts specifically sized for these beds.

The sun is shining – it’s supposed to be a lovely day.  I am hoping to get that hike with Zoey Jo along Round House Road this afternoon if all goes well with Sew-in Place-Along planning.

Are you excited?  I am!


Quiltville Quote of the Day -

When the going gets stressful, creativity goes into hyper-drive for so many of us. 

It's not just something to occupy extra time, it's an essential part of who we are.

Makers gotta make!

Are you finding that creative outlets lower your own stress level during this time?


251 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 251 of 251
dianesteelequilts said...

An unexpected, bonus Mystery Quilt? From the "Mystery Queen" herself? In the middle of a stay-at-home order? OMG! JUST what the Quilt Doctor ordered :-) Ahhhhh, that's a YES! You are SO generous, Bonnie. Always thinking about your PEEPS! We Love you.

Carol said...

Count me in! I have been scrap booking instead of quilting so this would be great. I may go downstairs some time today and look for fabric that I have been wanting to use.

Nann said...

I'd love to join you all!

Cora said...

I'm in. Looking forward to it.

Cora said...

I'm In!

Jan Hebert said...

Yes! Now I am looking forward to Monday, haha! I can't wait to see what you've come up with. Oh and I just adore that Shoo Fly Shoo! The purple looks great! Jan in MA

karene19 said...

I need another project like I need another bowl of ice cream!!! Oh wait, I do!!! Can;t wait until Monday to start. Thanks Bonnie

Country Treasure Quilting said...

Yes, I'm in, ready for something new. Love reading your blog each day. It inspires me to get moving. This isolation isn't fun, but your pictures of Zoey and the country around you is wonderful.

Ginie said...

My guild had to cancel the quilt show scheduled for the end of April. Maybe I can get a new "Bonnie" quilt ready for the rescheduled October show. Our theme is "A Quilt in Time" Perfect timing!

Janet said...

Thank you, Bonnie, for giving us your time. I look forward to the new adventure.

becciesworld said...

Been working on my scrap savers system... and I do have a stash to shop from. I definitely think I am in on the sew along - Mystery. How about a name like Spring Fling? Get away from mentions of being housebound and viruses etc. Or you could name it after Zoey Jo? Regardless, something to look forward to for sure. Thank you for brightening up our world.

Christy said...

I can't wait to see what you come up with! I'm trying to think of a color palette. Teal, white/cream, gray is my first thought. But the medallion may send me another direction! Thank you for doing this and keeping us all positive! I tested positive for quilt virus!!!!

Margaret said...

Up for it indeed -- even though I'm still assembling 2019 Mystery Quilt blocks too!

Mzbabaloo said...

Always up for another quilt. Sounds fun!

Mzbabaloo said...

Sounds fun. I am always up for another quilt!

Unknown said...

Count me in! I am learning so much as I finish Frolic!

lynn said...

What a dat today, The sun is shining and the sap is running from the sugar maples. Since it snowed here yesterday, just a few inches, the alder bushes, and the lilac bushes have balls of white snow on the branches, making me think if cotton at almost harvest. Or at least how my imagination thinks it will be. I stay home and stay safe. Hubby does any errands, or a sweet grandson who lives within driving distance goes to the shops. When you get serious, there is much less that we need, than what we are accustomed to having. I think we are becoming more creative with our meals as well. Time to reflect for all of us. We are one large global village, trying to support each other and helping where possible. Enjoy your day. Hugs.

Mary O said...

I'm in! Happy Monday!

Marilyn said...

Bonnie what a lovely idea to quilt along, with all you have on your plate it's so very kind of you. I'm busy at home in the U.K trying to finish some U.F.Os while I'm I'm lock down. Stay safe everyone. X

Unknown said...

oh my, I just found your blog after discussing the Gudrun ERla quilt along last Sunday with quilting friends in our local group. I didn't even know you did these quilt alongs. Gudrun's was my first and even though I don't need a new project I would love to do this. It makes me feel like I am with my groups I can't sew with right now. Thanks for doing this, and, Mondays are a good time to do this, takes our minds off the quarantine!!!

Barb Campbell said...

WARNING: To be honest, I don't want to read 210 comments, so this might be redundant. I love this idea!!! A few days ago I was thinking it would be SUPER if you decided to do another semi-mystery. Never done a medallion, but I'm game. Any chance you could suggest a few color combinations for those of us who are color-challenged? THANKS for ALL you do!!!

mzjohansen said...

I may not be able to keep up, but yes, count me in

ceblakeney said...

Bring it on, anything that gets people to stay home and stop spreading the corona 'love' is a good thing!

Vivian said...

During these trying times anything you put out would of course be welcome! It'll be like the old days when we got two Quiltville mysteries a year!

Amy said...

Talk about a silver lining. What fun! I'm in! Thanks Bonnie for sharing your talents :)

Unknown said...

Sounds great! Thanks for sharing with us!!

Lindi said...

Looking forward to this. I didn't get to do the mystery this year so this will be fun.

The Calico Quilter said...

OH, count me in! I need something to lift my spirits in our enforced isolation (both of us have health issues).

Carol Nye said...

Count me in!!

Karen F said...

Three colors and a background? Love it! A medallion round robin? Love it!! I even have my fabric chosen - a soft yellow with pink rosebuds, a TOT pink and some spring green to spark it on a background of white with pink rosebud print. Guess I'm in a hurry for spring and nice weather. lol

Odysset Girl said...

I am definitely in...even tho I'm working on several WIPs and BOMs. Why not more, that's better, right? Still working on lowering my stash so that's perfect.

Lainey said...

Count me in! I had a look in my stash for the largest pile and made 2 green plus some other colour quilts for Quilts of Valour. They will have to sit here for a while until they can be sent to the main centre but they are done. Looking at the green pile, it is still higher than any other colour so, how does lots of dark green, 2 shades of grey, lightish and medium and a black dot on dark grey background sound? Can I make it work? Let's see what Bonnie puts together as an offering tomorrow.

Lynda said...

Thanks Bonnie. I knew you would come up with something. Good on ya

Sewgranny said...

Oh yes, sounds like fun and I think we could all use some right now, I'm making masks part of each day for our local hospital but this sounds too fun to pass up!!!

Unknown said...

Yes, although I will have to do on weekend as I am a nurse and must still go to work.

Roberta said...

I am totally excited to join you for the first time in this mystery quilt should be lots of fun

Looking forward to beginning
Roberta

Tamara said...

OH another new quilt.Yes Please. I need another quilt started like I need a hole in my head but bring it on. I just pulled my fabric for Elvira LOL. I have a baby quilt to get in the mail. I have (fill in the blank :) Bonnie I want to say THANK YOU for all you do and so willingly share.

Wanda Myers said...

This sounds like so much fun! I'm still working during the day but will join in on the fun at night!

Sandy said...

I'm in for another semi mystery! I've got scraps galore to use in any new fun way. Can't wait go start. I'm almost finished with a king size frolic. Maybe this one I'll make normal size lol. Thank you for all your great ideas and patterns!

AnnieBee said...

Count me in with the quilt along...

Kim g said...

Yes I'm up for it!

Kim g said...

Yes I'm in x

Tena V said...

Great idea! You definitely need a Corona name, because without this stupid virus, this adventure would not be happening. Thanks for all you do!

Sandy said...

I will be looking forward to it!

Unknown said...

Great quilt! I'm in, but won't be working as fast as the others for a bit because I am making masks for my daughter who works in an ER in a hospital near Richmond. I'm looking forward to seeing this develop over the next several weeks. Thanks for doing this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nancy A: SewingGranda@gmail.com

wildyard said...

I am busy making a crumb/scrap quilt using the leftovers from my Frolic quilt. Some very little pieces in there along with some a little bigger. I'm loving the results and wish I could attach a photo of it so far here. It's throw size, and the first quilt I have made with intentions of keeping it for myself. I'm also keeping Frolic I think, but not positive on that yet.
Looking forward to the new "mystery". I do like making medallions.

K Robin said...

Making some hospital masks, ready for a quilt project. This will be my first Quiltville Bonnie Hunter Quilt! Can't wait to get started!

K Robin said...

I am so ready for my first Quiltville Bonnie Hunter Quilt! Bring it on!

K Robin said...

I am ready for my first Quiltville Bonnie H quilt! Bring it on! Pulling my fabrics now!

Rpinyerd said...

New to your blog. I shop at Cozy Quilters a lot. Know lots of Quilter in the Louisville area so court me in.

rj0929 said...

Sounds like fun!

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