did you know in some cities it is illegal to whistle or wear a mask on the street? Sounds crazy, but rules come about because people push things too far.
Thinking back over the years, there was even a group who refused to abide by the few guidelines there were, that started their own Quiltville facebook group in a huff.
There were people who wanted to be youtube stars who, once a clue came out, would do the whole clue step by step.
There are always people who have a 'better way' to make the units.... this is probably where the biggest need for the rules came in, as noted above, sometimes they don't come out right, and people blamed Bonnie in great big loud voices
Not taking extra paint chips rule...people would take the whole stack and then offer to send the to people. Probably well meant but a needy way to make friends and leaves no paint chips or locals which is really rude.
There is just So many ways quilters have pushed the envelope on this fun free resource. That there needs to be rules is sad, but they are pretty simple, and like the one with not showing the pieces with rulers or cutting mats, those new sharing progress images have made some really beautiful and striking photos that makes the link ups even more fun.
And for those who say I won't make a mystery because I might not like it, zero problem with that, but speaking for myself, I've made plenty of quilts I wasn't crazy about when finished, and we hear people say that all the time here
So while a perfectly acceptable reason, not one that holds much water. I know I don't like samplers, and can't do applique to my standards any more so I wouldn't participate in those types of mysteries or BOMs. I like small pieces, complicated quilts, so one the New Years Day mysteries wouldn't hold my interest.
My dear friend Joan, who has been quilting since 1976 did her first BH mystery last year. She doesn't like it, but has said a number of times she can't believe how much better her piecing is now, she can't believe how sloppy her work was that she felt was always perfectly acceptable before.
I still haven't picked fabric, I think because I've been sick for months and will be having surgery next month. But I'll still be pulling myself up to the cutting table Friday
because the mystery is a 'thing' for me now, started in 2011 the same week I started daily radiation for 3 months for breast cancer. It was a way to take me outside myself. I'll always be grateful. And sorry we need rules, but understand because I've seen the free for all no rules creates.