An early surprise.

This will be the third year that I've participated in Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt.  Each year she releases a mystery quilt....piece by piece....each Friday throughout the holiday season.  It is a fun diversion from the craziness of the holidays and a very enjoyable way to spend time in my sewing room when the post holiday slump hits.  

Typically Bonnie releases the fabric requirements in mid October so we can organize our supplies over the next month or so.  This year she released them about a week early.  Perfect timing for me since I'm hitting the road tomorrow to go pick Buttercup up for midterm break.  I will be driving right past my all time favorite quilt shop and now I have a reason to stop. 

Two years ago the quilt was called Easy Street.  Here are a couple examples.  The first is a sample using Bonnie's colors. 

I changed the colors and made mine using fabrics in my stash.  I went with one fabric for the background instead of the mix called for in the pattern.

The following year was Celtic Solstice.  If you follow the link you'll see tons of samples.  This time I stuck more to the colors Bonnie used.  I toned mine down a little but again, I didn't need to purchase any fabrics!  I don't have a huge stash but when you start picking through your scraps and fat quarters it is amazing what you can come up with.   

This morning I was on my way out to do the weekly shopping when I read the blog post.  Lowe's was right on my way so I stopped in and pulled the cards suggested. 

I am planning to stay as close as possible to the suggested colors.  They are modeled after the lobby of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan.  Visiting Mackinac Island and the Grand Hotel are on my bucket list* so I'd like to stay true to the decor even if it's outside my box.

The yellow...the one on the right...should be one fabric.  The rest plus black and neutral can be scrappy.  While I should have enough neutrals and maybe enough black...I can bet I don't have a single piece of turquoise.  That will be my main focus when stopping at quilt stores tomorrow. 

Anyone else planning to play along? 

Pam

*Attending one of Bonnie's workshops is also on my list.  She'll be at an area guild in a couple years.  I'm hoping to wiggle my way into one of the workshops.  She is also visiting another guild at some point that I may try to visit.  I will entertain any invitations.....hint, hint.