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.
It will likely be 7 to 8 weeks of instruction just like mystery time.
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:
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.
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:
1 – 200 of 251 Newer› Newest»This is exciting. I've got a pile of solids I've been wanting to use, and I'll make those work. May we all be patient, kind, and gracious as you work through a new process on your end.
I love your creative brain! Of course I trust you 100% and will be totally in!
it's the motivation I need to get Frolic together so I can start something new! LOL
I don't really need another project but this sounds like fun! I am trying to get in my studio everyday and sew - something I haven't been able to do much since starting our farm. Self isolation has some benefits!
I'm ready for it! I'm also starting another mystery on Saturday. Two mysteries at once? Sure, why not. I'm caught up with all my other piecing.
I am finishing off my Frolic quilt and ready for another quilt-along.THANK YOU!!
I just told myself earlier this week, "I'm not starting another new quilt!" That was after last Sunday's Quarantine Quilt-a-long with Gudrun. And then there's Laundry Basket Quilts Mystery going on right now. I'm 3 clues behind!! But how can I resist?!?!? You know me! What can I say. I am a Bonniac. I'm IN!!
I really like your idea! Go for it as you have stated above...medallion then reveals and we can choose to add or not. If people change the borders on their own...they figure the math and no whining...lol
I love the idea--thank you!
YES! Need to get my mind busy. I am working remote from home...but needs some down time too.
Love this idea. I am not quarantined— this would be a great distraction to craziness of my “still reporting to work” world.
I love the idea of a medallion quilt.
I'm so happy you are going to do a quilt-a-long! I can hardly wait!😁
I had been hoping you might release your mystery quilt early.
sounds like a great idea!!! I have a bunch of "word" prints that are screaming to be a background! and a medalion (sp?) style would be a hoot!! and yes we all need help on Mondays!
I am thinking of calling mine Corona and Lime :) I am all in, no you are not nuts, just a thoughtful caring individual. Thanks Bonnie can't wait to get started!!!!
Yay!!! I can't wait!!!!
Sounds great!
Looking forward to it! Thanks Bonnie. Being one who is finding the 'umph' to do hard to come by this should help. Stay healthy. Jane in sunny and chilly southern NH
This sounds great! I look forward to hearing more.
Yes please! I normally work from home (I tend toward being a hermit), but my husband & daughter are now also working from here. Definitely interesting times
I think it's a great idea. It would be something to look forward to each week. Thank you for thinking of it.
Love to do it.
Count me in. Love medallion style quilts and I'm sure your creation will be a winner. Thank you Bonnie for helping us get through these trying times.
If it is indeed a medallion quilt, what about calling it Round House Road, perfect for adding those weekly rows! Thanks Bonnie for helping us through these times with quilting!
can't wait for monday!!
Oh, so looking forward to your Sew-In-Place-Along.........being able to use my stash will be great, the Mystery quilts always seemed to have colors I didn't have available.....most of my stash is CW Repro.....Monday's will now be a great day...
MaryAnn in Oregon
btw, love the Shoo Fly Shoo
I would totally be game for a sew in place along! Wonderful idea! Thanks for thinking of it!
If it is indeed a medallion quilt, what about calling it Round House Road, as we add rows weekly. Thanks, Bonnie for helping us through this strange time of isolation.
Oh my, you are tempting. As if I need another UFO. I still have the basket in which I gathered all the fabrics for Good Fortune and dutifully printed each clue. Still to be begun. Project for right now is finishing Easter pajamas and face masks.
A sew in place along sounds fabulous! I can’t wait to dig into my scraps!
Great idea! I'm still working - but can work on it in the evenings! Thank you, Bonnie!
I’m in! My stash is at home in MI & I’m in OR for the winter, which may be extended .... but I have a little fabric left here. I would love to have a mystery-like quilting diversion to keep me from going stir-crazy here during ‘stay home, stay safe’ time. Thanks, Bonnie!
The Sew in Place along sounds fabulous! I can’t wait to dig into those scrap bins and get started!
Great idea! I’d love to have something exciting to look forward to now that all event are cancelled!
Yes, yes, yes!!!
Oh, Bonnie! You are so kind and generous! Even those of us who cannot actually sew along will find this a sanity saver. Thank you so much.
ME, me, me! I've been making quilts for a local women's cancer charity that has decided to serve men too, so I've been looking for a more masculine quilt but using stash will work!
Yes!Sounds like fun!
Yes!Sounds like fun!
I have been wanting to make a medallion quilt, so I think that I idea is great.
I love Bonnie quilts...I'm still finishing up Frolic, but could not resist the temptation of this fun sew in! Maybe I can manage to work on both at the same time and use up some stash for extra room in my sewing space.
Can't wait to get started.
Love this idea! Thank you!
Oh, yeah, I'm in! Last thing I need on my plate but yeah!!!!
I am so in for this...Have a stack of fabrics sitting waiting for the next challenge...fun times ahead..I will now be looking forward to Monday...;-)
Yes! Love idea of medallion quilt!
I am literally finishing the last mystery (just borders to sew on top) so why not start a new one. So happy with the way it turned out so OF COURSE I trust you. Stay well
Love the idea , almost like taking a class with you.
Great idea!!! I’m in, all these mysteries and quilt alongs are great for stash busting. Thanks for doing this, I just finished my Frolic top, thanks again for Frolic, too
Monday Fun-day!
Looking forward to this sew-a-long! Even though I am doing another mystery quilt, am scheduled to do a mini quilt swap, and working on getting more quilts to flimsy stage, I still have lots more fabric that needs to be used. Hope you have enough fabric at the cabin.
Yeah, a respite from sewing face masks.
Bring it on, Bonnie! I'm ready for a mystery adventure with my treasured scraps!
This will just be so much fun! And just what i needed to give a quick-start to each week. I just did a drop-off of 25 masks to the local hospital here in Michigan, and I'm ready to go back to a new project.
Thank you Bonnie, for sharing all your creative juices with the rest of us.
OMG a sew in place sounds fabulous I'm totally in! Love medallion idea, thank you Bonnie! Perfect way for all of us to stay connected while at home, and heaven knows how much I need a new project!! 😉 not! But does that slow us down??? No!!! We love a new project 😁😁😁❤
Sharon in Seattle
Yes please!
You have the best ideas! I can't wait for the sew in place!
Thank you for giving us a new project to express our creativity.
I’d love to see a positive, inspirational name for this quilt - Kindness? Joy?
Wouldn’t that look nice as a tab on your web site?
Thank you again for your positive blogs. I appreciate them.
Maybe you could name the quilt along quilt "coronaville"
This is a great idea -- thank you.
Can't wait to get started!
What a great idea,im excited!1 thank you x 10000000!
I am in! I'm single, so all of this shelter in place and social distancing is really starting to wear me down. Thank you---you are a lifesaver.
Yes, Yes, when do we start?
Yes, yes, yes and yes! Love you Bonnie! What a wonderful idea to sew along with you! I’m in. I start each morning with your posts-beautiful photos, heart warming stories and great inspiration to sew! Thank you...
Sounds like a plan! Monday, Monday will have new meaning!
Sounds like a plan, thanks for thinking of us. Have a wonderful day.Karen
I love the idea. Just hope I can play and sew along! Thanks Bonnie!
I want to make a medallion quilt! Now would be good, start half hours at work next week. LOVE the quilt on the bed, that bed looks like the one my grandmother used to have!
Love, Love, Love this idea, another quilt top to be made in the binder......Can't wait......thank you bonnie, hope all is well with you and the family...take care, we will all get through this.....
Is it Monday yet??? LOL Can't wait to get started. Thank you! HUGS... and stitches
This is pretty exciting!
I love this idea. Thanks for thinking about us. As the days wear on I really need something to keep me busy, excited and smiling. :)
This is an exciting idea and a brightness in all this gloom! Sort of a self-round robin. Ha! Can't wait to start Monday. Thank you, Bonnie, for this gift!
I’m in! Can’t wait 😊🧵🧵
Yay, Bonnie! What a wonderful diversion. And I have never done a medallion quilt. Thank you for your creativity and time.
I am in. love your quilts...
Count me in!!!!!
I'm in! Thank you!
Looks like there will be quite a group of us willing to dive in. I really enjoyed Gudrun, so let’s try it again! Decide on the colors you’re thinking of then I can sit in my quilting room and look at what’s on the shelf. Thanks.
I'm in! Medallion, yes please! Thank you, Bonnie!!!
Not that I have any more time to sew with all four of as at home all day... Kids are 6 and 2.5
And Frolic isn't finished yet either... Lol
Virtual hugs from Austria!
I am in. Can't wait.
Yes! That would be amazing Bonnie!!
Bonnie, you are an inspiration to every quilter! I want to play!
Love this idea
Love this
let's just do it!!!! Thank you :-)
It will be so interesting to share a quilt with people all over the world, united by a pattern and time.
I am in!!!
I’m in sewing mode right now...bring it on!!!
Fun and my corona is the perfect name
I really like the availability of “seeing” the whole thing first. Really like that��
Yes yes would love some time with you Bonnie♥️
Absolutely!
Absolutely
would love to do a quilt along
Just finishing up "Frolic" and a couple of others, but I'm ready to start a another one....where's my rotary cutter and fabric.....
You are absolutely so GENEROUS with your time and talent! I'm excited! Thank you Bonnie.
I'm in too. Can't wait for Monday. I'm still working on Frolic, but I'm ready for a new challenge.
Yes, I'm in! I don't need another project, either, but if I can use up some of my scraps then I don't have to organize them!
Sounds great! I love the medallion idea!
Bonnie, what a wonderful idea. We all need something new to take our minds off the worlds events. Thank you so very much, I'm in.
Count me in! I'm just finishing up the Quarantine Quilt along!
It will be "Just another manic Monday"!
What a great idea! I love your blog and your patterns! Looking forward to it! Alice Woodring
I’m interested- but don’t think I have enough fabric as we have been using my scraps for other projects. I will see what I can pull together! Exciting!
Sounds like fun!
I would definitely be in - I love your mysteries! THANKS
Oh Bonnie - thank you so much for your kindness! This is so exciting :-) I'm diligently working on WIPs - having promised myself that I wouldn't start ANYTHING new in 2020 except something already in my head OR a Bonnie mystery... what fun for you to rescue me!!
Looking forward to starting my "My Corona Quilt"....Excellent idea, Bonnie, and so kind of you. Woo Hoo....
Loretta McGinn
Mondays fit in my schedule - count me in! When will you give us fabric requirements? I am going to sew from my stash and need time to dig thru it. Thanks Bonnie!
Yes yes yes
I hope to take part in this. Sounds really fun. Have to find some fabrics, no shops here where I live. I think of using three colors + background, but not just four fabrics. Thank you, we need to stay strong these days. Greetings from Norway.
I'm in. A medallion sounds great! Monday is good for me also. Our retreat for this week-end is cancelled so I'm working on Frolic corners. Can't wait to see what you come up with from your creative mind.
OMG! I'm so in! I signed up for 2 WIP finish alongs & havent' done a darn thing! lol But if I can start something new? Yes please! I think we need a new focus perhaps better than looking at things to finish up. Finishing means done, the end and in the current COVID environment, the end and being done isn't always a positive. We will do our best to be patient as you work your magic but now my mind will be spinning, wondering what you are going to come up with! Yahoo!
Sounds great! Thanks so much!
Oh my goodness, Bonnie,, you had me at 'another Mystery Quilt?'
You know I love you and all the things you do for all of us..Of course, I'm in !!
May not really be a mystery quilt, but I will call it that..
i'm in - thank you Bonnie!
I love you Bonnie!
Love this idea! Haven't been in my sewing room much since my parents were here for 17 days and I've been working from home for two weeks (going to be at least 3). My plan is to hit the sewing room this weekend. I'll make sure to get caught up on some things and clean up a bit to be ready to go on Monday! Thank you!
I am ready for a quilt to make along with the other ones I need to finish. I am still working on the last 4 mystery quilts.
I'm in too! Certainly do trust you. This is going to be fun.
I need another UFO! Let's do this! The shoo-fly quilt looks beautiful on the bed.
I'm very interested. I like that it is a different approach than the annual mysteries.
You had me at "sew!!" I'm in, thank you Bonnie!
I love this idea, but I need a little lead time. I don't keep a stash (insert sobbing emoji here) because my sewing room got reduced to a sewing corner when my grands came to live with me 4 1/2 years ago. I won't go out to a quilt shop, but I will order what I need online. Will I have time?
One thing I learned during Frolic is that I'm really happier with planned yardage, so ordering what I need is not a hardship. No really, I don't mind at all! haha!
Yes, I'm in and thanks. Something to look forward to and do. Really like the medallion and then rows idea.
This sounds healing for my troubled spirit. My hands need something focused because I am really missing my two precious small congregations hugs. I would be grateful for a lap size option for my elderly parishioners.
You are AWESOME!!! Yes please count me in for this fun adventure. Now to think about fabric colors/choices. And get my project finished up before Monday.
I love the idea of a mystery quilt and the name too
How wonderful another mystery quilt and a medallion what fun looking forward to seeing what you come up with on Monday.
Love how your shoo fly shoo quilt turned out the purple really finishes it off beautifully.
Thank you for organising this new fun for us, keep safe
Love and quilty hugs
Anne xxx
YES!
We all know there is more than one way to make every unit. Will you give a size for each unit as a "finished stand alone unit" in case we don't have a specific ruler and need to use other methods? This sounds like fun.
Bonnie, Thank you so much for doing this! You are so generous to do the mysteries and I think this is perfect for those feeling a bit alone! I wish I could share my stash--it is embarrassingly large. I do donate to charity quilts all the time though. I think that Corona should definitely be in the name! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I'm in it sounds like a fun way to use stash & fill my time w/ a new project. Bless you.
Count me in. And thank you for being you.
Love your shoofly quilt, didn't do this years, but, now it seems one more for me to start. A BH mystery sew along???? of course what is one project to start (& finish). thanks for all you do.
I am a pharmacist and I still have to work on Mondays. I would really like to do the quilt along. Will you be posting it to YouTube for those of us who miss it. I really hope so but if not, I will try to do it with just the info giving. I am new to scrap quilting and I am having so much fun!!
I can not wait! Sewing with you and the internet at Mystery time is always a joy. I got behind with the last mystery because I was away over Christmas. Wow feels like years ago as so much has changed. I started the Laundry Basket mystery but I can do another one.
I will do it!
I am in!
I would love it. You have earn my trust many times over.
I am working from home and I would love to join in. I would probably omit the last round and make a throw size. I am thinking of spring colours--soft pink, green, and baby blue.
I'm looking forward to your mystery.
I LOVE that idea!!! My Corona is a great name for it too!
Yes! Let's have a reason to look forward to Mondays!!
I am looking forward to this. Thank you, Bonnie, for all you do for us.
SO EXCITED! Count me in.
Love it and happy about making Mondays da bomb! Woohoo!!
I have family that has moved in with 4 grandkids under 5, including a newborn that is not happy if he is not being bounced. I am still working s my store is considered essential, but have reduced hours. I have already started a tilt I am calling Christmas in the time of corona, why not 1 more. Let’s go for it!!!
I am ready! I made the big block sew along on Sunday and Monday. I was thinking about using it as way to play with different quilt patterns, so I was glad to see what you did. I did finish pressing today your Mystery for 2019-2020. I forced my self to make it from Christmas scrapes. So big thank you for the fun. I did completely clean up the Christmas scrapes.
I am beyond excited about another mystery, even though I am still working on Frolic. Hopefully I will have it finished before monday. Thank you Bonnie for your generosity. I love all of your quilts so you have my trust.
I'm in. The mystery was so much fun!
I'm excited - I'm in. Thank you sew much Bonnie
sounds interesting!!!
I’m up for a bit of fun! ��
This sounds like Fun! Count me in!!
I'm in! Plenty of stash to work from.
Oh yeah, I'm in even though I only have one Frolic block done. Lol
Would love to sew along! You are so generous!!
Love doing mystery quilts. Not sure if I'll be able to start on time as I am making face masks for our hospital & clinic.... But I will do my best to keep up!
I am sooo in. Thank you, Bonnie, for all you do for us. Being stuck at home is driving me crazy. Monday are going to be wonderful to look forward to. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We all love you sooo much. Anne B.
Whats not to like??? Love it 🥰🥳
Sounds like a great idea.
yet another project?? sure, be fun. I actually like to have 2 -4 going at once. My eye likes variety, but also some calmness, so I like to have a very color contolled as well as a random eye candy project going at the same time, plus something with handwork... be it binding, quilting, or a new love, raw edge applique stitched in place thru all the layers big stitch style. The edges ravel and fluff for a relaxed chenille sort of look that I find quite fun with very scrappy pieced center. Quite a change from fussy Baltimore style that I love to pieces also, just can't make my sad hands DO anymore. But informal floral vine border around a pieced center?? makes my eyes laugh and spirit sing
Yes Yes yes please do. LOVE YOUR MYSTREY QUILTS and your Web site. Checking in Daily. Look forward every morning along with fresh cup of coffee.
Perfect! I was hoping you would do something. If we didn't trust you no one would do your mysteries and everyone does your mysteries. can't wait for Monday.
Yes please!
Yes!
I am anxiously waiting to get the first step!
Oh yes! I love sewing along with your instructions! I am in!
Yes! First time I’ve had free time since Celtic Solstice to take part and I love medallion quilts (I’ve made a Welsh medallion before)
What a great idea. I really need to get my motivation going. I like the idea of your quilt, I also really want to make Elvira - and I finally dragged out my granddaughters t-shirts that have been waiting patiently in the box for me for several years now, and I got them cut up. It's a start, just need to figure out how to lay them out now.
I am in, looking forward to a way to use up some scraps
This would be great. I'm in. I have fabric in every color and genre so I don't care what you pick, I can piece along with you.
Just what we all need. Thanks Bonnie!
Horray, I just finished FROLIC on Wednesday so I'm ready for anything. Thanks Bonnie, you are the best. Puppy Zoey Jo is beyond cute.
I'm in!!!
I’m in! Can’t wait!
I am interested
Sounds awesome!
I don't need another project either but I'm in. Corona Beauty sounds like a good name especially if you're doing a medallion. Thanks.
I'm ready. I can't wait. So many retty things.
Quilting in overdrive - I am in!
Yes please.
Very cool! I’ve never done a medallion quilt. I’m in!
Count me in! And you've also got me wanting to complete more shoo fly blocks - I absolutely love, love, love your quilt!!!!
LOVE that song ! I'm in, thanks,Bonnie!
I'd be in.
I'd live to do the Sew Along. How do I sign up? Thank you for thinking of this!
Yes, yes.
This sounds like fun! And of course, we'll be patient - it's something we're learning now! ;-)
I’m looking forward to this.
I've been following your blog for over a year now thanks to my mom who is a quilter. I have never pieced together a quilt but would like to try. Would this project be ok for a beginner?
You bet, I'm always eager to sew alone with you Bonnie, I always enjoy seeing your video clip's and your beautiful quilt's that you make ~ love your shoo fly shoo quilt it is gorgeous
Oh, yeah, I'm IN!
A Mediallion quilt! How wonderful is that! We can see our progress as we go, which means a lot in these days of uncertainty. Thank you so much for the fun to come!!!
This will be a welcome project and give me a break from making the medical mask. That will not stop but without 1/4" elastic it takes so much longer to make the ties from fabric. I also need to work on my granddaughters graduation quilt, although graduation may be in name only. No plans on a ceremony at this time.
Yes, yes, yes!!! I am so in! You are an amazing person Bonnie! Sending love to you and yours. Stay safe
Definitely interested! Intrigued by medallions! Just hoping the round about blocks aren't too busy...no problem piecing, but have a heck of a time quilting over lots of seam junctions (domestic machine).
I am in 100%. Love the three colors and background and no paint chips. Lets go!
Yes! Count me in and THANK YOU!
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