I'm enjoying this mystery, too!  I love the color palette and am anxiously waiting for the final reveal.  I went to my local quilt shop and found more gold and I like the result.  I also pulled more neutrals out of my stash to bring in more variety.  After re-reading the directions, I loved how Bonnie's colors seem to blend and create a dance of colors, so I copied her examples.  I like it!!
I am finished with step 3.

On to step 4....
I have my patches cut out and will continue to sew this week to finish.  I 'm about halfway with the construction of step 4 all sewn on my Singer Mocha 301a.  She sews so quietly.  Notice the table?  I purchased the Gidget 1 table on E-bay and it arrived this Thursday.  I like the height and also the drop in cut-out for my machine.  I love it and will use the table to accommodate my herd.  Not all of my machines have a cabinet...if they did, I wouldn't have any room for anyone else, much less a place to sleep and eat!

Thanks to Bonnie for sharing her creativity with a beautiful mystery quilt!!

Back to Quiltville

On to step 3 of the Allietare mystery.  Here is my version.  I didn't have the golds that I thought I had.  I guess that means I need to shop for more golds to replace what I've used.  On to the quilt shop I go....
I've finished 60 4-patch; I'll wait to finish the last with the golds I plan to purchase on Monday.

I'm wondering how the blocks are going to be pieced together.  On top of the patchwork, we also were directed to cut more squares and rectangles.  I think the half square triangles from step 1 could be a part of Bonnie's trademark borders.

Back to Bonnie... http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2015/12/mystery-monday-link-up-part-3.html

I have been working hard on getting Step 2 finished.  I did it this afternoon!  I spent last weekend with family and also recuperating from this cold I have.  Once again, I used my Singer 401a and boy, did she work hard making the "Santa Hats" patchwork.

I'm enjoying this mystery, too.
If you're interested, check out Bonnie Hunter's blog and her store for the past mysteries and also her free patterns.  Just click on her icon here on my blog....http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2015/12/allietare-mystery-monday-link-up-part-2.html

Allietare has begun!   I started with my Viking Designer machine, but I was frustrated with the automatic presser foot lift raiser, so I moved to my Singer 401a.  I was able to sew quickly with the presser foot in the down position.
Here's my first set of patchwork.

Back to Bonnie.....http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2015/11/mystery-monday-link-up-allietare-part-1.html

I have been keeping myself busy this summer.  I took another class and created this watercolor top.  I located the book, "Watercolor Magic" by Deanna Spingola on Amazon and am excited to try the other quilts in the book.

I plan to quilt a motif of some sort in the light areas.  I've got the batting and the backing so I can start this evening or tomorrow.

We had a "UFO" day at our local college facility and this is what I took with me to sew.  I used my 1898 Singer hand crank to sew the tops together.
I participate from time to time with a group of people who use people powered sewing machines to make and create a variety of things.  "Treadle On" is the website and is full of many articles, machine information and tidbits and pictures regarding people powered sewing machines.  Take a look.
We have a variety of blocks to sew and exchange with others worldwide.  This is known as the "treadle on block exchange" or "TOBE".
As for the quilting, I have tried to free motion quilt on my treadle, but it does take time to learn to use the machine in this manner.  I have quilted a few blocks, not quilt tops, so I do have a ways to go.  I can free motion using an electric sewing machine, so it will take time to learn and treadle at the same time.

On Friday evening, I cut out the pieces for our Treadle on Pin Cushion exchange.  Here it is!  I searched for many ideas, but I came back to re-creating the sea turtle.  I made one a few years back and just love the look.
It's in the mail.  I'm looking forward to seeing what returns back to me!

I sewed this little guy using my grandma's Pfaff 30 treadle.  (In the background, I have another Treadle On block exchange quilt top ready for quilting.  This one dates back to spring of 2013.  I've got to catch up.)

Yeah!!!!
I finished the second T-shirt quilt today!  I sewed the binding and now it's done.
I used a quilt stencil named as "Elegance".  With my "Sweet Sixteen" machine, this was a breeze to sew.  I didn't have to force, fight, pull, or carry my quilt top.  This machine made it so much easier, thus I didn't stop as I had to with the first t-shirt quilt.  I was so exhausted after fighting to quilt using my regular sewing machine.
It's done, it's done!!!!

I have been teaching 'beginner' quilt classes for a few years and have been making a variety of lap and twin size quilt tops.  I just finished one this month (July 2015) and gave it to my younger brother for his birthday.  I'll have to get a picture real soon.
This quilt top is the newest pattern for this upcoming beginner's class.  My grandson selected the fabric last summer (age 3) and yes, I have been slow to cut it up to make a big boy's size.  Isn't Sully and Mike Wazowski cute?

I took a Ricky Tims' Convergence class this month (July 2015) with Lynn.  I've located a coffee cup and mug applique to trace and make and will soon add it for the final touches.

I finished another quilt this summer!  I took the butterfly class last year and had been quilting block by block.  After the purchase of my newest machine, the "Sweet Sixteen" from HQ, I whipped through the last few rows.  I love my new machine!  I have been working on various quilting projects and love how it sews!

I just pieced this top.  I plan to add a navy blue border and a flannel backing.  It's for my newest grandchild hailing from Oklahoma.
The pattern is the "Disappearing 9 patch".  I chose a variety of blues, greens, and blacks with yellow centers and it sews up pretty quick.  Now, just to find the time to layer, pin, and quilt it.

Update:  I finished it and now it's time to mail it to Oklahoma.

I finished it!  This is my sewing bag/tray.  The "Bionic Gear Bag"pattern was purchased from Craftsy and it holds a lot of stuff!  You can't see it, but I have my quilting supplies all within the zippered sections and the connecting pockets.
Sally Thompson of "Ripstitcher" is the designer.  She walks you through every step and has more detailed instructions on her blog.
I love it!  I plan to make several more.  Thank you Sally!

My version of the Scotsman block.  It's a 'flimsy' for now.  I have the backing, I just need to find the time to pin and quilt it.

Last year, I was surfing through the internet and found the cutest turtle pin cushion.  I decided to make it.  http://www.craftpassion.com/wp-content/gallery/turtle-pin-cushion-combo/turtle-pincushion-combo-main1.jpg

It has pockets for your scissors, thimble, a place for your pins, needles, and on the back, a place to hold your thread.  Try it!

Here's the first two blocks sewn with instructions from my Civil War Craftsy class.  I love learning about the history and learning new ways to construct blocks.  What's new for me is that she states to finger press as you go, then press lightly with an iron once the block is completed.  The blocks turned out just fine.  I think I'll use a darker background on the next ones.

I've been working and sewing and quilting for a couple of weeks.  I have found the perfect marker for the t-shirt quilt.  I am using the purple disappearing pen to mark the template lines for the light and white blocks.  I also use my chalk pouncer for the darker blocks.

I did sew the sashing for t-shirt quilt #2.  This sashing is very cute.

I will be pinning the layers after I finish quilting t-shirt #1.

About the thread catcher and the materials used, I used the fish air line tubing.  You can find this at any pet store or pet department; I found it in my local WalMart.  I have also used the dress making plastic boning, but I found that this wasn't easy to flex and bend to put into my tote bag to carry to class.  The boning worked best with my thread catchers for my sergers.

Thread catchers....
I've made quite a few of these...I took a class way back when to learn how to make a nice and efficient thread catcher.  I like to have them to catch all of my thread clippings and other little bits.  It makes for a cleaner work space at home or in a quilt/sewing class.

The little red bird pin cushion was made through the "Treadle On Pin cushion" exchange we participated back in February 2014. Charlotte S.created this cute little bird and I added the catcher.  I use it with my treadle Pfaff 30.  She holds my pins and needles with 2 hidden pockets on the base which hold my needle threaders.  I added some velcro to the bottom of the cushion for easy removal.

(The rules for participating with Treadle On is the use of either hand crank sewing or treadle machines.)

 

The picture is a little bright...This was my first thread catcher.  I made this back in a Nevada quilt class.   I changed out the pin cushion with this red chickie.  These are sure handy.    

*The red and teal ones are from the attached pattern.  I'm not sure where the pattern originated; my instructor had these printed up and I rewrote the instructions to make things just a bit clearer for me. I am not the original designer and I wish I could give credit to the creator, but I do not have the information.  Please do not use this pattern to sell.  I've shared this with the intention for your personal use only.*
thread catcher

This green one is made from "Scrap Sack 2" by Oceanlake Designs.  I modified it by adding a ceramic tile base, a magnetic strip pin, then adding the pin cushion on top.  I don't know if the pattern is still available.  I really like the pretty cuff and the little holding pocket.  (I didn't add the little pocket to this one.  I have with others.  It sure is handy.)

I took a quilt class this past spring making the "Bali Loops" pattern.  I finished quilting this using a grid pattern.  Now, it's time for the binding.  I haven't chosen a fabric for it...I'm not sure what color to highlight.  I'll think on it for now.  I'm not in any rush to finish it.  I've got others waiting in line.
Update:  I finished it and it's on the way to Nevada.

I spent a Saturday January)
at our local quilt shop...Gallup Service Mart...(New Mexico) working with other quilters sewing and constructing quilts for our veterans.  In between the sewing, I brought my scraps and starting sewing a basic 9 patch.  I used Bonnie Hunter's free quilt pattern...Dancing Nines....Quiltville.  Her 9 patch is a bit smaller, I believe she used 2 1/2" strips.  My patches started as 3 1/2" squares.  I purchased the sashing and border fabrics.  This should finish at 62" X 72".

Our local quilt club decided to donate 12+ quilts this year...We have approximately 5 this quarter!  We plan to sew at least once month to reach our goal.
Update:  We had our annual celebration and we handed out 12 quilts to our local veterans.  This quilt turned out so nice.  Thank you Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville for a quick and fun pattern.

Before Christmas, I was watching my latest Craftsy class with Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Company...Quilting quickly II....she is such a great teacher...I decided to order the templates she suggests to make some of her quilts.  I found that she had quilt tutorials with many other quilts and quilted projects!
I love to make tote bags and I found this tote bag pattern that is so cute and quick, I ran to my local quilt store to pick up a 'jelly roll' (2 1/2" strips of various colors...40 strips!).  I made 3 tote bags!  I gifted two and still have one left.

I used both my grandma's circa 1950's treadle Pfaff 30 and my Singer 1950 401a machine.  The Pfaff will sew only straight stitches, so I used my Singer to quilt with its decorative stitches.  I was finished with all 3 in just over a day (I had to feed grandkids and hubby).  

another t-shirt quilt in the making....

The border fabric is so cute...This will surround each block....My next step is to cut the desired width of fabric and sew with a 1/4" seam.

This quilt will also be a queen/king size.  I figured the size to be close to 98" x 98" once I piece the blocks.  

Another t-shirt quilt in the making!

This is the start of a t-shirt quilt.  First, the t-shirts are cut down to size, then lightweight interfacing is fused to the back to help stabilize the t-shirt knit.

K's t-shirt quilt....

Here's a t-shirt quilt with 49 blocks....it's a queen/king size quilt!  I've pinned the layers together and now have quilted several blocks.  I'm using my Viking Mega quilter for the free-motion quilting.

the Reveal!

I've been working on different other projects, so I have just the main top finished for "grand illusion".  My next step is to cut out the border, then add the final borders.  I've put it away for now.  Other quilts are calling for me....

Grand Illusion....the Reveal!!!

Bonnie has done it again!  I love the block arrangement!  I completed 5 to make one row.  I love it.  Now, I just have to find the time to finish the quilt top.  I've got 4 more large 9-patch blocks to finish.  I'll add another picture with the unique sashing.

Grand Illusion...

Whew!  What a great Christmas and New Year!  I waited to work on clue #4.  I spent my time with family and grandkids.  We had a great relaxing time visiting, sharing and lots of eating.  I changed my leather treadle belt to using a rubber belt purchased from Lehman's.  Don't you think it adds flair to the machine?

.

Grand Illusion...

Between shopping and getting ready for Christmas, I've been working to cut my various greens and neutrals to form another step closer to completion.  As I make these, I remember a few years back when I wouldn't have attempted this type of project.  Too many small pieces and seams...that was my reason for not starting.  I viewed many quilting websites and ooed and aahed the many quilts made with scraps and small pieces and just knew that I wasn't up to the challenge.

During one of our many quilt club meetings, Barb found Bonnie's website and shared with us her mystery quilt.  I believe she made the "Orca Bay".  I fell in love with it; so that night, I viewed Quiltville and was hooked.  I purchased my first Bonnie book...String Fling...and now I am a Bonnie Hunter fan!

Here's my picture...once again using my late grandma's 1950's Pfaff Treadle.

 

Grand Illusion....

Grand Illusion continues with clue # 2.  Whew...I've cut and measured, cut and measured....but it is.  I am thinking how these little blocks will come together to make a large quilt top.   I did have to go shopping for more fabrics to supplement my stash.  (I know, I know...I have more than enough, but my colors just weren't the right ones.)

Grand Illusion Mystery Quilt

After weeks of waiting for Bonnie Hunter's newest mystery, I've got some of my blocks together.  I love the colors.  I never would of thought of putting together this color palette.  Bonnie's inspiration comes from spending her teaching time in Michigan.  I follow her on Quiltville.com.  She has so many interesting items and articles on her website.  I'm hooked...I have all but one of her books!
I sewed these patches with my newest acquisition....1950's Singer 301...the bigger sister of the famous Singer Featherweight.