These blocks are from the Fat Quarter Shop Designer Mystery Block of the Month series for 2025. I really must stop subscribing to these sew-alongs. I certainly have enjoyed some of them in the past, but the whole “mystery” aspect is starting to put me off. The patterns are without fail always good, and the blocks uniquely different and interesting. Every once in a while, though, the chosen fabric collection just isn’t for me. This is the second time in recent years that I have not been wild about either the fabric or the setting.
Nevertheless, I committed to the purchase and feel obligated to finish the blocks. I did get an idea for an alternative setting that I think I can live with. So here we are, with eight of twelve blocks made. Seeing them all together, I will admit I love some of the blocks; they just seem to lack cohesiveness. We’ll see if the setting I have chosen ties all these blocks together.
This is the setting I have decided to go with. I got the idea from Pam, who gave me permission to share her photo. See how her simple Irish Chain setting ties all the blocks together? It also looks like she changed up the colors in a few of the blocks or made total substitutions. See how she used more aqua in her blocks and in the Irish Chain. It softens the look of her quilt. Hmm, now I have something to think about that may change how I feel about this quilt.
Don’t you love getting inspiration from other quilters?
You can download the block patterns at Fat Quarter Shop. In fact, you can purchase the patterns for all the Designer Mystery BOMs they have ever offered. And, as I said, you cannot beat the 12 inch finished block patterns. They are universally unique. The patterns can be used with any fabric collection you love to make your quilt absolutely your own.
Another thing about Fat Quarter Shop kits and monthly subscriptions: you get SO much fabric with each pattern; you could probably make TWO blocks! They are unfailingly generous. You do get a preview of what the featured fabric collection and designer will be, so definitely take a chance and sign up for the BOM if that fits your taste.
I could probably dip into the leftover fabric and remake some of the blocks I am not so crazy about.
After I typed that sentence, I went into the sewing room and remade Block 7. Those pinwheels are kind of lame. I just wasn’t wild about the block. See, plenty of fabric to fix mistakes or even make another block! I replaced Block 7 with another 12 inch block- new block is on the right.
5 Responses
Love your new & block and that alternate setting will be perfect!
I really like the Pam’s quilt. Yes the Irish chain layout really brings it together.
I have done a few Bonnie Hunter mystery quilts, but always changed the colours of the fabrics – first I only changed one colour, then I got bolder. Eventually there is a limit to how many Bonnie quilts I wanted and just watched to see if I liked the design. They were invaluable as learning more difficult piecing, but I wanted to do my own after that.
The chain certainly finishes the quilt top with a good balance. I also prefer your pinwheels to the one on the finished chain top as the colours are stronger.
That is really a good setting – I love those Irish chain quilts. Your blocks will work wonderfully in that setting, and I like your substitute block for that pinwheel block. In looking at Pam’s quilt top, it appears she made a few changes/substitutions for the block construction as well. At least one or two changes from your pictured blocks above. Quilt patterns are really a guide book of sorts, and we as the makers (or designers) have free rein to put our own creative inspirations in place.
I think the changes really make the quilt better. We should all give ourselves permission to substitute any time we feel the need. I have a few sampler-types that I did this on and I was so much happier.
I really really love that setting! I’m so distracted with sewing projects I can not start a BOM. I do like your remake of those blocks. I agree with your comments about FQS. I almost exclusively buy from them. Takes forever to get a shipment but worth it. THeir sales are outstanding. I buy backing fabric when they have sales.