spaghettimom

I enjoy doing mystery quilts- only completed 3 so far. My daughter, who lives out of state, enjoys quilting so for her Christmas gift I give the fabric for the New Year's Day Mystery Quilt on the internet. She comes home for the holiday and we get to spend a day fabric shopping. She returns to Iowa and on Jan 1 we quilt together via Skype and enjoy the day. The first one I did was not the greatest but going into my to be donated box for someone in need. I figure I enjoyed the project and someone and need can benefit! Everyone wins.

Dina

I have only done one true mystery quilt, but I was very pleased with the results. The instructions clearly said to choose three fabrics that I liked and to make sure there was a light, medium, and dark. Like I said, I was very pleased. In fact, I liked the quilt so much that I bought two books of patterns for mystery quilts. Of course, then the end results weren't surprises to me, but I really like the fabric choice instructions and they have helped me select fabrics on my own now.

I did jokingly say that I can never really visualize how a quilt will turn out, so every quilt is a mystery to me. It is only partly a joke. The design wall in my head has never really engaged yet, but I am always hopeful that it will soon.

Dina

institches33

I've found that you can spend a lot of time and money and not care for the finished product. Look at 50 quilt patterns and decide if any one of them were a mystery quilt - would you be happy. It's taking a chance.

IraJane

The only one I've done did not end up being a block I would have chosen, but it was a lot of fun to follow through with the process. It made a great donation quilt. I have also created a mystery quilt similar to a block I do really like. I've sent the clues via email and taught it in a class. Everyone seemed to really like the results. One friend has made it twice and won at quilt shows. That was even more fun for me.

coopah

The only mystery quilts I have done are from Paintmejudy here on this board. She has done several sizes and one table runner. Check them out by searching "Mystery Train Ride". Judy will be starting a new one in January. Can't wait.

winia

I've done it twice. The first one was at least two years ago. I got it together and did not like it. Took it all apart and replaced two of the fabrics. I'm still quilting it. Getting there. The second one was a few months ago on Craftsy. I did not feel the design was worth the price. It was a very simple design, and I don't know how the woman who ran the mystery quilt could say it is an original design, but be that as it may, fool me once, fool on you; fool me twice, fool on me. No more mystery quilts unless it's inexpensive and I use all solid fabrics.

mhollifiel

Last year I did my first mystery quilt. I did Bonnie Hunter's Easy Street, loved making it and the stunning result. This year her mystery colors are "crayon" colors and I have about depleted my stash of those in my Project Linus tops. Also, I follow her blog and I keep seeing "my" quilt! I can't help but wonder about all these same looking quilts floating around 50 to 100 years or so down the road. Bonnie will live on for sure and that's not a bad thing. She's the real deal. BUT, I want what I do to be a bit different and have been especially drawn to those Easy Streets that have varied the colors. I admire those courageous quilters so much. (Can you tell I don't feel comfortable with color choices?)

Because of the short days which I hate, the timing of Bonnie's mysteries is especially perfect and keeps my spirits up during the gray part of the year. I am pretty much a stay-on-the-path quilter and not very adventurous. This year I am debating over changing the colors and keeping up as I did last year or waiting until the reveal to start. Having a deadline really, really helped me. With that realization, I am giving myself a deadline of this Friday to explore my stash and try to get my reluctant head around choosing a different palate for this year's quilt or just not do it until the reveal. My fear is that if I wait, I won't do it at all and my Easy Street Quilt will mock me!

I am grateful to #1piecemaker for starting this thread. It is giving me the kick in the tush I needed to get me off the fence. My advice is try at least one from a designer you love and do your best to keep up. You won't get a true idea of how mystery quilting fits with you until you do.

#1piecemaker

I'm glad I started this thread too. I have seen some beautiful quilts and heard a lot of varied responses. I have learned some things too. I might just give it a whirl.

Dogwood Quilter

Go to Bonnie Hunters Quiltville and look at her past mystery quilts. Several are still listed there. Are they something you would like? Also here on QB Paintmejudy will be starting a mystery quilt first of the year. She calls them mystery quilt train ride. Here is the link to the newest thread. http://www.quiltingboard.com/blocks-...p-t215243.html

gramma nancy

I'll admit I only consider doing them after they are no longer a mystery -- that is, after all the clues have been issued and I can see the final product. Not so much a mystery -- eh? But at least I know whether to invest my time in it.