Quilt Patterns for Creative Quilters

Mystery Project

Summer Fun Mystery 2006:
For the Dogs

Like my other "mysteries," this one is more like a block-of-the-week project as you get to see the block you're making before you make it.  You just can't see the entire project until the end!  This one is great for using up scraps of the colors required - some of the blocks look best when many prints are used instead of just one or two.  You can also use batiks or tone-on-tones or solids or just about anything except large prints.  Be sure to include dog-themed mini prints (bones, paws, etc.) if you have them for extra fun!  

Skill level: experienced beginner who can sew 1/4-inch seams and half-square triangle blocks; any method of applique can be used.

Fabric Requirements
This is a sampler quilt that is 90% pieced and 10% (or less) appliqued.  The finished quilt is approx. 52" x 52".  It's comprised of nine 12" blocks, sashing with cornerstones and a border.  If you choose not to go with a scrappy look and buy coordinated fabrics instead, keep in mind that Fat Quarters can be used but linear 1/4-yard cuts are often easier to work with.  

1.75 yds. Dk. Green (think shady grass or forest)
   1.5 yds. Med. Green (think grassy yard or park)
   .25 yd. Lt. Green (think sun-drenched lawn or new moss in the spring)
   2 yds. Lt. Neutral (think new bone to chew or a white picket fence)
   .5 yd. Golden Yellow (think golden retriever or golden labrador or school bus yellow)
   .25 Lt. Brown (think average mutt or dirt tracked into the house or tree trunks)
   .25 yd. Dk. Brown (think chocolate lab or mud or shady tree trunks)
   .5 yd. Blue (think idyllic mountain lake for swimming)
   .25 yd. Red (think fire engines or fire hydrants)
   Scraps of black (think black lab or black doggy noses)

Optional (for border appliques):
   .25 yard (or less) tan (think white poodle after rolling in dirt all day)
   .25 yard (or less) cream (think homemade butter without color additives - should have enough contrast with your lt. neutral that the two can be distinguished from each other)

Suggestions
   - choose three greens that contrast but work well together
   - choose lights that contrast enough that you can distinguish one from the other when placed side by side
   - if you’re afraid of applique, don’t let that stop you from doing this mystery (there are ways to do the quilt without applique if you must, but you'll sacrifice the humor if you do)

Tips
Before you begin:
   - Pre-wash all fabrics.
        (For cleaner edges and fewer wrinkles: Cut a 1/4-inch triangle off the corners of fabrics.
        Don’t overload the dryer.  Dry fabrics with a dry hand towel.
        Dry fabrics until almost dry/barely damp for fewer wrinkles to press out.)
   - Check your thread supply.
   - Pre-wind extra bobbins.
   - Replace needle and rotary cutter blade if dull.

Preliminary Cutting
Before you begin cutting the smaller pieces needed to assemble the blocks, cut the following large pieces and keep them reserved for the borders and sashing.  Note: these measurements include a 1" (approx.) margin of error (not much!) - add more inches based on your personal comfort level.

   Dk. Green: cut a large piece measuring 24” x 63” (length of 1.75 yard piece)
   Med. Green: cut a large piece measuring 24” x 45” (length of 1.25 yard piece)
   Lt. Neutral: cut a large piece measuring 38” x 42” (1.12 yds. if width is 43"; 1.25 yards if not)

Go to Next Page