Color Walk 004

Sometimes when I'm walking, I see something that makes me stop and take a closer look. These color palettes start with a photo I've taken, usually with my phone, and often when I'm out doing ordinary things. Each color swatch is labeled with the coordinating Kona cottons by Robert Kaufman. 

Fall Forest Quilt Along

Welcome to an impromptu Fall Forest quilt along, where we will be making lots of cute little patchwork trees together. Everyone is welcome to participate! I will be posting a few tips here on the blog, but most of the action will be over on Instagram, using the hashtag, #fallforestqal.

These blocks are super easy to make. If you can sew a quarter-inch seam, you can make these blocks! Don't let the triangles scare you. 1) we are doing it together, so you can ask for help at any time 2) there is only a few of them in the actual quilt, so it's a perfect chance to try them out 3) they are sewn into squares, so when it's time to piece your top, you are back to straight edges again. Awesome, right?!

CUTTING TIPS

-Press and starch your fabric before cutting. This will help keep those bias edges from stretching out of shape as we work. It's not critical, but I find it really helpful.

-I highly recommend the Tri-Recs tools. They make the cutting go fast and easy.

-Figure out how many of each color you need to cut and make a list. My cutting list is below if you want to make a quilt like my samples. These are just suggestions. Have fun and experiment with the color ratios in your quilt. Small changes will make a big difference in your final quilt. 

For my fall palette, I cut more trees out of typical fall leaf colors, and then added a few others as supporting colors. They make the main colors pop.

For my winter palette, I chose bright, icy, winter colors and cut more pieces using those colors. Then I went back and added a few darker versions to help ground them and add depth.

PATTERNS AND KITS

-PDF Pattern now available in my etsy shop 

-Kits available at The Intrepid Thread (Kits include: Tri-Recs tool option, all the fabric you need to make your quilt top and a printed pattern)

SCRAP FRIENDLY

The trees can absolutely be cut from scraps! Each scrap will need to be at least 6" x 6" for the tree tops. Here is a little plaid tree I made using a scrap. A plaid tree? Why not! Have fun with it!! : )

SHARE

We want to see what you're making! Share your process pictures over on Instagram and make some new Fall Forest friends. You can start at any time. Just share your photos and add #fallforestqal to the description. Check out the hashtag to see what everyone else is making.

QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, ask below and I will answer in the comments.

-A

Color Walk 003

Sometimes when I'm walking, I see something that makes me stop and take a closer look. These color palettes start with a photo I've taken, usually with my phone, and often when I'm out doing ordinary things. Each color swatch is labeled with the coordinating Kona cottons by Robert Kaufman. 

Finished Fall Forest Quilt and New Pattern

Name: Fall Forest

Size: 50" x 70"

Pattern: Fall Forest Quilt

Materials: Kona Cottons by Robert Kaufman in snow, stone, honey, ice peach, lipstick, coral, curry, zucchini, peridot, bluegrass and ultra marine.

Quilting: wavy, wood grain(ish) lines in Aurifil #2311

INSPIRATION
The idea for this quilt started as soon as the seasons began to change from Summer to Fall. I pulled out my Kona color card and picked the dreamiest fall palette I could think of and then I had to decide what to make. This design came to me in my head before I could even get a pencil to sketch with. I knew I wanted simple graphic trees in all of the colors and lots and lots of negative space. My Tri-Recs tools were perfect for this. They made super quick work of cutting out the triangles and half square rectangles with my rotary cutter.

*NEW* PATTERN

When I shared what I was working on, some sweet friends asked if I would please make a pattern. Of course! : ) So over the last couple of weeks I worked on the quilt by day and the pattern by night. And I'm proud to say after a lot of work, they are both finished. It's a full color printed pattern that includes instructions to make your own quilt, diagrams, color suggestions, templates and a coloring page to customize your own design.  

-PDF Pattern now available in my etsy shop 

-Kits available at The Intrepid Thread (includes Tri-Recs tool option, fabric and pattern)

     

Kits available at The Intrepid Thread

MATERIALS

Not long after I cut out my fall colors, I started thinking how the forest would look in winter. It turns out it's a modern winter with juicy reds, sour greens, icy blues and misty greys.

I partnered with The Intrepid Thread to stock everything you need to make this quilt from the handy Tri-Rec tools, to all of the Kona cottons (in both the Fall and Winter color palettes) as well as the pattern itself. They have the kits available here and if you order before November 6th, there is a 10% everything sale with promo code: MAKEROOM.

QUILT ALONG

I'll be starting my winter version in the next couple of days and sharing over on instagram. Come and quilt along with me! Grab a button and use the hashtag #fallforestqal. I can't wait to see your projects. : )

A very special shout out Carol, Carol and Marcia. Thank you ladies for all of your kind words and support!

-A

Fall Forest In Progress

This has been such a fun quilt to work on. I've found myself sewing every chance I get. Yesterday I finished up the quilting and today is binding day! The quilting is faux-faux-bouis. Yes, that is two fauxs.

Faux bois is French for false wood and it usually includes knot holes when used as a quilting motif. It is also called wood grain quilting. By removing the idea of knot holes I was hoping for a more uniform, all-over texture.

I really wanted the trees and the bold solid colors to be the focus of the quilt, but still I still wanted it to have great texture. In my mind I rationalized it as having a wood grain, nature trail, country road kind of feel. Or if your local, it's like driving up Highway 9. ; )

When I was finished I held it up for my husband to see and his first comment was, "I like how the wavy lines look kind of like wood." Mission accomplished! I didn't even prompt him to say that.

I'm putting the finished touches on the pattern and it will be available really, really soon. Thank you to all who have been asking!

-A