Welcome to the Red Sky by Night Mystery Quilt! This project will take you on a mysterious adventure through the world of red and white quilting. This week marks the beginning of an exciting journey, as we introduce the project and provide instructions for fabric selection and cutting. You'll also share in a mystery short story with the quilters!
The inspiration behind this quilt's design is the old sailors' adage "Red sky by night, sailor's delight." We have also drawn inspiration from the rustic cabin by the slightly traveled river where the quilt was designed.
The quilters have all settled into the cozy cabin along the rippled wide river and are eager to begin their mysterious adventure. As they gather in the living room, Izzy, the hostess of the retreat provides everyone with an overview and instructions.
"Welcome, everyone to the Red Sky by Night Mystery Quilt Sew-Along!" Izzy announces with a smile. "For this quilt, we'll be using two colors; red and white. You can choose one solid red and one solid white fabric for a modern crisp look or you can mix it up with variations of reds and whites for a deeper dimension effect. If you choose a mixture of red-on-red fabrics make sure there are no other colors other than shades of red. Same if you choose a mixture of white-on-white fabrics. Consider using shades and tones of red and white that vary in saturation and brightness.
You'll find the cutting instructions listed below, along with all the fabric requirements and other details you'll need for the quilt. And don't worry, we'll be here to help you every step of the way."
Excitement fills the air as the quilters admire their temporary cutting and sewing stations. Then suddenly Izzy says the magic word, “GO!” Everyone dives into their fabric selections, choosing just the right shades of red and white to create their unique version of the Red Sky by Night quilt. The sound of rotary cutting through fabric and exuberant chatter fills the cabin as the quilters begin to get a hint of their blocks, eager to see how it will all come together.
Quilt Supplies
Favorite sewing machine, thread, and needle (I use a light grey cotton thread for red and white quilts)
Large cutting mat and rotary cutter with a new blade for strip cutting
Half Square Triangle cutting ruler (I use the June Tailor Half Square Ruler for aligning the 45 degree angles and trimming a perfect half square)
Rotating Cutting Mat to speed time trimming half square triangles
Pressing mat or iron board and iron (without steam)
Best Press Spray Starch if you like to pre-treat your fabric before cutting
Cutting Instructions
Save the remaining fabric for the border!
Sort the strips and squares into piles based on their size and color. It is important to be precise when cutting your fabrics. Use a rotary cutter and ruler to ensure straight lines and press your fabrics before cutting to avoid stretching and distortion.
That's it for Week 1 of the Red Sky by Night Mystery Quilt! We encourage you to share your progress on social media using the hashtag #redskybynightmysteryquilt. We can't wait to see what you create! Tune in next week for clue #2 and the hidden message.
As they head off to their rooms for the night after much chatting and laughter they can't help but feel excited for what's to come. They look forward to the rest of the journey that lies ahead.