Designer Mystery 2023 Back on the Design Wall

My next Finish It project is the Designer Mystery 2023 block of the month sew-along. At first, I wasn't sure I loved the dark blue background in the setting, but I have to admit, now I think it is pretty spectacular. The setting really sets off those blocks and is so different from what you typically see.

The only way to go with this project is to work on the setting as you make the blocks. I think I would feel completely overwhelmed if I finished the blocks and still had this complicated setting to construct. 

When I unpacked the tub this project was in, I was happy to discover that I had cut out and even made many of the flying geese and half square triangle units needed for the setting. That saved me a ton of work right off the bat. I had made five blocks and got busy making the sixth one. My first row of three blocks and their setting was already assembled and it wasn't much work to finish up the second row. 

I am excited to keep working on this project and get it wrapped up. It will look amazing on the bed in our primary bedroom. There are a total of four rows of three (twelve main blocks), the block surrounds which form that star pattern, a lattice between the rows, and a couple of pieced borders which add to and complete the design. 

I actually think this is going to go pretty quickly! While sewing yesterday I watched more YouTube videos of one particular quilter who was also making this quilt project. She is Canary Quilts (sorry I don't know her actual name) and she seems to work on a lot of popular sew alongs that I am interested in. Her commentary and instruction are good and she doesn't have any annoying mannerisms to distract me. If you like to watch tv while sewing check her out, you may enjoy her too. 

Comments

[Rebecca Trittel]

Wow - that is so pretty! I had done the 2021 and 2022 mystery quilts and was pretty much tired of mystery quilts, so I didn't sign up for this one. Oops - that's the prettiest one yet! Glad to hear it is going together well. Thanks for the link to the Canary Quilts. I, too, enjoy watching YouTube videos as I quilt and cross stitch.

[June]

Thank you for your suggestion on doing the setting as you go along. For several years I took a year long Block of the Month class at local quilt shop. We were given kits for that months blocks and didn’t get the finishing kits until month 12. My husband was very ill and I collected the kits but didn’t start the quilt until the following year after he passed. My friend who took the classes told be to do the finishing as I went along and it was a huge time saver. Each block Had to be increased from a 6” block to a 12” block so at the end of month 11 she was only half done!

[Jan]

Adding the setting blocks as you go makes sense. You'll have this one finished in no time at all! Hoping Eva was able to go to school on the first day!

[Kerry L]

Holy smokes Nicole! You are ripping (no pun intended) through these projects! How are you choosing which ones to complete? I need some insight. Thanks!

[Christy Johnson]

I have the same BOM and made 4 blocks. I ordered extra of the back ground for the setting blocks and have had enough extra fabric to make 2 blocks for each month. I wanted it big enough to cover a king size bed with deep mattresses. I figure if I have too many blocks, I can use the extras for a small throw or a couple pillows. This compels me to bring it out and work on it. Good to know about the setting blocks. I'll do those as I complete each block. Thank you for the inspiration and the gentle kick to get it done.

[Sandra]

These blocks and setting is certainly interesting. The setting makes the blocks look like they are glowing. What a creative idea! How great you had completed so many of the needed units. It’s going to be gorgeous!