Thursday, July 6, 2017

Goofin' Off With a Mystery...or Possibly Two

Do you like a good mystery?  I love a good mystery...however, I'm not so good at things where the end result is a mystery.  I have never participated in a mystery quilt before because I don't like working on something when I don't know what the final quilt will look like. I've had a couple of mystery quilt opportunities come up recently and am taking the plunge as they both really piqued my interest. Both mysteries are currently in the choosing fabrics stage. I'll be asking for your help on that a little further down.

As for progress pictures on Captain America, I've got the first set of borders attached now. Just the last set of borders after this, and the flimsy will be complete.

Captain America Quilt with First Set of Side Borders

Captain America Quilt Complete First Set of Borders Attached
I only got to do about 200 stitches in to my Pirate Mickey stitching project since my last update. But any progress is still progress...at least that's what I always tell myself.

Mickey and Pirate Friends as of 07/06/2017

As I mentioned earlier, I am going to be participating in at least one and possibly two mystery quilts this summer. The first mystery quilt is being offered on the QTMysteryQuilts Yahoo group. Fabric requirements came out on July 3rd along with cutting instructions.The finished quilt will make a great size for a Project Linus quilt.

Below are the fabric choices that I've pulled from my stash for this first mystery. I noticed afterwards that each of the fabric choices I pulled have a summer or travel theme to them. Apparently, I am getting the itch for some travel. 

Option 1:  The main focus fabric you may recognize as the Cars fabric I ordered a couple of weeks ago. The white will be the background with the black as the accent and the dark gray with silver circles the border fabric. Aside from the Cars fabric, the other fabrics are all left over from Captain America. 
Option 1 - Cars Theme

Option 2:  A sweets and baked goods theme.  The focus fabric has lots of tasty sweets on it and has me drooling just looking at it. The white will be the background with the brown as the accent and pink as the border.
Option 2 - Sweets Theme
Of course, this fabric reminds me of all the fun sweet treats you can find at Disney.  When we were there last March, I took a picture of some of the fun sweets we found at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Elephant Caramel Apple - Disney's Animal Kingdom

Monkey Caramel Apple - Disney's Animal Kingdom

Hippo Marshmallow Pops - Disney's Animal Kingdom

This is what Mr. Goofin' Off decided to get for his mid-morning snack. Everything else looked almost too sweet that early in the day.

Mr. Goofin' Off with His Spotted Leopard Mickey Cookie - Disney's Animal Kingdom
Sorry that I got sidetracked there for a moment. Sweets will do that to me.

Option 3:  The last option I have chosen is fabric I've had in my stash for years.  It's from a line of fabrics by Teresa Kogut. The focus fabric will be the bears all dressed up to enjoy their vacations. The white will be the background fabric. The blue (which is a bit darker than it appears in the picture) will be the accent fabric.  The vacation accessories fabric (cameras, swim shorts, etc.) will be the border fabric.
Option 3 - Vacationing Bears
From what I understand a larger print will be just fine and recommended for the focus fabric, so all of these options should be good options for the quilt.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Do you have a favorite fabric option you'd like to see come to life in the mystery?  I've got a few weeks to get the pieces cut out before the actual mystery begins.  

The second mystery I will keep a mystery a bit longer. I'll pull some options for it later in the month. 

As always, thanks for dropping by. Feel free to leave comments or send me a message.  Mr. Goofin' Off and I love to hear from you!
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36 comments:

  1. JoJuly 6, 2017 at 2:33 PM

    You clearly have a boy and a girl quilt available with option 1& 2. Do you need a gift. Let that help with a decision. I love mysteries. I do not go and buy good fabric for them though, I try and use what I have. If you don't end up liking the finished quilt they are always good for charity donations. Have fun

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 6, 2017 at 3:03 PM

      Jo, You are right about options 1 and 2. I definitely plan on giving the finished quilt to charity as I do with the majority of my quilts. Thanks for dropping by! --Andrea

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  2. PamelaJuly 6, 2017 at 11:11 PM

    Difficult choice! I like all three. I have participated in two mystery quilts. One was with my quilt guild in the US. I finished that one just in time for the show we had. Two years ago I started one that was online. I haven't finished it, but it is on my 17 in 2017 list. I would like to finish it this year!

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 7, 2017 at 6:18 AM

      Pamela, Thanks for dropping by. This is my first mystery quilt, and I am a little nervous. I like to have an idea what the quilt will look like when it's finished. I've got my fingers crossed that I'll love it. --Andrea

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  3. StitchyDragon CreatesJuly 7, 2017 at 3:43 AM

    I have had the same feelings about mystery quilts myself, but doing one this size that can go to charity is a good idea! While I like all three options my personal favorite would be those bears, but if it's going to Project Linus might they have more need of a boys quilt? If so I would go for the Cars option. Happy stitching!
    Helen

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 7, 2017 at 6:23 AM

      Thanks for dropping by, Helen! Hmm...maybe I'll just have to do two of the mystery quilt. Then I wouldn't need to choose one option. Thanks for the input. Have a great day! --Andrea

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  4. Astrids dragonJuly 7, 2017 at 6:38 AM

    Captain America looks fantastic! I am not a quilter, but admire those who are.
    I like all three that you've chosen, but I must say I like the sweet treats one the best. Must have been the goodies you shared with us!
    I'm looking forward to seeing this come together.

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 7, 2017 at 6:49 AM

      Thank you for dropping by. I've had several comments and e-mails preferring the sweets, so I will probably go with that one...although I may wind up doing it for two of them. The quilts will be donated to Project Linus, so the recipients will probably not know the difference. Have a great day! --Andrea

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  5. Cheryl's Teapots2QuiltingJuly 7, 2017 at 7:11 AM

    I am participating in my first Mystery quilt along. I need to see what I'm making, so that I can pick colors. Most mystery quilts use colors I don't really like. Kevin makes most of his quilts in patriotic colors, so that he can donate them to Quilts of Valor, so, his will be easy for me (mine will also go to QoV).

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 7, 2017 at 1:08 PM

      Sounds like we're in the same boat...or possibly same mystery. (Smiling) I look forward to seeing how your mystery turns out. --Andrea

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  6. Beth in ILJuly 7, 2017 at 8:39 AM

    Hey, I am all about sweets so Sweet Treats for me!

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 7, 2017 at 1:14 PM

      Beth, Thanks for the input. We are definitely all about the sweet treats in this house...and the waistline shows it. LOL Have a great weekend! --Andrea

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  7. LindaJuly 7, 2017 at 9:46 AM

    Oh I really like the cars fabric. Nice progress.

    Linda

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 8, 2017 at 6:28 AM

      Thank you for dropping by, Linda! I am thinking I might do two of the quilts with the Cars fabric option being the second one I make. So many projects...never enough time. Have a great weekend! --Andrea

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  8. Jo who can't think of a clever nicknameJuly 7, 2017 at 12:21 PM

    I also like the sweet fabric. I have not heard of a mystery quilt, how does that work?

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 7, 2017 at 1:11 PM

      Thanks for dropping by, Jo. A mystery quilt is where you are given fabric requirements, then cutting instructions, then the sewing and assembly instructions are handed out one step at a time over a set time (every hour, every week, every month, etc.) You have no idea what the quilt will look like until it's done. That's the part I have struggle with...not knowing what it's going to look like until it's done. Mr. Goofin' Off will tell you, I don't like surprises. LOL Have a great day! --Andrea

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  9. Faith...July 7, 2017 at 1:59 PM

    Hi Andrea, I love all your choices but I too am leaning towards the sweets! You can dream on Disney wile you are quilting.

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 7, 2017 at 2:05 PM

      Thanks, Faith! I think the sweets are taking the lead on this one. I may do the Cars also, if time permits. Have a great weekend! --Andrea

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  10. Nancy @ Grace and Peace QuiltingJuly 7, 2017 at 2:37 PM

    I LOVE mystery quilts!!! The shop I work at has one going on at all times--clues are free at the monthly 1/4" club. I'm partial to your bears on vacay option, but all of them would be great!

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 7, 2017 at 6:10 PM

      Thanks for dropping in and your thoughts, Nancy. I am anxious and excited to be doing my first mystery. The bears have been waiting the longest to be used in a project. Maybe that should give them a higher priority? Decisions, decisions. Have a great weekend! --Andrea

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  11. Home Sewn By UsJuly 7, 2017 at 4:35 PM

    Hi Andrea,
    I love option #1 for what it's worth. I think you should go with what you love though. I cannot believe you said that about mystery quilts - I feel the exact same way and have just started Pat Sloan's QAL. It causes me stress just thinking about whether I will like the final result. It's just fabric for heavens sake - no one will live or die if I hate the result! I should just say NO from now on. LOL! ~smile~ Roseanne

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 7, 2017 at 6:12 PM

      Roseanne, I am glad to know I'm not the only one that feels that way about the mystery. I am looking forward to the final result and take comfort knowing that the quilt will go to Project Linus. What kid wouldn't love having any of those fabrics? At least, that's what I keep telling myself. Thanks for dropping by! Have a great weekend! --Andrea

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  12. *-*July 7, 2017 at 6:05 PM

    The borders are looking super, I do love that blue shade.
    I think your three choices are all great, I'd give in to to the food fabric.
    Kay.

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 7, 2017 at 6:15 PM

      Thanks for dropping by, Kay! I do know that the sweets fabric is calling to me right now...probably not helped by the fact that my hubby came home last night with a box full of pastries. Have a great weekend! --Andrea

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  13. UnknownJuly 8, 2017 at 3:19 AM

    Love the Sweet Treats option! Would you share the Captain America pattern?? I have a few pieces of fabric that should be used in big block quilts.

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 8, 2017 at 6:32 AM

      Joyce, Thanks for dropping by! The Captain America pattern is from the June/July 2014 issue of McCall's Quick Quilts. I believe you can get it in digital download form still from their website at http://www.mccallsquilting.com. The pattern in the magazine is titled "Jardin Quick Big Block". I really is a great way to showcase a large print. Have a great weekend! --Andrea

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  14. Kathy S.July 8, 2017 at 3:40 AM

    I like option 3 for the mystery quilt, Andrea. The red print fabric for the border will really be fun. I almost always try to use fabrics from my stash for a mystery quilt. The Captain America quilt looks great. I like the center.

    LOVE the pics of the caramel apples. I only got about 200 stitches done this week on my slow stitching project too. Oh well. It will wait.

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 8, 2017 at 6:36 AM

      Thanks for dropping by, Kathy! I am thinking I'll be using the fabrics from Option 3 for another project...which I hope to finish this summer. And, yes, don't those caramel apples look adorable...almost too cute to eat. Sending good thoughts that we'll both get more than 200 stitches in this week. Have a great weekend! --Andrea

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  15. Claudette497July 9, 2017 at 4:34 PM

    Hi there - I hopped over from Epic Stitching and saw my own soul in your opening; I have enough to stitch with stuff I know I'll like, I can't even imagine getting started without a picture in my mind of what the end will be. If you'll take a vote from a first-timer, I'd do the sweets theme, but that's because I like to bake.

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 10, 2017 at 6:45 AM

      Thanks for dropping by! The idea of a mystery quilt is a little taxing mentally. But it will be a nice challenge for me and get me out of my comfort zone. The majority of votes has been for the sweets theme, so I'm pretty sure I'll be cutting into that one for the mystery. Have a great day! --Andrea

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  16. Soma @ inkTorrents.comJuly 9, 2017 at 11:14 PM

    Your Captain America quilt looks wonderful! Have fun with your mystery quilt.

    -Soma

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 10, 2017 at 6:48 AM

      Thank you for dropping by! I appreciate your comments. Have a great day! --Andrea

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  17. Mii StitchJuly 10, 2017 at 8:51 AM

    Captain America is coming along so nicely and so is your stitching! I do love that design and take my hat off to you for being brave working on such huge project.
    I am not a quilter but can understand how you must feel about the"surprise" part ;) I do love the three choices. I would personally use up the fabric I have had in my stash the longest as it would be a perfect opportunity to make a lovely piece for a great charity :)

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 10, 2017 at 10:41 AM

      Thanks for popping in. I agree that I feel compelled to use up the pieces that have been in my stash the longest. I have finished my Captain America quilt and began another quilt of my own design this weekend using up older stash and scraps. It will keep me occupied while I wait for my mystery clues for my mystery quilt. Have a great day! --Andrea

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  18. SherylJuly 10, 2017 at 9:47 AM

    Hi Andrea, great work on the Captain America and pretty fabrics for the mystery quilt idea. I like the bears best.

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    1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockJuly 10, 2017 at 10:43 AM

      Thanks for dropping by, Sheryl! I think I've decided to maybe complete two of the mystery quilt...one with the sweets fabrics and one with the bears. Thank you for weighing in on the choices. Have a great day! --Andrea

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