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2008 New Year's Day Mystery Quilt Pattern

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Mystery Quilt Fabric Ideas
Mystery Quilt Pattern

Make the 2008 New Year's Day Mystery Quilt

© Janet Wickell
This mystery quilt was designed to help you use up leftover fabric from other quilts, but it can be more orderly if you like. We'll assemble it using quick piecing techniques.

I've added a few cutting and sewing tasks to get you started. Watch for more instructions throughout New Year's Day.

Fabric Choices

To make a scrap quilt, choose fabrics without worrying about "matching" them, but color value is an important aspect of the design. Value comes into play when you place lights next to darks -- darks typically stand out and catch the eye first. But value can change drastically when a warm color is placed next to a cool color, because even light warms often draw attention away from cool darks.

If you're a new quilter, read about color value and color before you begin:

Color Value for Quilters

Color Wheel Simplified

Yardages

Yardages are not exact, because we're going scrappy and you will make individual choices as you assemble the quilt. Some "like" units don't need to be exactly alike at all -- again, it's color value that's important. Extra yardage can't hurt.

Neutral background (light or med. light): About 3 yards total. Can be a variety, but must include large enough pieces to cut four 14" squares, twenty-three 7-1/4" squares and a smaller assortment of other patches. Don't cut yet!

Light fabrics: About 2 yards total, similar values. Can be cut from an assortment of fat quarters or other fabrics, all strips at least 3-1/2" wide and most at least 6-1/2" long.

One medium fabric: 3/4 yard, avoid directionals.

Medium dark: About 1-3/4 yard total, similar values

Dark: About 1/2 yard total, similar values

One very dark fabric: About 1/3 yard

Choose binding and backing after the quilt is complete.

More Help

Mystery Quilt Discussion in the Forum

Scrap Quilt Tips

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