Leafs Me Happy Blog Hop

Welcome to my blog! I'm so glad you stopped by. I'm delighted to participate in the Leafs Me Happy Blog Hop. Be sure to check the end of the post for giveaways.

Leaves on the Pavement

Personal photo printed on fabric. Machine quilted.

Original design. 12.5" square. Completed 10/2/2012.

Over the past couple of weeks I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do for my block. Yes, I could make a traditional block with fall colors, but that just isn't challenging enough for me. As usual in the blog hops, I try to create a unique block. I had a few ideas, then on the drive home Sunday I remembered some pictures I took last November, which you can see below. All were taken in one of the parking lots of my church.

Here is what was on the ground near my car. What beautiful colors!

I gathered a few of the leaves by my car and took pictures so I could refer to the colors later.

I even used my 3-in-1 Color Tool to determine the exact colors.

The pictures were in my mind as I drove home on Sunday. I decided to use them as inspiration.

After reviewing the pictures on the computer, I was especially drawn to this photo. I decided to try to recreate it in fusible applique.

For reference in the placement of the applique pieces, I printed an 8" x 10" version of the photo on computer paper. I have a crummy printer, and printed photos usually look quite dull. But the colors on this page were so brilliant I was blown away. I fell in love with the photo and decided that I would use it just the way it was.

June Tailor Sew-in Printer Fabric

Used it for the images in A Few of Sharon's Favorite Things, as well.

Photo printed on the June Tailor fabric - still beautiful

Auditioning different blues for the border

I like this one.

Almost went with this one as there was plenty of fabric for border strips and it blended with the gray of the pavement.

I decided the gray was too "wimpy" for me and tried navy. Love it!

Leaves print trimmed to 1/4" seam allowance

First two border strips sewn on and trimmed. I'm deliberately making the border a bit oversized but will cut it to the correct size later.

Last two border strips sewn on

Block trimmed to 12.5" square

Block displayed on design wall

Fabric for the back - from stash

Used basting spray to hold the quilt sandwich together

Medium gray is for the bobbin. Using invisible thread on top. If the bobbin thread pops up to the top, gray thread should blend with the gray background

Quilted. Basically outlined the leaves, berries and white painted line.

Back of the quilt

Here's how the quilted block looks on the design wall

Close-up of a bound corner. I bind by machine, using fabric cut on straight of grain. I don't do miters. :)

Finished quilt

Close-up

Back of the quilt

Now for the giveaways. You could win one of the two fat quarters below.

Yellow                            Pink

For a chance to win one of the fat quarters, simply leave a comment by the last day of the Blog Hop (end of Wednesday, Oct. 10). Be sure to mention whether you prefer Yellow or Pink. For an extra chance to win one of the fabrics, leave another comment mentioning that you are a new or existing follower. Two winners will be drawn on Thursday, Oct. 11.

Be sure to stop by and see today's other Blog Hop participants:

Insanity Defense

Michelle May and the Bunnies

Sparrow In Flight

Quilted Delights

Quilting With a Marmalade Cat
Traveling Quilter - You're here!

A Stitch in Time

Cherry Blossoms
Tea Time Creations

Moose Stash Quilting

Stitchin By The Lake

The Complete Schedule

Thanks to Madame Samm for creating the blog hop and to Cherry for coordinating.

Hope to see you again soon!

Debbie