The mystery quilt experiment
 

Awhile back Tartan posted about a Barbra Graham mystery novel murder by sunlight asking if anyone had done the mystery quilt in the book.
I downloaded the book to my kindle and seeing the first set of clues (directions) I decided to try it. I have no idea what got into me I have never done any kind of mystery quilt so everything about this is a new experience.

First choosing fabric well how do you do that when you have no idea what it's going to be? While she gave very clear instructions regarding the type of prints you need I was still very intimidated.


I chose my A fabric then went on a hunt for b,c, and d I thought choosing something with just a few colors would make it easier I don't know maybe it did maybe it didn't but whatever I totally stressed over it more than I should have. I finely decided on a pallet I found pleasing and started cutting.


While at first the cutting instructions threw me so I reread them and did was she wrote instead of what I thought she wrote and it worked out great. My biggest issue was a couple of the cuts were in increments I rarely use like 2 7/8 squares. She was generous with the amount of fabric needed with out having a ton of leftovers.


So now I have everything cut and I'm reading on to get to the next clue I can't decided if not being able to easily flip through the book to find the next clue before you get to it is a good thing or not but I have decided to patiently read to each clue do that step then continue on.


Picture 1 is my pallet picture 2 all cut up with sticky notes waiting for me to get to the 2nd clue.

Like your fabrics, but I admit to being most impressed by the flip-flops!! :p
I can't even imagine.....we have 10" of ice-crusted snow on the ground here.:rolleyes: :D

Jan in VA

Thanks Jan I think it will work out.
It was 84 here today I can't even comprehend that kind of ice. :shock:

Billie , Tartan got me going as well . I downloaded the book but had to finish the lady in the attic before I began. Will keep watching and post my plan.

Looking good!:)

I like your choice in fabric, very pretty. I down loaded her 3 books and plan to make her mystery quilts in the next few years. Thank-you for pointing out her books to me.

Looks great so far.

looks good so far, keep us posted.

I cant wait to see how your quilt turns out as i am also one who has never attempted a mystery quilt but it sounds like fun to read and then sew as they are two of my favourite things to do.

WOW! what a fun challenge. I had not heard about this book and I will be watching your progress for sure.

Ok first block complete.
I'm embarrassed at how difficult the directions were for me in some places. When seriously they are simple and straight forward I just typically like pictures with my words especially when I have no idea what the finished step is suppose to look like. Also please don't look to closely at my points and corners they are not what they should be and I am considering doing some ripping and trying it again in places.

Ok now to continue reading to get to the next clue

:DWhat fun....read faster!

This is going to be really pretty. Keep posting your progress. I LOVE, LOVE the blue wavy fabric and blue is not a colour I am drawn too usually.

Billi, Your fabrics are beautiful. Like you I have a very difficult time with mystery quilts (as shown by the 2 UFOs on the shelf). I'm way too controlled (read anal retentive) when choosing fabrics and want to see the final quilt. So much for the mystery. I hope you are pleased with your results and can come to enjoy the process. Smiley faces aren't working or you'd have a bemused one here Good luck.

Love the fabrics you chose. I downloaded the book also and as soon as I finish the other 3 (yes, 3 at one time) books I am reading, plan to start it. You have inspired me to try the mystery quilt also. Hopefully I can find fabrics to use in my stash as my goal this year is to actually use some of it!

Well I made it to the next set of clues and started on the set of 10 blocks (all the same). now I am "unsewing" and trying again most of my corners are not meeting correctly I messed a few of them up so bad I may need to go buy more of the blue green wavey :-/

Mamabear that is one of my favorites too it's the blender between "fabric A" floral focus fabric, and "fabric B" green leaves the complementary contrast ..I actually chose "fabric C" the blender blue green swirls 2nd then went looking for the contrast. probably a little unorthodox but it worked.

DottyMo yay for you be sure and share yours too it will be fun to see the the diffrences.

Thanks for checking in on me and my mysterious journey.

I went to the library on line and requested her books. Two came in so I am reading Murder by Music. Haven't gotten to any quilt directions yet will let you know when I do and how it goes.

Funny how we all approach a task differently. Some of you are so great, and you quilt as you read. I got so caught up in the book, I just had to finish and find out who did it first. I finished the book last night. Now I will try to make the Quilt. By the way, it was kind of a fun read.