Carol in WI

Thank you Joe's mom and Gemm for the suggestions. I didn't realize that Etsy offered clearance fabrics in large enough quantities and have started to browse there. Gemm, I like the idea of a print with the sage green and have been looking for something with a very small, delicate flower. I would rather order on line than to go shopping and yet have been disappointed with colors that don't appear the same as pictured and then the whole return issues. Now it sounds like I'm whining. Thanks for the ideas though.

Carol in WI

Has anyone here quilting their Indigo Way on a domestic machine? I was about to attempt it but may need to rethink this - there are so many seams and my usual method is to do cross hatching or stitch in the ditch. And, if you have done it would you suggest using a larger needle..i.e. # 16?

Iceblossom

I am still waiting on quilting down this project. My last two (finished) Bonnie Hunter quilts I did with a grid and a serpentine stitch on my big throated but domestic sewing machine.

I find this works well when you (like me) don't have the skills or equipment or mindset for showing off fancier quilting. Bonnie's projects are so busy my main goal is functional quilting that lets the fabric speak. I'd have to look for it and my eyes aren't up to it, but as I recall she used a swirly all over pattern from Urban Elementz on this top.

JeanieG

I quilted mine on my domestic machine. I SITD on all the seams, and had a four butterfly stencil that I placed in the middle of the large squares. I trace the image on with Crayola Washable Ultra-Clean Thin Point Markers, then just followed the lines. I am pleased with the result.

Iceblossom

With my vision issues I haven't been able to do any quilting, either piecing or quilting down so my top remains finished but not q I shuilted. Sign....

Since my eye surgery got pushed back I'm likely to remain severely visually impaired until at least the end of the year I had really wanted to be able to participate in this year's mystery but it isn't looking too good. I should be getting word in the next couple of weeks on when I can be worked on. If it isn't "soon" I'm going to be looking at getting glasses or new contacts or something to help daily life -- at least until the end of the year.

I am willing to host and will be choosing fabrics/printing clues but probably no sewing for most of this year. Maybe I can get my husband to help me with at least cutting strips. If someone else wants to host, that is fine -- light duties Mostly just start the thread, post the weekly updates to Bonnie's site, and give some general encouragement if you feel like it.

KalamaQuilts

glad to see you posting though IceBlossom, I am holding you in the pocket of my quiltie heart

joe'smom

Iceblossom, I hate to hear that you are so limited by your vision problems! I do hope they can get you in for help soon.

I am still plodding along on my Indigo Way. I've never taken this long to finish a mystery top. My IW is up on the wall, on a batting I put on top of my Harriet's Journey sampler, which I stalled on during the sashing phase. Putting up a third wall seems too ridiculous, so if ever I had a practical reason for not participating in a mystery, it is this year. What I should do is save the clues, and maybe go through stash for fabric, and then continue with IW (which at my current pace will not be finished by then).

As far as hosting, you are such a great host, Iceblossom, I would love it if you hosted this year, but only if it wouldn't be burdensome with your limitations.

A progress photo:

Iceblossom

I will plan on hosting the coming mystery. I think even without vision improvement I can have my husband and/or my sewing group to help me at least cut the strips for each clue.

As a reminder, the first pre-clue comes out at Halloween giving us colors and yardage. I had planned to work with Civil War fabrics this past year -- no work done but a big pile of them already gathered. If I can work them into this project, that guide my fabric choices, regardless of what Bonnie suggests! I know I have enough lights which has been my sticking point in the past.

Joe's Mom -- I know you have been up and down over your background choice. I hope you are on the enjoyment side again -- I like the effect a strong background can give. It's sort of like the background is a solid piece of yardage and the block units are scattered on the top. But it is just not worth the annoyance if you aren't enjoying yourself. There are plenty of project where we have met our goals prior to completion...

QuiltingNinaSue

Guess I should finish the Bonnie Hunter vertical board, I think its called The Folic. Love my colors and its half way done. Life has gotten in the way of finishing it. Love her Blog and hearing about her trips. She always enriches my day with her sayings too.

joe'smom

I am enjoying my Indigo Way very much, and really want to see what it's like when sewn together. So I continue to be quite motivated, even though I've been limited in how much time I can put in each day.

It seems like I always have the urge to be deliberately contrary with Bonnie's mystery. This year, I've been thinking about the large number of colorful, conspicuous neutrals I have. I know going super busy usually makes the pattern less clear with Bonnie's quilts, but that's what I'm thinking about choosing at this stage.

So glad you will host, Iceblossom!