Some of you may remember the improv Log Cabin quilt blocks I was making last winter using my abundant plethora of red scraps.
Well, for weeks now, I've driven past this farmer's pumpkin patch with cheery sunflowers and thought, I need to get those blocks all pieced together so I can get a picture of the quilt top at least, before those sunflowers are gone. Here's how that photo shoot went.
Typically around here, September is stunning. The heat has cooled off but we have warm pleasant temperatures and lots of sunny days. It's the golden month and it's my favorite. This year, September has been a bit erratic. I knew a storm was going to blow in last night so I asked one of my professional quilt holders (aka: children) to stop at the field on our way to another child's flag football game (our only moment it would be feasible for quilt pictures that day).
And you can see the results. haha.
This was probably the best picture of the bunch. I thought about scrapping the idea, but then I realized, here's real life behind the quilt blog. And the flowers still look nice, and may be gone before we get another chance, so I'll just share the pictures as they are. Pinterest-worthy or not. 😉
We tried laying it on the ground to keep it still (but didn't dare let go! lol) Not the best picture, but you get the idea. I need to piece a back today and get it off to the quilter's. So maybe we'll get some redemptive shots later.
These blocks were so much fun to piece. And it's like a free quilt, right? Also, lots of sentimental favorites in this quilt, bringing back lots of memories of quilts past. I started my blocks (you can read about their inception as well as learn how to make your own improv blocks here) back in January. I made most of them, but had to set them aside as a bunch of pattern writing deadlines loomed.
But the good part of that was that by the time I was finishing the blocks, I had scraps of my first fabric line, Gingham Girls, ready to incorporate into my quilt. That was pretty neat.
So if you're looking for a fun, easy project for your scraps, I highly recommend one of these improv log-cabin quilts. You'll have a great time burning through a lot of those favorite scraps. The one scary (embarrassing) thing: my red scrap bin doesn't even look like any different. (yikes. #toomanyscraps)
Want to make your own scrap-buster log cabin quilt? You can find the Scrappy Log Cabin Block Tutorial here.
Maybe it's fall in the air, but I'm in the mood to get out my WIPs (unfinished Works In Progress) and make a dent in them. Nice to have this one checked off the list.
Enabler alert: Sale at Bobbi Lou's Fabric Factory! Take an additional 20% off of all sale items with code HAPPYFALL. Sale section can be found here. Sale goes through Sunday, September 24.
Pamela Boatright says
Love it! We were just in Colorado last week, and the sunflowers were amazing! Too bad I didn't have room in my luggage for quilts to photograph!
quiltytherapy says
Thanks for sharing real life 🙂 The top looks great!
Little Quiltsong says
Love this!! Reminds me of poppies blowing in the wind! Yes, those scrap bins :)!
Christine S says
Love this!
Robby H. says
In real life, most of us would like to control the weather at some point. Good to see you're no more successful than the rest of us. It's still a great quilt top. How fun that you got to include some of your own fabric!
Kerry Leach says
I like the breezy photos - however frustrating - because we catch glimpses of the view behind too! The mountains are beautiful, as are the pile of pumpkins and the little sunflowers. Thank you - beautiful quilt it will be when it's finished too.
Kay says
This is a great idea, I made some cushions like this last year but I easily have enough scraps for a quilt. x
A.J.M. Bouwman says
Lovely top and I like the pictures, the colors and the movement.
Carla Bataran says
My vote is that these are THE BEST PICTURES EVER! I love old furniture with its cracks, chips, etc; I other words, with character. They tell a story. So do these pictures. It's not only a quilt story, but it's a small snapshot of a time in you're life while on the way to a game with your kids. These are priceless pictures. Not only that, but between the quilt photos and the story, they will remain in people's minds a lot longer. At least that has been my experience when I see pictures like this. It's a memory reference marker. And I love you're quilt. I live in Maine and it's apple picking time. That is what this quilt reminds me of, apple picking with lots of grandkids. I think the wind and setting added to that feeling. I probably would have missed it in a "traditional" shot. I'm eyeing my red scraps right note. For me, the timing of this post is amazing. Thanks bunches.
Joan Carmody says
I love the photos and the quilt! ??
Audrey says
A red quilt, sunflowers and mountains. Looks like a perfect combination to me!!!! Love all the quilts you do!
Sarah Beth Marchuk says
This is awesome. I'm blown away by the view you have where you live. Is that within walking distance of your home. I'm totally jealous. Your quilt is gorgeous
Mommaknowsbest says
You're so funny! I especially love that your red scrap bin hasn't changed much! Maybe the problem is that you love red so much, it reproduces when you aren't looking.
Amy says
There is some truth to that. Red is definitely the most represented color in my stash! lol
elin says
love the sunflowers! love the red! love gingham girl fabric! thanks for sharing. 🙂
Lissi says
I'm charmed by the post and love this quilt!
Sheila says
Lovely quilt top. They do remind me of poppies too,
Pat says
Great pics- lots of life in them! Thanks!
Sherri says
I love this and the beautiful quilt! Real life in action! Great way for me to use up my scraps too.
Julie says
Well, I'll now be singing that song for the rest of the night! ?
Stunning backdrop and beautiful quilt though so I'll forgive you!
Amy says
Haha! That song has been stuck in my head too. lol
Karen says
Love you Improve Log Cabin, Amy! So many darling prints incorporated in this quilt!
Rosemaryflower says
This is a beautiful quilt Amy. I love it. I am so glad you finished it
You are very inspiring!! I want to make a quilt like this. I love Red.
Also, yeah, maybe finish some projects too haha okay
Amy says
Red always looks great, right?! So even if it's a long-time unfinished project, I know I'll still like it. 🙂
Juliet T says
What a beautiful quilt! I love the vibrant red 🙂 I so enjoy reading your blog post!
Amy says
Thank you, Juliet!
Valerie says
Oh, those apples! How I love that print...... I wish there was an entire farmer's market in that style. <3
Amy says
I'm still hoarding bits of that print. It's such a great one!
Marta says
I agree with Carla and many of the others. These photos are wonderful. I think your assistant did a fabulous job.Hope you put her on the payroll ! 🙂 Love the quilt too...
Lea says
Oh I love this quilt!! It's gorgeous.
Deb Walters says
wow, I love this quilt. It's so bright and cheerful and looks fabulous amongst the sunflowers.
Liz says
That is a fabulous scrap top. It is beautiful now and will quilt up nicely. I like the real life pictures.