I opened my side door this morning to let in some fresh air and the view was stunning. October is here! The fall colors seem to have arrived overnight and the leaves are already starting to scatter.
I'm making progress on the Maple Leaf Quilt one stitch at a time. It's nice to have this cozy quilt in my hands and across my lap to work on as the cold weather returns.
Autumn always seems to end too soon. All it takes is one good frost, followed by a blast of icy wind and it's over. My quilt will help keep the colorful leaves around awhile longer.
Thank you guys for the quilt love on the last post. Here's a zoom of the leaf shape some of you asked for.
You can use it as a pattern to make your own fall quilt. Enlarge or reduce it to suit your needs. The leaf size I used on my quilt is 6-1/2 inches from tip to stem, and about 6-inches across, and set in a 8-inch block; the lattice strips are 1-inch wide (add 1/4" seam allowance to blocks and strips before cutting out). To applique, I used a tight zig-zag machine-stitch to cover the raw edges.
OK, that's it...let the fun begin!
What a gorgeous quilt! I love a black background, very cozy :)
Posted by: Cassi | October 01, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Oh...man, this is making me so happy! I want to make one now too. Thank you for the beautiful post, pictures and the leaf pattern! You're the best Miss V!!
Posted by: Katie | October 01, 2007 at 02:18 PM
So stunning. The colors are to die for!
Posted by: Amanda | October 01, 2007 at 02:47 PM
That is a gorgeous quilt!!!! Just what you would want on a cool autumn evening!
Posted by: Alberta | October 01, 2007 at 03:50 PM
Gorgeous fall-i-ness! Thanks for the generous free patterns - I posted one of yours worked up on my blog today!
Posted by: Paula (Momma Pajama) | October 01, 2007 at 03:53 PM
Your quilt is just beautiful' it certainly cmpliments the view from your back door.
Posted by: Janice | October 01, 2007 at 06:44 PM
Your blog never fails to inspire me! Thank you!!
Posted by: Samantha | October 01, 2007 at 06:52 PM
Beautiful. I love fall :)
Posted by: Felicia | October 01, 2007 at 07:30 PM
You always have so wise proverbs in your blog! And that quilt... what can I say? Fantastic.
Posted by: Livia | October 02, 2007 at 02:26 AM
Beautiful quilt! I'm saving your quotations on the top of the page. I think they would be nice added to a quilt label.
Posted by: Teresa | October 02, 2007 at 04:17 AM
Your quilt is a beautiful work of art--I'm loving it as well as your story about its progress. Thank you so much for the leaf pattern as I've been thinking of making some simple little throw pillows using leaves.
Posted by: Junie Moon | October 02, 2007 at 07:47 AM
This quilt is lovely! Now to add quilting to my craft reportaire.
Posted by: Angie | October 02, 2007 at 08:59 AM
Oh Vicki, it's truly lovely! The embroidery makes it perfect. Thank you for the pattern. I like the idea of using wool felt as an alternative, for a small wall hanging, maybe by reducing the leaves.
I love that quote. I'm often taken by surprised to realize that there are some, who aren't even looking!
Posted by: Mrs.Staggs | October 02, 2007 at 09:01 AM
ooooh, you're making me want to try a quilt! My mom is great at it, I'm ready to learn how. This picture gets me in the "quiltin'" mood!
Thanks
Posted by: Jennifer | October 02, 2007 at 10:55 AM
There are always so many pretty things to see over here and this quilt is no exception, you're work is amazing. I love everything you do and wish I knew your secret to getting things done. I have a lot of UFO's around here and have joined in the FWYH challenge to help motivate me, but it's still sort of overwhelming at times. Seeing you working on this makes me feel like I can get back on track with my own quilts again. Thanks for keeping this idea (and me!) moving along. :o)
Marilynn
Posted by: Marilynn | October 02, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Gorgeous quilt!!!
Posted by: Julie | October 02, 2007 at 12:34 PM
That's a lovely quilt! I'm going to enjoy looking at all your quiche recipes...maybe even try one. I featured your site as creative site of the day on mine. I really enjoy your blog and all the pictures too!
Posted by: Mary | October 02, 2007 at 10:11 PM
Simply stunning--gorgeous quilt, Vicki! Happy Day ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | October 03, 2007 at 04:54 AM
I absolutely LOVE it! I love the fall colors against the black, and the sashing it a neat choice (or is it sashing?). Can't wait to see it all put together.
Vanessa
Posted by: Vanessa | October 03, 2007 at 06:05 AM
Exquisite! So beautiful.
Posted by: Jude | October 03, 2007 at 06:46 AM
It's your quilt that is stunning! You've got me all fired up to make something in deep tones. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Loretta | October 03, 2007 at 03:14 PM
Gorgeous quilt I love it!!! Fall is my favorite time of the year!!!
Posted by: Chris & Laurie | October 03, 2007 at 04:14 PM
I always THINK about making something like this but never get around to DOING it. Thanks for sharing!
Also, when the time comes, I'd love to know what technique you'll be using for hanging.
Posted by: Mae | October 03, 2007 at 06:12 PM
Wow! The leaves are beautiful! -kb
Posted by: Kelly | October 03, 2007 at 06:59 PM
hi, ive been admiring the things that you do for some time now.
i found your site when i googled "japanese bags" and the omiyage pouches that you made came up.
i got excited right away and ordered that same book. it looks like most of the stiches there were sewn by hand and not sewing machine. did you
use sewing machine while making the pouches?
Posted by: junipa | October 03, 2007 at 10:13 PM
First time visitor...
Your quilt is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! I love Fall and the change to darker earth-like colors. You are very talented!!
Joni
Posted by: jonipossinj | October 04, 2007 at 06:43 AM
Thank you so much for the pattern photo! After your wonderful, cozy description of quilting on your lap in the evenings I'm going to try my own.
Posted by: Sarah | October 05, 2007 at 09:31 AM
the quilt IS beautiful!
Posted by: cindy | October 07, 2007 at 12:18 PM
I love it! Its gorgeous. The black in the background works so nicely. Really pretty.
Posted by: Judi | October 07, 2007 at 04:28 PM