This post should officially be called What's on my Sewing Table AND What's Distracting Me Outside. Because, I have to be honest, we're having the most amazing October I can remember. So while I was planning to get started on a bunch of Fall and Christmas sewing, instead I'm soaking up as much outside Autumn scenery as I can before the color is gone and the cold arrives. But, that said, there is still some pretty stuff on my sewing table too, that is worth sharing. So let's just enjoy them both, right?
I'm having fun making more of the little 4" x 4" Flying Geese pinwheel blocks from the October Perfectly Pieced and ME. Time Delivered box. Aren't they adorable?
I added a few more fabrics from my own stash. The current plan is to put these together into a mini quilt, perfect for fall.
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I so loved the color palette from that project that I have been gathering some more recent fabric prints in those colors. Most of these are from the Forgotten Memories collection by Minki Kim (available here and here) and Maple collection from Gabrielle Neil Design (available here and here) both for Riley Blake Designs.
I especially love this leaf print (from Maple) and the ginghams from Forgotten Memories. I'm still trying to decide what I'm going to do with them. Something Fallish - because that's what's speaking to my soul right now. I love the idea of scrappy patchwork - pulling in more colors and prints from my stash. Maybe something like this autumn project I did a few years ago, only with a different palette.
But I also kind of want to break out and try something new. Hmm...we'll see. Stay tuned.
And here are the updates from my What's on my Sewing Table post last month. First of all progress on the Fan Palm quilt. I had SO much fun playing with this technique.
I decided to make this into either a pillow or mini quilt. This block size is smaller than the original Fan Palm pattern by Violet Craft. I bought and printed the pattern at home at 11:30 pm the nigh before the class. And so the foundation pieces aren't to the scale of the original pattern.
I decided I want to sew the original quilt pattern, rather than continue to make smaller scale blocks. So this will be my gorgeous practice piece. And I'm so proud of it!
(Also, looking at this post I'm definitely sensing an unintentional color palette theme going on...)
And here is the quilting update on my 25-year-old WIP. I've hand quilted about ¼ of the outside border with and I'm so proud of it. My stitches aren't perfect by any means, but I really enjoyed the process so far. I'd forgot how mentally soothing hand quilting can be. This project sits on my couch for inside TV viewing opportunities to continue quilting. It's actually getting done!
Also on my sewing table over the past few weeks - but not photographed - a quilt I'm making for a friend going through a rough patch. It's finally at the quilter's. Hoping to share that finish next week.
And now... for my distraction. This is the reason my sewing machine is not getting as much attention as we were planning. But can you blame me?
All of these shots are from the nearby canyon in the mountains about a half hour drive from my home. I went to the above spot twice in the same week and just sat and took it all in.
We're having an unseasonably warm October - mid 70's almost the whole month so far. Which isn't great, because we're in the dry West and could really use some rain. But since it is, what it is right now, I'm not letting the beauty go to waste.
And here's me looking not fancy in one of my favorite spots: Primrose Overlook. And celebrating the victory of getting here again.
After the external stress of the past few years: dealing with the uncertainties of our son's health + global health events, my own health took a bit of a beating. Where I used to take for granted my ability to hike and exercise, I've had to pace myself a lot more - or at least conserve my limited energy for the most needful things at the time.
I'm grateful to be able to say that things are improved around here. Our son's health is improving immensely - in fact he's going to school full time for the first time in 2.5 years. And we are SO grateful. As a result I've been able to take better care of myself - mentally and physically. And I'm trying to slowly rebuild my stamina. Again, so grateful for the luxury of being able to do that. I no longer take that for granted.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Stay tuned for where these- and more new projects - are headed!
Robby
Darling Amy. Every thing is wonderful. I am so happy of your persuasion towards purple. It is mine and Kristy’s favorite color. Thank you again for a wonderful post.
Lucy | Charm About You
So glad to hear your enjoying the incredible landscape and good news about your son! Your blocks are gorgeous, I love the ginghams and the palm block is amazing! Happy stitching on those and more projects 🙂
Gwyn
Congratulations on your hike! I love what's on your sewing table. I am working on some large flying geese out of Christmas scraps. Your block might work with what I have!
Jan
Amy I love to read your blog. I also especially like the pictures you post. I love fall the most, and the scenery you take is great! Thank you.
dondim
I am so glad to hear about your son's better health! I once heard that a mother is no happier than any of her children. It was very hard for me to be upbeat all the time if any of my children was having a hard time. I know we try hard as LDS people to put health issues in an eternal perspective, yet it just is much easier to feel happier when those around us feel good. You have been so very courageous during all these hard times that we adore you even more than before.
Amy
aww, thank you. Life sure teaches us a lot, doesn't it? And the hard times teach us the most - and give us gratitude for the less hard times!
Anne
Amy- I love your creative, colorful and uplifting blog posts. I am glad to hear of improvements in health in your family, and for you too, of course. In the Light.
Christina Bennett
Thank you for the beautiful photos.