Fall is in the air!

For the last few weeks while I have been doing all my crazy home improvement projects, I decided I needed some "recess". Whenever I can I like to sneak off to my sewing room. Here is what I have just finished putting together!

I only have one other fall quilt that I made probably about 5 or 6 years ago so I had been feeling the need to make a new fall quilt. One day in early August I came across this pattern in one of my favorite quilt shops and decided this was just what I was looking for. The pattern version of this quilt was done in pinks and greens and blues and purples but I knew I wanted oranges, golds, browns, greens and reds so I spent a week or so visiting more quilt shops to find just the perfect fabrics. All the fabrics are batiks. I have to say, I really am thrilled with the way this has turned out!

Each leaf block was made from two corresponding blocks. I made one block with a dark background and a lighter leaf and then another block with the same two fabrics but used as a light background and a dark leaf. I machine appliqued the leaves to the backgrounds. Then I cut the blocks apart diagonally and sewed them back together with the opposite combinations. A very fun and quick technique. It took a few more visits to the quilt stores to pick out the sashing and the borders but I'm very happy with the results.

I took it to my favorite longarm machine quilter and she thinks it should be done in about three weeks -- just about the same time I expect the mountains around here will be looking just like this!