"Mathilde" - Quiltmania Mystery Quilt 2023

 I have fondly followed many Quiltmania mystery quilts over the years, always thinking, "This looks like fun!" So, with a little encouragement from my friends Barb (Fun with Barb) and Randy (Barrister's Block), I finally took the plunge. This is the first step (Quiltmania issue number 153). Thirteen 4" stars and four 6" applique blocks.

I am using Dutch reproduction prints including a few vintage fabrics I bought on a sailing vacation in St. Barts in 1993!! Once again, my "scrap' gene took over. There are 26 different fabrics in the stars alone. I auditioned several backgrounds.

I really wanted to use a buttery yellow but feared I might not have enough to finish, so I opted for this lovely "Arundel" by Christopher Wilson Tate (because I had 5 yards!!).

The stars went together quickly as I used my square in a square method to make the geese units.

There is a bit of waste with this method, but at this point in my life, time saved is worth more than fabric wasted. The gorgeous print I chose for the appliques is quite airy, so I softened the concave of the leaf a bit to get as much color out of it as I could. It makes it look a little more "folky", but it works for me. I can't wait for step #2!!