Fall Leafs Me Happy Blog Hop & Giveaways

Day 4 - My Day!

This is my favorite, absolute favorite time of year. And October - well, it's just the best where I live. I am so excited to blog about a theme with autumn and leaves in blocks and quilts. Many thanks to Madame Samm and Cherry for organizing this. They are just the BEST!

I loved Autumn so much when I was growing up I even dreamed of a Fall wedding. And I got one - in April of 1977. Huh? That's Spring, dummy. Not if you live south of the equator. I was living in Swaziland, Africa at the time; met, fell in love and married this awesome man from Texas named Phil. And April in Swaziland is Autumn. See - dreams are possible!

OK. Here is my block for the hop: Winding Ways. I used the Sonoma Collection and Gilded Greenery from Blank Fabrics. Aren't these gorgeous? I bought a bolt of each!!

Winding Ways Block - 10"

My first block uses colors that are warm and rich. The Winding Ways block is not an easy block to sew. I ordered a template set from John Flynn's company and the beauty of using them is that the points are nubbed for an excellent match. Even better, I had a class set of 20 kits laser cut by his daughter Kate. Let me tell you, they are a breeze to sew when they are cut for you. Even my beginning students got a perfect match.

   

The sections of the Winding Ways Block

Notice the piecing on the right side of the block. There is a system to adding the patches in order, pressing the seams a certain direction and - taking your time! But I think I did a pretty good job, don't you? Then the two sides are joined in the curved seam.



But, hey, what does it really look like from the wrong side? So glad you asked!

Winding Ways Block from the wrong side

Yes, it really does matter how you press the seams. Notice how they are split half-way along the curved seams (other than the center seam, which is pressed open). This allows for a very, very flat block without little hills and bumps.

Here is my 3 block table runner made with the green and burgundy fabrics:

3 block table runner - I'm giving away two half-yard cuts, one is the black and grapes Sonoma print

Single block using Holiday Splendor from Blank - one of my favorite collections!

Every so often, I take out some of my pre-cut patches and sew another block or two. The patches really, really do line up. Getting a true 1/4" seam is a must.

And a quilt made with the Holiday Splendor Collection:

Four blocks using Holiday Splendor - I'm giving away a set of the laser cut blocks.

Just wanted to show you one of John Flynn's laser cut kits in the warm - autumn - colors. Take a visit to his website to see all sorts of laser cut kits, mostly in batiks in a variety of block sizes.

One of the laser cut kits in 1860s colors - beautiful!

Many of John Flynn's kits are created with luscious batiks.

Visit John's page that showcases all the pre-cut kits. There is a wide variety of styles and blocks.

One more Leaves inspired block of mine for today's blog hop:

Double Wedding Ring block- 12"

This is a template set that I had custom cut for my pattern (which I teach in classes and sell as an individual pattern) and notice the little leaves at the corners of each of the four blocks: these are the cutaways from the larger green wedding ring wedges. This is an easy way to get a quick Double Wedding Ring quilt without all the piecing (raw edge appliqué). I actually had a quilt like this in my first book (Bold, Black and Beautiful, 2004) and decided to update it with today's batiks and textured blenders.

Double Wedding Ring Blossoms quilt

OK. What are my giveaways? I have THREE today for a total of THREE WINNERS!

1. A set of the laser cut patches to make the warm brown FOUR BLOCK QUILT CENTER (I don't have any border fabrics left). This includes the pattern for making the quilt.

Awesome, laser cut patches. Can you see the little notches?

2. Two half-yard cuts, one of which is the Sonoma black and burgundy grapes fabric as shown in the first block. The other is a soft butter yellow. Both are from Blank Fabrics.

Two half-yards for making your own project

3. The pattern with acrylic template for making the Double Wedding Ring Blossoms quilt (can find this at my web site; click link above).

Template set for 12" blocks. Pattern has several setting options

Just leave a comment. Tell me which of these 3 quilts you like best. And, if you are chosen, which of the 3 prizes you would like. Yes, I have enough of each of these 3 prizes to grant your wish! I have to have your email; no email, no prize. Yes, I will include international addresses if you are a winner. Contest closes at midnight October 10. Will notify winner after that.

Now, go visit the other bloggers for today's Leafs Me Happy Blog Hop:

Patchouli Moon Studio

Freemotion by the River

Quilt Doodle Designs

Apple Avenue Quilts

Jane’s Quilting

Spoilt Dog Quilts

Ramblings of a Quilter

Deborah

A Passion For Appliqué

Gracie Oliver Arts