Hello Everybody!
I’ve been some busy!! – I had already designed and made a quilt but decided against it for the next mystery….why?
The process of deciding on a design is always a bit fraught for me, I have far too many ideas and techniques floating about in my head. It actually makes things difficult for me, in that I never know what to pick to make! If you can imagine 50 possible designs with 50 different connotations of each, that whats going on in my head. Even when I’ve decided and start drawing and plotting blocks they constantly change.
It could be that as I draw or make the sample I realize it might be too difficult for some to make. I want people to be challenged and hopefully to learn something or at least make something that’s a bit different. I really do try to make sure participants don’t end up with UFO’s.
The sample colours might not suit others, I love very bright and clashing colours which would frighten many away! So I have to curb my own wants and make to suit others.
I have to make sure that I can produce instructions that will be understood – occasionally I have to change the design as I tend to ‘just do stuff’ finding my own weird ways to make blocks, which would totally freak other if written down!
I then have to make sure I take hundreds of photos as I make, so that I can support the instruction writing.
I make notes of all of the pattern sheets for myself as an aide to help write the instructions – I tend to leave these on the patterns that go out to participants, they may well help. (if indeed they can read my writing – and I know there will be spelling mistakes, but what the heck!)
I note on the patterns the order in which I make a block – piecing or applique sequence. Most participants will probably know how, but there will be some that don’t and I need to make sure as far as possible they achieve and have a fabulous finish.
Block & piecing measurements need adding (then they have to be tested).
Obviously a full sized sample needs to be made. (I then send the sample to Sarah https://ambleside-quilting.square.site/ for long arming)
I write an introduction to the quilt – this is usually about 4 pages with a few photos, this includes tips and hints, how to for specific techniques (so applique on this occasion), reminders etc, it really could be anything that needs to be pointed out, my favorite being ‘ACCURACY’ in all things, well, as best you can!
Then I start to write individual instructions and check patterns for each block also how to construct your quilt & finish. This takes hours, no, days! That’s all I’m saying on this, other than I can still make mistakes as the brain overloads.
Now I have to advertise the BOM (like now). Hopefully gathering enthusiastic makers who want easy enjoyment while making, then a wonderful surprise to finish.
Once I have participants, I need to set up the Facebook Support Group, print and pack the patterns, cut the kits and trundle into town to the post office. There’s lots of bits in between and after, as I’m here for queries as you make, but that’s enough now…….
The reason I haven’t published the original quilt – its quite intricate applique within small blocks so might not suit some without seeing it first. It’ll be written up and published as a whole quilt pattern so people can see the full design and make their own minds up before purchasing……. you’ll find the patterns and kits here on UKQU in my shop.
I really am appreciative that so many of you trust my designs and have the faith to undertake my mysteries!!
Thank you!!
Be Lovely!
Abbie x
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