Why almost every quilt I make is a Mystery Quilt

[Trudy Rutledge]

Yes, I did do one mystery quilt, and although I had my doubts, I loved it when it was finished. Since then, I have purchased, torn out of magazines, copied, and created more patterns than I'll ever use. Sound familiar? However, procrastination is my unwelcome companion, and thus years may go by from start to finish on a project. My start out is great, but I am easily distracted into starting something else, too. That UFO syndrome! I always seem to reach that moment in these projects when I say to myself, and others around me at quilting days, "It's a mystery to me why I ever started this dang thing!" I seem to go through this enthusiastic love which turns to affection, transitioning to declining fondness, turning the corner onto frustrated alley, and then turns into the Mystery Question. I keep at it and eventually morph back into enthusiastic love or at least reasonable affection. As fabric tastes change, I think most of mine, though still not quilted, appeal to me and hopefully to my family who will be the recipients, as they have no choice. Hah! I have enough "Mystery" in projects in progress, although postings about real mystery quilts are enticing. Have a great day!

[Sandy Navas]

Trudy - I love reading your posts - you are so insightful. Now, can I get you to come over here and pick up some of my unfinished projects (they will certainly mystify you).

[Trudy Rutledge]

Thanks, Sandy! Not sure my family thinks I am insightful. Neurotic and clutterbug might be more like it. I just finished attaching my signature mantra. At least, I try to say that to myself often, because on top of everything else, I am a perfectionist, even if it is writing a list of things to do! My son said this to me one day, as I often don't get to big things that need doing, and fiddle along on some piddly thing. I am not quite such a perfectionist as when I first started quilting, as I would rip out and rip out the teensiest thing. And I am still teaching. I am working on my Park Bench thinking, and now have some of my friends saying it! One was agonizing over where each block should go in a random quilt and she called and said, "Please help me. I am thinking grand piano and I need some Park Bench help!" Was fun to help her out. Thanks again for your kind words.

Trudy - I love reading your posts - you are so insightful. Now, can I get you to come over here and pick up some of my unfinished projects (they will certainly mystify you).