Rectangle Island Mystery Quilt

Winter 2009

This page, or pages, will be a display of the finished Rectangle Island Mystery Quilt projects. As always with a mystery quilt, there is, at the end, the question of whether to show the quilts, thus ending the mystery for non-participants, or keep it a mystery and allow only those participating to see any results. In the past, my tendency has been to keep the mystery. Thus, several of Treadle On's mystery quilt projects are still to be found in various places on the Treadle On site... from dark caves in the Mystery Mountains to simple link listings in The Quilt Shop.

Because of the unusual way in which the clues to this project were presented... each being a mystery unto itself... there was a tremendous amount of list chatter, enthusiasm and mutual help in finding the clues. As a result, there has been more interest on the part of the whole group than usual in seeing the quilts produced.

I established a deadline and invited pictures of finished quilts and/or tops to be sent in. Those I received are presented here.

It should be noted that while the mystery of what the final quilt looks like has been revealed, access to the instructions remains solely through the system of clues that was established for the project. The beginning link is in the quilt shop. If you want to have your own adventure on Rectangle Island, try to follow the clues, but be prepared for setbacks and especially for wild dreml attacks!

The pattern for this project was a very simple one based on a picture I saw in a magazine. I asked myself how I could "improve" it for mystery quilt use and came up with the second or more complicated pattern. Variations of this simple idea, from the carefully staggered blocks of Trip Around the World to Log Cabins, have been around as long as there are quilts. The amount of variation in what folks did with the basic concept is fascinating.

I'm tremendousl pleased that so many participated and that, judging from the comments, you all had so much fun with the clue system. I began making comments on each entry, but at the end, they were coming in so fast that it was all I coud do to keep up with processing the photos and building them into the show pages... Yes, I said "pages". For only the second time in all my years of web building, a page got too big for my computer to process. It took me awhile to realize why the photos wouldn't go in! So, at the bottom of page one there is a link to page two.

I know that there are more quilts in process out there and I'm sorry they didn't make it, but every project needs a deadline or you never move on, and move on we must.

I promised you another adventure on "Triangle Island", and it will come. I already know what I want to do. It will be a much simpler, but much larger project and won't be coming for awhile. I'm tired out and I'm coming into the active archery season. Somewhere during the summer, I'll tell you what fabrics will work and what blocks to make and you can get started, because you're going to need a huge number of them.

So, enough chatter... on to the presentation of the quilts from "Survivor! Rectangle Island".

 

Captain Dick

 

The Original Project Quilt

Captain Dick

Here is my finished quilt, which was made as the mystery quilt project proceeded, rather than in advance. Not sure I'll do another that way. The wild dremls didn't get to me until the end. My backing piece was really marginal for size and the "fold over from the back" binding came out too narrow. When I washed the finished quilt, the binding seam separated from the quilt top in a number of places. I had to find more material in a suitable pattern and make separate edge bindings and put them on. I was, however, able to do the entire project from stash.

 

Machine is a Japanese HA1 clone by Precision Sewing Machine Co.

 

 

Callie Cat approves...

 

 

Original binding was a foldover of the backing material. This shows the final binding.

 

 

Odile Berget

Hi Captain;
The mystery's top is finished. Here is the picture.
I need to go in the town to buy some back fabric and something for batting.
I was really pleased to participate. Thank you for this Trip in rectangle island

Odile Berget

France

 

Fabrics are a traditional French print family known as "Provencal". I got the impression from Odile that this is probably somewhat similar in French quilting significance to our 1930's or feed sack repro.

It isn't apparent yet, but will be as the show goes on, but Odile has combined both the simplified and more complex forms of the pattern, using solid blocks in the center of the quilt, but the more complex blocks outside of that.

 

 

Kathy Petty

Not very good pictures but you can get idea of what colors I used, all scrap from my stash, borders I did the easy way out, one of them is using left over bindings from other quilts, Probably will still add another border to it later before quilting.
Had so much fun finding all the clues and making the first one that had to make the second one.
Kathy Petty

 

 

 

This is the simpler pattern, with solid blocks alternating with the smaller sashed blocks...

 

 

 

This is the more complex pattern, using all sashed blocks, but with the centers and sashing alternated between plain and patterned.

 

 

 

Sally Walters

Dick, sorry for the poor quality. Must be the wild drmls are at it again. Maybe we will try again with no breeze and DH's camera. But if we don't get another under better circumstances, this is it.
Thanks for all the fun!
Sally

 

 

 

Sally went with Wild Hawaiin prints, solid blocks and black sashing to come up with this striking version

 

 

 

Lusa Belliveau

Hi Captain,
Attached is a photo of my version of the TO Mystery Quilt. It is 87x87 and is made of scrappy blues, reds, and creams. I wasn't going to do the quilt but really enjoyed following all the clues, then fellow onion Pam in ME talked me into it. Even though it was no longer a mystery I really enjoyed making this quilt. As usual your instructions and pictures were superb and the format was great fun.
Thanks so much for doing the mystery and I would love to see one on a regular (yearly?) bases. : )
Lusa in MA

 

Notice how Lusa's sashes are not simple white, as they first appear, but are various pale beiges. The corners are a nice extra touch, too.

 

 

 

Kathy Yaw

Hi Captain,
Here is my little effort, not quilted. I am not sure if it will get bigger or not.
I thought I'd clear out some scraps . . . ha! Didn't make a dent in the green scrap drawer.
I love to do mystery quilts. Bring on the next one!
Kath

 

 

The soft but distinct two color families make a much more unified and less scrappy appearance. I have to stop and tell myself it's the same pattern.

 

 

Dwain Edwards

Capitan,
Here are the pictures of the two quilt tops I have done. Decided to do two for the bunk beds.Looking forward to the others.
Dwain Edwards

 

 

 

Don't see quilts in these proportions very often, but makes perfect sense for bunk beds.

 

 

 

 

The beautiful Davis Vertical Feed Dwain used...

 

 

Naomi Cloer

Hi Captain,
Here is what I did with my blocks .... Had my ship run aground & broke into 3 pieces, you know "o), right after I completed all my blocks
Had used all my juvinale bright 30's prints. I think these turned out really cute, & know the hospital will like them.
Have really enjoyed this mystery/mystery. Was fun getting back into Olde Treadelonia. And what a great way to get the newer Onions acquainted with it.
Thanks again for another fun TO project.
Naomi in Kapowsin, WA

 

This is a great example of how you can use this pattern, especially in its simpler form with the solid blocks, to make easy, quick quilts for gifts or such.

 

 

Trina Schellhammer

Hi Captain,

I worked diligently and am happy to say that my mystery quilt is complete! I've attached pictures of the completed quilt, as well as the 1924/25 Eldredge Two Spool I sewed it on, highlighting the ship material I incorporated into the pattern. This was my first project on this machine, and I've learned a whole bunch about it through the process.

Thanks so much for doing this fun mystery quilt. It was my first but certainly won't be my last!

Trina Schellhammer

 

Note how Trina modified the block dimensions to put her boat block in the center, evening things up with the size of her sashing in that block.

 

 

 

 

Darla Crites

Hi Captain,
First of all, thanks so much for the organization of the TO Mystery Quilt
2009. What fun it has been!! And I am so happy with my final outcome.
Here are pictures of my finished Mystery Quilt. I interpreted the final
layout a little differently than the specific directions laid out. It was my
own fault though. I did not have enough fabric (wild drmls confused me and I
didn't start with fat quarters), so I had to improvise a little and buy some
additional fabrics for the big blocks. My piano keys became the scrappy
binding. The quilt was pieced on a Singer 66 treadle and free motion quilted
in a swirls and spikes pattern with a tan/brown variegated thread called
Sandstone by Coats and Clark on a Singer 31-15 industrial treadle. The
particular fabrics for those who are interested are from the collection
Charisma and Posh from Moda Fabrics by designer Chez Moi.
I am looking forward to seeing what others have done.
Thanks again,
Darla Crites
Barron, WI

 

 

 

Note the free motion quilting...

 

 

Barbie in Ohio

Captn., I'm attaching pix of the 2 MQ tops I have done. I made plenty (and I mean PLENTY) of blocks. I have enough for another large quilt for my son yet.

These are over-sized Twin quilts for my 2 DGDs, to use as spreads for their beds.

I had so much fun finding the clues and participating!! Looking forward to another some time, as much fun as this has been.

Thanks so much for all your work doing this! I can't say that enough!

Barbie in Ohio

 

 

 

Another pair... I was quite surprised at the number of participants who went for either multiple quilts or much larger quilts than the project called for. Guess they liked the pattern!

 

 

 

 

Katie Bachman

Capt......here are some shots to use. Feel free to pick which ones you wish....hubby took a few. Again, I wish to say how much fun this was.

Katie Bachman

 

Don't exactly know why, but somehow the choice of the oranges here made this one leap out at me and seem different from the others.

 

 

Heather Joyner

HI
Here are my additions, both done on a Singer 15 .The first picture is Jack's quilt with cars, fire trucks and motorcycles. I am almost done quilting it just a little bit left and still not sure what color of binding for it. The next one has the roses theme ( it still needs to be quilted). It is a baby sized one. I already have plans for more.
Heather

 

 

 

 

 

Billie Deliva

Captain Dick
Here are the pictures of my Mystery quilt it was made on my singer 27 treadle 1910.
Billie Di Leva, San Pedro, Ca

 

 

 

 

 

Tanya Pope

Dear Captain,

I have enjoyed this mystery so much. I used a fabric collection that I loved and a sweet little Singer 99 handcrank to piece the blocks.
I didn't finish, but the top is pieced. I made the center and outer/border blocks from light fabrics so that I can applique on them.
The machine was one destined to be trashed because "it doesn't work". :) I tried to no avail to convince them that with a bit of cleaning and oil it would indeed sew. It came home with me and after cleaning and oiling, it sews very smoothly and quietly. It dates to 1911 and I love the wooden base because it has the slot for a treadle belt. I used the handcrank to piece, but am hoping to get it in a treadle base to quilt.
Thanks again, it has been such fun!
Tanya on the Crystal Coast NC

 

I like the quilt as a backdrop to the little sofa. I'd leave it there.

 

 

 

 

Kathi Desko

Hi, Captain!
A work in progress, it is sandwiched and pinned for quilting.
Pieced on my 1911 White FR treadle. Sorry I didn't take a
picture of that.
Thanks for the fun!
Kathi D
south central PA

 

Now that's bright! Kathi... trust me, you're gonna want those brights for the next MQ!

 

 

Tina Kacanowski

Capt,
Here's my effort at the MQ. I'm just glad I got the top done in time. Sure helped when I finally found my pins that went missing while I was getting the new floor put in....
I also sent a pic of the machine I used -- my 1887 Singer IF.
Tina
Ray Twp, MI

 

 

 

 

This is the first version of the Model 15, and has many unique quirks... I've had a couple and I have to say I admire anyone who gets one working smoothly enough to do a quilt!

 

 

Donna Bonin

Hi, Captain,
This is my second attempt to send this - I hope it works.

So far, I have used only my Singer 201K to make this quilt top. Today, I will layer my quilt sandwich and being work with my Davis Vertical Feed. I will also go back to the 201K for some free motion work later. My husband is refurbishing his grandmother's treadle - we think it's a National of some sort - and I'll sew binding strips together with that.. We wanted to be sure to include that machine because this quilt will be gifted to our soon to be granddaughter-in-law to welcome her into the family.

This is my first treadled quilt and I am hooked! Thanks for all you are doing to lead the way.

Donna in Columbiana, Alabama

 

 

Pamela Williams

Hi, Captain,
I'm really sorry that I haven't finished sewing together my MQ. The squares
are all done. I laid them out on my design floor and took a picture. My MQ
is a little bigger (what is it with all of us making bigger quilts?) 12
squares tall by 14 square wide. I worked on this project with my TO buddy
Lusa Belliveau. She's already sent a picture of her completed quilt. She's
a much more talented quilter than I am, but I will get my quilt done, too.
Thanks for designing this quilt. I had a fun time with the clues and an
enjoyable time sewing.
Pam in Maine
(Pamela Williams)
PS Your 115 worked great. It really is a nice machine and I'm very lucky
that I caught you in a weak moment at the big bash in Seattle.

 

 

 

 

Dorothy Brinkman

Hi Captain,
top's done. I don't know that either picture is better, so I'll let you decide.
Thanks for providing the mystery. It truly was a grand adventure.
You will notice that I didn't go totally scrappy as the fabrics just didn't want to do that...
I'm still thinking of adding an extra border, but if I do I don't know how I will ever photograph it as the clothes line was lifted to its full extent for this photo! it was a whole family activity, though, because we had a very slight breeze. Tony had to hold the line to stop it turning, the kids had to hold the bottom corners...
Dorothy in Oz

 

Yikes! 121 blocks! A record to this point! I see what Dorothy meant about the wind. I've had sails on my boat that didn't fill that well. Put this on a longboat and you could sail it to Norway!

 

 

Becky Voisine

Hi Dick,
Here are my photo's. Made with my Singer 128, handcrank. I hand embroidered in the white squares. This is going to be for my 13 year old granddaughter's birthday. I enjoyed this MQ so much, hope we do one often.

Thanks
Becky Voisine
Victor, MT

 

 

 

 

 

Camilla Fox

Picture attached - thank you for the mystery, sorry I couldn't pull
together more than the unquilted top in dappled shade.
-Camilla (in MA)

 

 

 

Linda Gray

Captain,
You made my first Mystery Quilt so much fun I am sure the local Tnnss drmls heard me laugh out loud! I am very happy with the top and plan to quilt it using the ricochet method that McKenna shared with us. It is a good thing to spend quality time with my sweet "Matilda", 1907 Singer 9W. Many thanks for all your effort making the journey to Rectangle Island a true pleasure trip.
Linda
Tennessee

 

 

 

 

 

Ruth Carman-Esser

Hi Captain,
I stitched my quilt top with my Singer 15-30 SN G3845765. When I bought it last spring, it was in a portable case with an electric motor attached. It's still in the portable case, and I haven't done very much but clean off the surface dirt, used Liquid Wrench on the inner workings, then sewing machine oil. Oh, and replaced the motor with a repro hand-crank.
The quilt top is made of all stash fabric, about half of which was from my grandmother's stash. I do intend to put borders on it...after tax season is over.

 

 

 

 

 

At this point, the record of our adventures on Rectangle Island became too large for my computer to accept the size of the page. I don't know how many more entries will come in, but you can take this link to Page 2 to find out....

Link to Page 2 of Rectangle Island Quilts