Several years ago,

I filled a plastic bin with blue and yellow 2" squares.  After making several doll quilts, there were quite a few left.

 The new goal is to use up 3,840 of them in a queen size quilt.  I'm more than half way there.

 I found some old pictures today, reminding me that there are just 117 days left until Christmas.

Remember how adorable my bunnies were?  I really miss them, but know they are in good homes.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

What's up Wednesday

Here they are . . .

 the changing of the leaves.

 My lettuce leaf basil is ready to pick.

 Another idea for fall is percolating.

The block is trimmed with this ruler, which has been around for a loooong time.  It's dated 1989 and works just as well as any other I've seen.

 Recent night time temps in the 60s have made us feel quite frosty lately.  Sadly, we're going back up to 91 this week.

And last, but certainly not least . . . if you're looking for an adventure story, check out any one of Clive Cussler's books.  I love them all.  They're a cross between Agent 007 and Jacques Costeau.  You'll often encounter a high-speed boat chase, a near helicopter mishap, nefarious criminals with secret weapons, multiple explosions, and what I love most about Mr. Cussler's books, his female characters always command respect.  See if they are downloadable via your library's web site and overdrive.com.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Actually Watson, "it's all in the details."

Every 2" square has a story . . .

 The more you have, the more interest is added.

 Can you date the brown print with the fern in the middle?

Or how about this tiny calico?

 As Sherlock would say, details keep things interesting.

 This weekend's project will include Fall colors.  Oh yes indeed-y.

And a porch bath for the wee pup . . . always an adventure.

We sure hope your weekend is full of sew-time.  After all, there's no business like Sew Business . . .

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Yeah . . .

The borders are on.

 It's not visible, but the dark brown print has pumpkins and words that represent all the things of Fall.

Using subtle stripes, small prints,

 and leaf prints of larger scale adds interest to the top.

I would like to personally thank Norma Whaley of Timeless Traditions blog for sharing a photo of her hand-quilted maple leaf quilt displayed on the lovely deacon's bench.  I've saved magazine pictures of maple leaf quilts for years, but it was her quilt which inspired me to get started.  If you've not yet visited Norma's blog, hurry on over.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Announcing the newest arrival. . .

 Yes folks, the moment you've been waiting for.

"Maple leaves en mass" makes its debut.

To celebrate . . .

Mom found some new dishes to decorate the Fall table.

Leaves are starting to change.  First frost is predicted for some time around October 15th.  We're getting ready!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

How to create a Maple Leaf block.

Choose your favorite leaf-like fabric and something subtle for the backgound.

Fat quarters work well for leaf prints.  Depending on how many blocks you're making, will determine how much background fabric you'll need.  I bought 2 yards, but wish I had bought 3.

Starch, iron, and straighten grain on fabric.

From LEAF print cut a 3" strip and a 3-1/2" strip.

From the background, cut a 3" strip, a 3-1/2" strip, and a 7-1/2" strip WOF.

For one block, cut the following:

BACKGROUND FABRIC
1 - 3" square
1 - 3-1/2" x 7-1/2" rectangle
1 - 3-1/2" square

LEAF FABRIC
2 - 3-1/2" squares
1 - 3" square
1 - 3 x 6-1/2" rectangle

BROWN STEM FABRIC
1 - 1" x 5" rectangle

 Cut the 3-1/2" square background print in half along the diagonal.  Sew to each side of the brown stem and trim down to 3-3/8".

Let me repeat that . . . 3-3/8".  You'll see why in a bit.

 Place 2 - 3-1/2" squares (with drawn diagonal line on back and right sides together) on to the background rectangle.

 Sew 1/4" on each side of the line.

 Cut apart, press open, and trim to 3" square.

 Assemble pieces in each vertical row, then combine all 3 rows.  I'm sure you know how to nest your seams  . . . right?

Notice the center and right hand units are slightly longer etc..  This makes it easier to trim the block square.

After trimming, your square will be a different size than my square.

Why do squares come out different sizes?  We all work in different lighting conditions and see 1/4" seams in different ways.  We also use different brands of rulers.  Have you ever noticed how some rulers have thin lines and some have thick lines?  This affects how we see our finished blocks.

For those of you who took a class designed by Mary Ellen Hopkins, you'll recall this is known as PPM's.  . . . Personal Private Measurements.

And if you create blocks with room to trim, you'll always come out with the right size.  Well okay, almost always.

.If you make a maple leaf quilt, do post it on your blog and let me know.  Dolly is excited about cooler weather coming . . .can you tell.  She's listening for that first leaf falling.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Fall is coming . . .

So what could be better than a maple leaf quilt?

I'll share the measurements for making the 7-1/2" block later in the week.  If you're dreaming of cooler temperatures and Fall, then no doubt you'll want to get started soon.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Just a bit of progress.

 The horizontal rows have been assembled.  Whew, those star blocks took a long time . . . but only because I was extremely particular on which blue went where.  Which of course, meant I had to assemble more.  In fact, I'm still assembling.  Pieces and parts are everywhere.  Evidently this means there's going to be a wall hanging too.  Glory bee, the fun never ends.

The stack of border units awaits starching.  Because these pieces go on the very outer edge of the quilt, I'm starching for stability.

Dolly and I are both looking forward to getting this top done.  Other projects are waiting to be cut out.  Especially the Fall quilts.  We're counting down the days until first frost.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .