Autumn Splendor

Hi Quilting Friends,

It may be different in your area, but Autumn seems to be a very long way off in Houston, where we live.  We’re much more likely to experience a hurricane than a light freeze at this time of the year, and the leaves show no signs of changing color yet. 

Sharon here.  I see this gorgeous oak tree each day on my walk. Here’s a photo from several years ago, taken in early November. Isn’t it spectacular!

And here’s the same tree earlier this week, still beautiful in her summer greens.

So what causes this dramatic change in color?  (Warning- science content ahead.) Here’s what AI says about it-

“Leaves change color in the fall due to the breakdown of cholorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis.  As days shorten and temperatures cool, trees produce less chlorophyll, allowing other pigments like carotenoids (yellow and orange) and anthocyanins (red and purple) to become visible.”

So now you know!  But wait. What does all this have to do with quilting?

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Today we’re excited to introduce our new design for Fall, “Autumn Splendor”.  I wanted to create a quilt that brings the colors of Fall into our home, and here’s the result of my efforts-

This lovely quilt combines “Churn Dash Chain” blocks with applique blocks featuring acorns, oak leaves, and berries.  I took my time making it, and enjoyed the process greatly.

I used a collection of richly-colored hand dyed fabrics, some batiks that I “liberated” from Susan’s stash, and a gorgeous autumn print to make the quilt. 

Here’s a close-up of the pieced block-

I used that gorgeous Autumn print, the hand-dyed solids, and a buttery-colored batik to piece the “Churn Dash Chain” blocks. The chains are quilted with continuous curves using a variegated thread in shades of gold, and stippling in the background areas with matching thread.

And here’s a close-up photo of the applique block-

All of the acorns and berries are alike, with leaves in assorted rich hues that make each block unique. I echo quilted around the appliques, and then added free-motion stippling in the background areas using matching thread.

The inner border is a pretty pumpkin Grunge, quilted with straight lines in variegated gold thread. The outer border is my beautiful Autumn print, quilted with more straight lines and wishbones using the same the gold variegated thread.

Here’s the back of the quilt, where the texture of the quilting stands out nicely.

The binding is made with the same pumpkin Grunge as the inner border.

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The PDF pattern for “Autumn Splendor” is available right here, if you’d like to create your own gorgeous celebration of fall colors.

• Finished size =54″ x 54″
• Skill level = Intermediate
• Includes applique layout templates and individual pieces (reversed for easy use)
• Includes step-by-step instructions (with photos) for the pieced blocks
• Includes materials list and cutting chart
• $21 USD

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My “One Monthly Goal” for August was to quilt “Autumn Splendor”.  Ta-done!  I’m very happy with my finished quilt.

Stories from the Sewing Room August One Monthly Goal Finish Link Up

This quilt is my “Favorite Finish” for August. Actually, it’s my only finish, but who’s counting?

Quilting Jetgirl August Favorite Finish Link Up

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So what do you think? Are you ready for the change of seasons? Do you decorate your home with beautiful Autumn colors? We’d love to hear from you, so please leave a comment.

Thanks for visiting!

Happy quilting,

Sharon & Susan

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