The second finished quilt in August 25.

This afternoon I finished the quilt that started life in February 2024. Somewhere, I'm not sure where, but probably on the side bar of a blog post I was reading i saw this button.

I'd never got involved with a mystery quilt, mainly I think, because I must be a bit of a control freak. I like to make my own decisions about what I make and how I do it. Many of the mystery quilts I had looked at seem to be bigger in size and the making spread over a longer period of time. This one was released in 4 parts in quite a short time. 

Part 1 was released in January. This quilt is made from 9 fat quarters. Having cut all the FQ into squares they had to be laid out in this pattern and with the right number of pieces to ensure the pattern would work to give 9 blocks.

By March I was sewing the blocks together.

and I decided to add sashing and a border to complete the quilt top.

 

I wasn't sure I really liked the top but I knew I would finish it ......eventually.  At some point in the autumn of 2024 I decided I would hand quilt it. I started using a quilting hoop but I couldn't get on with it, so the quilt got put away again. Earlier this year I picked it up and slowly got into hand quilting. I alternated it with other projects so it has been slow. Yesterday I finished the quilting and this morning I made and added the binding. Over the day I have worked on stitching the binding down in between other jobs.

I'm not sure if I will ever make another mystery quilt but I'm pleased I've had the experience of taking part with one. Going back a few months I decided I would never hand quilt again but as I've got more into the process I've really enjoyed it and I know I will be doing some hand quilting in the future. With practice the process has become enjoyable and very relaxing. I've paired the activity with listening to an audio book, the current one being Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz. It's so good when you can combine two of your favourite activities, sewing and reading.

This quilt will be going to it's new home on Sunday. I took it with me when I was on grandson minding duties two weeks ago and my daughter claimed it.

I'm linking this post with Alycia Quilts for her Friday finished or not This is my second finish this month so I'm very happy. Pop over to see what folks have finished this week or if not a finish what have they been working on. I love seeing what everyone is busy making.

Now I need to go help John cook dinner. 

Take care

Lyndsey