Finished Patchwork Pumpkins Runner...

I'm ready to share my finished Patchwork Pumpkins Table Runner (pattern by Shabby Fabrics) with you.

The pumpkins were pieced patchwork and then appliqued' onto the block fabric, along with a stem and leaf. After I finished that, I embroidered the tendrils onto each block stitching a stem stitch with three strands of embroidery floss.

I machine embroidered the assembled blocks and finished with the binding. It's almost 60" long and 12 1/2" wide, which is just the right size for our dining room table.

I tried it on the buffet, and I think it looked great there, too. For now, I'll leave it on the table, but if I decide to do something different for the table, it's nice to know I have this great place to showcase the runner.

I guess it is possible to have a touch of autumn in south Florida. In fact, I'm inspired to add a few other pieces. Now, for a little cooler weather and we'll be all set!

Patchwork Pumpkins...

Before we headed to Wisconsin, I showed the girls the Shabby Fabrics website image of this pattern for a Patchwork Pumpkin Table Runner. We all wanted this pattern, so Kathy and Nora ordered one for each of us, plus extras for future sales. When we got to the shop last Saturday morning, all of our patterns were waiting for us.

I almost never do holiday themes, but I will do seasonal themes from time to time. This pattern was irresistible to me. When I got home from the shop, I sorted through my stash and assembled the fabrics that would be used in my runner. I began working on it on Sunday afternoon.

I started stitching on my block at Paneras over coffee and conversation with the knitting/crocheting/sewing girls. I still have the leaf and stem to stitch down on the first block, but I have all four blocks appliqued' and awaiting my hand sewing.

The pattern calls for two different colored leaves (two of each), so I'm showing you my choices. I just know that Brenda and Fay will have theirs completed by Saturday. They usually machine applique' their blocks and I like hand stitching mine. We'll see how far I get. I'm looking forward to seeing mine finished and adorning our teak dining room table through Thanksgiving.

If your heart skipped a beat when you saw this pattern, you can click on the pattern title above. It's a link to order your own copy.

I wish you a joyful and creative day today!

Martinique Patchwork Quilt...

A young, special someone could use a long-distance hug, so I'm making this patchwork fabric into a lap quilt as a gift.

You might recognize that there are prints from the Moda "Martinique" line in the design. Moda sold this patchwork fabric by the yard and I've had it for a while. Of course, you know how much I love "Martinique"...and don't you always gift something you would love to receive yourself?

I've added a pretty pink floral print as a border, and I'll use the aqua and pink paisley print (in the lower right corner of the second photograph) for the backing. I think this hug may be just what the doctor ordered. I'm going to finish assembling, quilting and binding it over the weekend.

I'm also going to have my challenge quilt set up for stitching next week, so I think I've had a good week. Thanks for your kind words about my lip. I actually feel really good and it's healing right on schedule. (If it weren't for the fact that it's technicolor, I would hardly be thinking about it!) More pictures of this and my challenge project will be posted soon. For now, I'm headed to the studio again.

Give someone a smile today. They won't make you feel ill, but they are contagious. Before you know it, everyone will have one! Have a great day.