PART 1, PREPARATION

     This mystery quilt is fast, simple, and makes a wonderful gift for someone (including yourself!).  There are several options available to you, so giving fabric requirements is difficult.

     There are two (2) primary colors:  White (or cream) and a contrasting fabric.  For my sample, I am using cream, with a blue/turquoise batik as the contrast.

     Since this mystery quilt is personalized, the first thing needed is to decide if this is going to be a gift or for yourself.  Once that decision is made, you need to decide how to personalize it.  My sample is going to be a gift for my primary family physician, Dr. Ha, so my finished project will say "Dr. Ha" on it (or you could have it say anything, really, like "quiltaholic" or "Quilting Zone" or something else of your choice).  Any type of text that you want is OK.

     The personalization is going require using alphabetic/numeric symbols.  These can be acquired by looking on the Internet or simply using a word processor, such as Microsoft's Word.  I am using block cutout letters from an educational store that teachers use on bulletin boards.

     I am allowing approximately three inches (3") per letter/space, which would be about 18" in length.  I am adding 3-4" on both ends, so my cream fabric is cut to about 26" long.  The height of the personalization is approximately 8", and I'm adding another 3"-4" above and below, making about 14".  So, I am going to be on the safe side and cut a piece of cream fabric that is about 16" by 30".  Of course, you need to decide on the personalization for your quilt and make the adjustments for the first piece that is cut (the cream or white).  The size is going to depend on the size of your alphabetic/numeric symbols, of course.  The technique(s) that are going to be used will cause a little distortion and shrinkage of the fabric, so it is important that you cut the piece larger than needed so that you can trim and "square" it up before we finish.

     In addition to the background fabric (white or cream), you need enough of the contrast for the borders.  My border is going to be 3", which equates to 2.5" finished.  The backing is going to naturally be large enough to accommodate the top of the banner, as will the batting.

     Stay tuned for the next installment of directions (and photos), as well as options on finishing your project!

     Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

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