What's on your bed this February? It has been cold and not particularly spring-like here where I live, and I have been craving some brighter and more cheerful colors. This is the Fat Quarter Shop Designer Mystery quilt for 2011. The fabrics are various Fig Tree prints with a strawberry theme. What caused me to lose my enthusiasm for the quilt was that I did not care for the setting at all. I got creative and ended up using the setting for the Designer Mystery 2020 quilt, and love how it turned out. I like it so much better than the original concept.
The quilting shows up nicely in this photo. This is such a happy quilt. I toyed with the idea of giving it away, as I thought perhaps the style was too feminine or too juvenile, too something. I ended up keeping it and am so glad I did. I am usually not that fond of large quilt blocks, but I feel quite differently about these. The blocks are 12 inches square, but the proportion is perfect for this setting.
If you are like me, and have UFOs of past block of the month programs and have faint hope of finishing them, listen up. Take those blocks out of storage and take a fresh look at them. Maybe you missed out on purchasing the finishing kit, maybe you just kind of lost the love for the fabrics, or like me, you hate the proposed setting. Consider looking for ideas for a different type of setting, or even making the quilt smaller than originally planned. You may be really glad you gave that UFO a second chance!
And thank goodness for my friend Lisa D., who ended up letting me buy her extra fabrics from the finishing kit so I had enough to complete the quilt!
Love those colors, just beautiful! Are you going to do the 2023 quilt?
Posted by: Nancy Watkins | February 20, 2023 at 04:37 AM
This is so beautiful. So glad you finished it.
Posted by: Mary | February 20, 2023 at 04:37 AM
Such a pretty quilt! I never think quilts are too feminine. I’m waiting for my long armer to finish my new bed quilt made of Tula Pink fabric. It’s not my style at all but I need all the bright color in our long cold winter.
Posted by: Betty | February 20, 2023 at 04:38 AM
Your quilt is certainly cheery! I have a quilt I started ~3 years ago; a Moda Bakeshop winter-themed quilt that I gave up on because there were so many errors in the block patterns. I loved the fabrics and was so frustrated with it. Last year I got it out and came up with a new plan. I "retired" a few blocks, made several different blocks from other QALs, and came up with a new setting I liked much better. But then winter was over. Last week I got it out again and discovered I only needed to add my last border and it would be a top! So I will finish it. It'll be great for next year!
Posted by: sue s | February 20, 2023 at 05:29 AM
I'm delighted that you shared this quilt. It's inspiration to pull out a few more UFOs and see what I could finish and use or give away. Those colors in your quilt work beautifully together, and they are just bright enough to show off the pattern without overwhelming the room.
Posted by: Erin | February 20, 2023 at 06:05 AM
Doesn’t it feel great to get this project out of the UFO pile. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Anne | February 20, 2023 at 06:09 AM
That turned out great!! The 2020 mystery quilt is the next one up on my WIP’s to get finished for this year. All the blocks are made-I just need to assemble (which takes time!) but seeing your setting has me more encouraged just to get it done!
Posted by: Jane Eilderts | February 20, 2023 at 06:36 AM
I love Fig Tree's strawberry fabrics! Your quilt turned out great with the new setting. The quilting sets off the blocks without overwhelming the overall look--icing on the cake! 🍰 Cheers to another UFO off the books!
Posted by: Jan | February 20, 2023 at 08:17 AM
really lovely! someone mentioned Moda Bake Shop. I had same experience...lots of errors in the directions. they were publishing patterns 'for free' that were not checked for accuracy.
enjoy today's sunshine because tomorrow it is turning cold again.
Posted by: Ina | February 20, 2023 at 09:35 AM
I totally agree with you. I am now working on the finishing blocks for a 2015 BOM. A little late, but my guilt feels much less. I have a quilt on my bed that I decided to keep. Mostly I have given away almost all my quilts but lately I have kept some. It feels good to start having a home with quilts in it. I so love reading your blog. I feel like a stalker since I check it so frequently!
Posted by: Donna Murdock | February 20, 2023 at 01:24 PM
Your quilt is a stunner, perfect pick me up while waiting for spring. I too don’t typically like large blocks. But, honestly when it’s beautifully quilted (as yours is), it changes perspective, at least for me. The setting you chose works so well, it looks just wonderful on the bed. I’m so glad you shared the back story, don’t give up on a quilt, you never know when inspiration will surface.
Posted by: Karen | February 20, 2023 at 10:05 PM
Beautiful!! I love the color scheme. Gentle but bright!
Posted by: Nancy Buennemeyer | February 27, 2023 at 06:28 AM