GIMQ Finish!

Whew!  The Grand Illusion Mystery Quilt is a Mystery no more! This was an interesting exercise for me on several levels.  The color combination way way outside my comfort level.  The "sashing" blocks played havoc with my OCD...lol.  (Oh, come on, you know you have it too!)  Wanting everything to line up so perfectly.  

There was a moment there when I thought I was going to throw in the towel, my eyes just could not grasp what was happening in front of me. Even the cat was perplexed.  So I set it aside for a bit, and frinkled about whether I should modify the design, I tried several mock-ups of different ideas, none of which I was pleased with.  Finally, I decided that I would just put it together the way Bonnie Hunter designed it and be done with it!

After several reviews of what was in front of me, I decided that I liked the bits that were light teal colored, the darker bits got lost and created a hole for the eye to fall into.  So, out came the seam ripper and after a morning of taking out all the dark bits and putting in the light teal, I was somewhat content.  

That lighter color harmonized with all that was going on in this busy quilt top and let my eye focus on the secondary swirl design created by the black bits.  Peace or something near was at hand!

Don't stop!  Keep going!  Adding the yellow border and then the remaining pieced border.  Finally, finally I have conquered this mystery.  And I have learned several things along the way, which after all, is the fun of a mystery quilt!

So on a not so sunny day in Northern California, I went to a peaceful place...the local cemetery, where they have lovely bits of trimmed grass and there would be no gawkers...and took a few photos of my finished quilt top.  Feeling pleased, accomplished and gratified that I did not give up.  Looking forward to the next mystery in my quilting life!

For now, this goes in the pile to be quilted...I'm thinking this possibly for a backing...as a little reminder to me of the reward that came after some careful color consideration and time well spent with the seam ripper!

To see all the fabulous works in progress and the Grand Finishes you can visit Quiltville here: http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2015/01/grand-illusion-mystery-link-up.html

Thanks Bonnie Hunter for your boundless energy!  For the time you invest to make this happen each year!  For your inspiration and encouragement!  Looking forward to meeting you in person this Spring here in Northern California!