Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Autumn Jewels

Hi everyone, and welcome to my turn on the Autumn Abundance blog hop!  The temps have fallen dramatically (really! It was 40 degrees last night!) and it's time to think about cuddling up on the sofa, drinking hot chocolate, and buttoning up because winter is coming.  This celebration of the season was organized by Bernie at Needle and Foot and is sponsored by Paintbrush Studio.  We each received some lovely fabrics from Paintbrush, and here is what I managed to do with mine:



An autumn-themed Jewel Box quilt!  Aren't those fabrics really great and rich-looking?  I'm really thrilled with how this turned out.  The fabrics are from the Into the Woods line, and the solids are also Painter's Palette Solids from Paintbrush.  (There are free patterns all over if you follow those links, so check it out and see what you can find!)

This picture is the closest to the true colors of the fabrics. 

I was seriously worried about this background color, which is the solid in Curry.  Jewel Box quilts are traditionally made with either a black background or a white one to showcase the fabrics, so I wasn't sure how the curry color would turn out.  I think it turned out great for a fall quilt!  It's such a nice warm color and complements the others so nicely.
 


Making this quilt is really easy.  My quilt turned out at about 60 by 68, a nice cuddle size, and used 42 8-inch blocks.   Each of the blocks used 2 4-patches and 2 (gigantic!) half-square triangles.  Use 2-1/2 inch strips to make the 4-patches, which should measure 4-1/2 inches before they're sewn into the block.  If you want to make a quilt the same size as mine, with 42 blocks, you'll need 84 4-patches.  (Strip piece them and they won't take long!) I made the hsts using the Magic 8 method and cut 10-inch squares of each fabric.  You'll also need 84 of these.  Arrange the 4-patches and hsts like this:



Then it's just a matter of turning the blocks in various directions and laying them out to make the pattern in the quilt.  I tried to be as random as possible without having the same colors meet.  Somewhat more difficult than it sounds! Join the blocks into rows, and the rows into a finished quilt center.  For my borders, I cut the curry color at 1-1/2 inches to finish at 1 inch, and the larger leaf border at 5 inches.  Layer, quilt, and bind!


The giveaways are now closed!  Thanks to all who entered, and congratulations to Lori and Mary, who won the fabric sets.


And now for the giveaways!  I am giving away two sets of fabric:

First, there is this set of fabrics that didn't make the cut for the quilt.  They are lovely, though!  I received a fat quarter bundle and just didn't use all of them.  There are fat quarters of the yellow solid and a patterned yellow, neither of which showed up well with the curry, and also fat quarters of the leaf print and a nice brown, both of which have some pretty metallic accents.


For the second fabric set, I followed Bernie's lead and cut these into charm squares, plus added some leftover 2-1/2 inch squares.  I didn't count them, but there are plenty!  These would make up into something nice for Thanksgiving, if you're inclined to do that!


To win either of these fabric bundles, leave a comment on this post with a suggestion for something you like about fall.  I will draw for these on Halloween, Monday, October 31.  This giveaway is open to all, but if you are overseas (outside the US and Canada) I will ask you to pay for the shipping.  These don't weigh much!

Be sure to visit everyone else in the blog hop!  Not only are there some really lovely projects, but there are more giveaways to be had, including at least one brand new stack of fat quarters.  Here is the schedule:

October 24th – Bernie at Needle and Foot
October 25th – Janine at Quilts From the Little House
October 26th – Mari at Academic Quilter  (that's me!)
October 27th – Tish at Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland
October 28th – Sandra at MMM! Quilts

autumn-abundance-resized


Hope you're enjoying the fall!  Sharing at Let's Bee Social, Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Finish it Up Friday, and Finished or Not Friday.  See you there!  And thanks so much to Bernie and the other hoppers, and to Paintbrush for their generous support of this project.

119 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

in the fall I love to have a fire going outside in the firepit and toast marshmallows!

Kathryn said...

I like taking my granddaughter out for pumpkin picking at a local farm.

Jo said...

Mari. Those fabrics are just lovely. I really like the jewel quilt. It is one design you can use any colours with. I take it the 40 is F, here it was 33 C today.,just lovely...
I had a good clean up day in my sewing room. I want to do another scrap quilt. This might be the design I choose...,the colours of autumn are just so pretty though.

Amy said...

The curry is perfect for the fabrics you've chosen in your quilt. I love how it adds spice to the mix, like hot mulled cider. My favorite part of autumn is the color and the coolness of the air on your skin. A walk during this time of year brings fullness and contentment to my soul.

Vicki in MN said...

Your quilt is so pretty! I love those fabrics in your giveaway FQ bundle, they would make a great fall table runner. I love decorating for fall and love fall colors. This year we carved pumpkins with the grandsons, so fun!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...


It's gorgeous in these fall jewel tones!

I made a jewel box years ago when my kids were little and now it is folded at the foot of a grandchild's bed :)

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

I love everything about fall - cooler temps, hot coffee on a chilly morning, the colors in the trees, and sewing with autumn colors. I love that piece with the black background!

Anita said...

The best about fall is the rich colors everywhere in nature. I love kicking dry colorful leaves.
Your quilt top is gorgeous!

Unknown said...

The colors are fabulous! I love fall colors and best way to see them is long drives in the country.
patsystitch@gvtc.com

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

That is gorgeous, Mari! What a neat design those blocks make! I love all of the fun fall sewing projects that pop up all around the internet, and have been doing a little of that kind of sewing myself.

Tish Stemple said...

I absolutely love that Curry yellow background, Mari. It is so warm and inviting. This quilt makes me want to curl up beside a fire with a nice piece of pumpkin pie :)

Rozz01 said...

I love the colors of trees changing in the fall season. Love your leftovers also.

Sandra Walker said...

Ooh, truly luscious quilt Mari! I especially love the shot of it on your deck with the lush Fall colours of Mama Nature in the background. :-) I think that curry was the perfect backdrop to all the rich Fall tones.

JanineMarie said...

I love the warm look of this quilt, Mari! And those pops of red and purple! They really make me think of the foliage and flowers of autumn. I remember you talking about purple mums awhile back, and now I've been on the lookout for them when I take walks. It's really fascinating to me how quilters can take the same fabric bundle and create totally different looks. Isn't that fun?! My favorite things about autumn is the rich colors, but really, I love everything about my favorite season.

Bernie Kringel said...

Mari, this is so pretty. The curry color background is scrumptious. It is bold and warm at the same time. I love it with all of the other deep colors -- Beautiful finish! Happy Fall Mari!!

Ariane said...

I think your choice of background colour was perfect. It's such a warm colour and it makes you want to cuddle up in it. Love this quilt. It's perfect for fall.

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

I like your choice of a background. It makes it very fallish and yes! I am ready for hot chocolate!!

cjmont said...

i love your choice of background, reminds me of the vintage quilts made with the cheddar color. here in south texas we love fall for the cooler temps.

Judy S said...

Curry is great for complementing all the other fall colors in your quilt. I have made a jewel box quilt with a white background as a wedding gift. Love all the shades of orange and all the names for the different shades.A lot of the names are food related.
I love planting bulbs in the fall and getting to switch my wardrobe out. Also, it is time to snuggle under quilts while sleeping.

Quilting Tangent said...

Pretty Autumn Quilt. I enjoy the changing leaves. 24Tangent@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love the colors of fall: pumpkin, russet, chocolate, butternut, cinnamon, nutmeg, burgundy, olive.... Yum, soup!!

Summer said...

This quilt is a real beauty ♥

Stitchin At Home said...

Your quilt is stunning with the curry! I planted a bunch of tulip bulbs this fall.

tac73 said...

I like to be outside in the falling leaves during crisp autumn weather. Love your quilt!

Janna said...

Great quilt, I love the fall crocus blooms.

JANET said...

I love the cooler weather, and we got rain here! It hasn't rained this much in over a year! Bring it on!!

Kathy H said...

I think your quilt is beautiful. I wouldn't have thought of using that curry solid in it either but it worked out great. A reminder to me to try something different. What I like about fall is the cooler weather and all of those beautiful colors, everywhere you look.

Danette said...

It's enjoyable to have a cup of tea or some apple cider and sit on my little porch in Fall (possibly with a quilt sitting on my lap to keep warm). Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net

suzanprincess said...

I love Fall because the summer heat is waning, some moisture returns with occasional rain, and I celebrate my October birthday for several weeks!

Beth said...

I love autumn because there is that distinct moment when the seasons change and everything is different--so much more so than any other season. Do you know what I mean? You can smell the change in the air, feel the crispness, see the bright leaves, feel the crunch under your feet? I grew up in a place where the seasons were indistinct and I find this absolutely enchanting.

Joanna said...

First, you quilt is super. The colors are perfect for autumn. I love this season and enjoy the leaves changing color and baking things with the flavors of fall; maple, pumpkin and apple. And I love the cooler temps.

Laura said...

I love the curry color as the background in this quilt. It is fun experimenting with how various fabrics "set off" a particular set of fabrics. My favorite thing about fall is the harvest aspect. Love all those fall and winter veggies.

Lynne Stucke said...

LOVE the curry background!!!!!! What do I love about fall? Believe it or not, it's the goldenrod in bloom. I, thankfully, do not suffer from allergies, so I love seeing these beauties in bloom along the roadside, along with the black-eyed Susans. It's a beautiful fall in the deep South! (lynnstck[at]yahoo.com)

Mish Mash and More said...

I love the weather in the fall and I love the leaves changing colors. Your choice of the curry for a background was a great choice; it gives a great overall feel to the quilt. (DJL3339@yahoo.com)

Anonymous said...

I'm really surprised at how much I like this. It turned out to be a good background, whereas I would have thought it was too dark. Thanks for sharing the pictures and how-to of it. What I love about fall is that the temperatures cool, and the humidity doesn't feel so bad. =) And it's fun to decorate with pumpkin things! Thanks for the giveaway!
dezertsuz at gmail

EllenB said...

Actually, I enjoy being out in the cooler weather, raking leaves and cleaning up the yard getting ready for winter. Your curry background is something I wouldn't have thought of and really makes the other fabrics pop. Great idea!

Sally said...

Lovely, Jewel Box is one of my favs.

STH said...

I just enjoy the cooler temps of the fall. Summers here are SO hot!

Pine Point Cathy said...

I like apple picking and the corn maze. Beautiful quilt!
basaran.family@rogers.com

ckrut said...

By the time summer is over, I'm ready for fall food. The pumpkin spice and the heartier fare. Love this jewel box.

Rosa said...

Fabulous quilt!I love the leaves are changing and bake pumpkin cake and apple cake,

Unknown said...

Living in Alabama, I enjoy the cooler temps. of fall. The first 70 years of my life I lived in Illinois, and there I loved the colors in the fall leaves. Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net

Karen said...

I love walking in the woods in the fall. The colors and the smells are so distinctive at this time of year.

Cat Lady said...

Every time I see a Jewel Box quilt I think I need to make one. Really love the curry yellow you used. I used to like the smell of leaves burning in the fall, but most cities do not allow burning any more.

Beth said...

I love apple picking and making cider/pies/applesauce!

Linda Edwards said...

I love to take the grandkids to the pumpkin patch and go on hayrides. Thanks for the tutorial pattern and for the chance to win.
Linda

OhioLori said...

Loooove Autumn!!! The colors for sure..and getting the Woodburner going...also picking apples for Applesauce & Apple Butter!! Also..our Anniversary is in October!! :)

Thank you for chance to win you Give-a-way too! :)

Chiska said...

What a lovely quilt! I love the colors. I love everything about fall, but the best thing is the cooler morning and evening temperature. I love the crunch of leaves and starting to sew more.

teachpany said...

Lovely quilt! I do like the curry color for the background, too. It's rich. I love apple picking, sweaters, hot chocolate, the colors of leaves changing, the crunch of them underfoot, and chocolate pumpkin cupcakes.

Sherry VF said...

I love the curry! I like fall because the weather is cooler...nothing like a crisp fall morning. sjvonfumetti at yahoo dot com

@lutzcats said...

I like the cooler temps!!! Pretty quilt with warm fall colors.

ritainalaska said...

love the bright, rich colors of fall! our fall season is very short, but gorgeous!

Liz Horgan said...

Your quilt is beautiful and the background does make the colors pop!
I love the crisp days and the wind, also the beautiful changes of color!

Debbie said...

I love everything about fall! A slight nip in the morning air but getting to open the doors and windows for most of the day. The beautiful changes in the colors of all my trees and doing more of another love besides sewing-cooking! I like to make slow cooked stews and soups with cornbread and biscuits along with pumpkin and apple desserts.

Lisa England said...

I like most everything about fall -- the cooler weather, the colors, and especially Football! I really like fall fabrics and love what you have done with them. The background color is a bold choice that really works!

Crafty Tokyo Mama said...

The way your block changes when gathered into a quilt is just lovely. I will definitely be trying this out!
My favorite thing about fall is the comfortable temperatures that are perfect for walking. This is the best time of year for meandering along rivers and in forests.

Cathy C said...

Love the colors. I like the cool crisp days of fall. Perfect for a favorite hike or bike ride.

Cecilia said...

I like the cooler weather in the Fall. I can open my windows and enjoy the fresh air. Your quilt is beautiful, thank you for sharing.

lindawwww said...

I love the beautiful colours of the changing leaves.

lin.web.28 at gmail dot com

Dawn F said...

Beautiful jewel box quilt! I think the colors are wonderful together. I love many things about fall...but I think my favorite thing is that it is cool enough to wear hoodies comfortably but not cold enough that you have to wear a heavy coat and gloves! It is just such a comfortable time of year!

Janet Sabol said...

What I like best about fall is the changing of the leaf colors and the settling into a cozy, warm home! Having the colors of these fabrics that echo the outdoors is great!

WeedyMama said...

I live in a farming area of the US. We have had almost 5" of rain since the first of October, and the farmers should be doing a "happy" dance like crazy. The earth has been sucking it up like a dry sponge.

The other blessing about it: I don't have to shovel it.

And pumpkin pie is nice too.

Vicki H said...

I enjoy the colors of fall and lots of pumpkin pie.

Subee said...

Walking through the crispy autumn leaves
Ohioholman@aol.com

Linda Williamson said...

I love to drive through Shenandoah National Park to view the beautiful fall colors and maybe see a bear or two. The colors in this fabric bundle certainly match the vibrant colors here in the valley. Thanks grinnie1961 @ gmail dot com

Kathy E. said...

I'm so glad you took a gamble to use the Curry colored fabric for the background. It turned out so well and still shows off those beautiful fabrics! I don't like the flavor of curry at all, but the color is perfect for fall! My favorite activity in the fall is walking through the crunchy piles of leaves. The lower humidity levels aren't so bad either!

Sewgirl said...

I think the curry color is terrific. It's nice to see you work out side of the (jewel) box!! I really LOVE to go leaf peeping when I can, although living in No Calif, we don't get much. Thanks for sharing your great quilt!

Louise said...

I love seeing quilts with non-traditional background fabrics. The curry yellow looks fabulous in this design!

My favorite part of fall is the cool evenings. I love sleeping under multiple, heavy blankets! So cozy and comforting...

Sarah Vanderburgh said...

Love your curry background! I've always wanted to make a jewel box quilt and really love yours. Thanks for the chance to win some pretty fall fabric.

Anonymous said...

Your quilt is so bright and lovely! I like all the rich colors of fall!
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

Lori Smanski said...

I am not much on the cooler weather, but I sure enjoy watching the trees turning these beautiful colors. I love knowing that another season is upon us.

PatriciaLud said...

Beautiful quilt with vibrant colors.I love everything about fall - but especially the apples and the cider!

GranChris said...

Fall means apples to me and that is the best. Great quilt I love how you made the colors work together.

Beth Strand said...

I just love seeing the fall colors and the cooler temps! Pbstrand@msn.com

Beth Strand said...

I just love seeing the fall colors and the cooler temps! Pbstrand@msn.com

Jayne said...

Fall is in the air!! I love the colors, but that curry background...delicious!

rosemaryschild said...

What a wonderful quilt-the colors make me realize how wonderful the cooler weather is for me here in south Mississippi, after our oppressive heat of the summer!

Rachel said...

Very pretty! I love the pops of purple. I like pumpkin baked goods and seeing the pretty leaves change from over the mountains!

Anonymous said...

I love the cooler weather and vibrant colors of fall, and the fact that most of the insects are gone. Thanks!

Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

krazycat6@gmail.com said...

Very beautiful quilt. Love the cooler days of fall and the wonderful colors. Thanks.

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts said...

I love your quilt. While it is an easy pattern it looks so sophisticated and the curry background is just right. I love Pumpkin Pie which is something I start craving when the weather gets cooler.

Jinger said...

Lovely job! I always enjoy the wood smoke smell in the air in autumn.

Jinger said...

Lovely job! I always enjoy the wood smoke smell in the air in autumn.

Sorcha girl said...

Canadian Geese flying south, honking away, is a sure sign of Autumn in Washington state. I love to watch the shifting that happens in the V-formation as they exchange which one leads. Add a foggy morning and it is a true Pacific NW day. Love the colors in the fabrics you chose for the quilt. clara-chandler@att.net.

Havplenty said...

To me, Fall is all about the colors and smells. The leaves changing such awe inspiring colors and such a beautiful sight when driving down a highway. You get to see miles and miles of awesome color. The smells: pumpkin spice and apple cider aromas are in the air. As cooler temps settle in, it's time for boots and sweaters.

tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Michele T said...

The best part of Fall for our family is to go hiking and take beautiful photos!!!

Cathy L Wilson said...

Fall hasn't arrived in Texas yet but we just returned from a trip to the northeast. I've never seen fall colors before like we saw in western Maryland and in Pennsylvania! Absolutely amazing!

Kat said...

I love the quilt (all your quilts and Blog). Fall is my favorite season, with a little mix in the weather and all the beautiful colors. Your fabrics would make a terrific table runner. Kat

Kat said...

I love the quilt (all your quilts and Blog). Fall is my favorite season, with a little mix in the weather and all the beautiful colors. Your fabrics would make a terrific table runner. Kat

Kat said...

I love the quilt (all your quilts and Blog). Fall is my favorite season, with a little mix in the weather and all the beautiful colors. Your fabrics would make a terrific table runner. Kat

Christine said...

My favorite thing about fall (in tropical south Florida) is the rainy season slows down, and the humidity drops to tolerable levels. Thank you for the chance to win. momoftana at yahoo dot com

Tu-Na Quilts said...

Our apples ripen in the fall and then it's time to turn them into cider. I love raw fresh-pressed cider! Thanks for a chance to win. kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com

Gloria said...

I love that the hot temps of summer are gone by October! I really enjoy the crisp, cool air and, of course, the rich colors of autumn! Thanks for the giveaway. I have followed you on IG but did not realize you had a blog till Bernie's blog hop. I look forward to reading about your beautiful quilts!

AmyScrapSpot said...

I love the colors you chose- it looks so pretty!
That is my favorite thing about fall- the beautiful colors!

Donna said...

Fall brings crisp clean smelling air and gorgeous burgandy, butternut, oranges golden leaves to our trees. Your fabric choices are wonderful. I am thrilled to see the fabric choices people make and I am usually pondering my choices for hours.

mangozz said...

I love the cooler temps and the gorgeous array of colors in the foliage. Also, love to decorate for the season. Thanks.

Emily C said...

I love the beautiful fall colors, esp when represented in fabric, with a gilt edge. lovely.

Cloud 9 said...

Lovely fall quilt. The curry background is perfect. I like these nice fall days we are having in Minnesota. Almost 70 today - still able to go biking.

Aleta said...

My favorite thing about fall is the change. It seems like when the leaves change and the weather chills, something in the air feels like new beginnings. In my life, memorable events have always seemed to occur in the fall.

GranthamLynn said...

Love it. Very pretty. I love your fabric choices. I love the photo on the deck.
Great job. Thanks for sharing.

anna said...

the changing of the colors, I might have just found my next pattern thanks.

Chantal said...

Love this jewel box in curry. I have a few blocks made ummm... 6 months? a year ago? for a jewel box quilt and the background is (will be) scrappy white/cream/neutrals. Congrats on getting to the top stage. In Fall, when the weather gets colder instead of turning the furnace on, I like to turn the oven on and bake batch after batch of cookies. I like to see the birds, some leaving, some arriving and also apple picking. There's an orchard not far from my place and it is now a family tradition to go and pick our own apples. Thanks for the chance to win. ;^)
scrap (dot) and (dot) quilts via gmail (dot) com

Kate @ Smiles From Kate said...

I love your curry background Mari. I love autumn, summers last blaze of glory, so beautiful. I also love walking my dogs on a thick carpet of crisp rustling leaves, not so good if they are wet and soggy though.

quiltonia said...

Cooler temps are anticipated every fall but this year it's warm here in NE.
I enjoy hearing about a WI transplant whenever you post.

Donna W said...

Love your quilt! The changing of the colors and cooler nights are my favorites.

sisylyn2 said...

we have a whole family party with treats and games.
gandn74@ymail.com

Linda said...

I love the cooler air Autumn brings and October is my birthday month, so it always feels special to me! ljbisme at msn dot com

celia ambrose said...

I love the cooler weather, the autumn colors when the leaves turn, and being with family who have birthdays in the Fall. It makes me feel more at peace and I am grateful for God's blessings to take things slower. (celiaambrose@hotmail.com)

Kristi said...

The curry totally rocks! This is a fabulous quilt. I love you combined a traditional design with contemporary fabrics to make a very modern looking quilt! I just love the 'fusion' aspect of quilting!

Sara said...

The background is gorgeous! I'm a big chicken when it comes to choosing background colors. But this color really shows off the rich fall colors in the other fabrics. Great choice!

Mary Marcotte said...

Fantastic! Love, love, love it!

Unknown said...

My favourite thing about autumn are the rich colour the earth and nature bless us with. The sound of leaves rustling under my wheelchairs' wheels as we make our way through the woods and the sigh of winds as they herald yet another cycle in the beauty of nature ...

claire ross said...

Love what you have done, the curry colour works really well. I love the crisp cold days, cosying in front of our woodburner .
Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

Kate said...

The gold background really changes the tone of the quilt, definitely has that autumn glow to it. Congrats on a beautiful finish. What I enjoy most about autumn here is the moderate temperatures and the changing leaves.

Anne Simonot said...

Crunchy leaves underfoot, crisp blue skies, cooler temps, no bugs! Fall is my favourite. annesimonot@sasktel.net

Lee said...

I love hiking in the cooler weather and seeing all the pretty colors!

Brenda said...

I love sleeping with the windows open and waking up, warm in my bed, in a chilly room. Something about a cold nose and a warm body, er heart comes to mind.

Mary said...

I liked the cooler breeze coming in through the window today after we had a rain shower. I like those autumn colors used in your quilt.

Preeti said...

Beautiful and Easy to make - what more can I ask for? Ok, I will take the fabric too :-D Your quilt shines and shimmers.
Hugs,
Preeti.