I may live in California, but we do get fall color. In the photo above, there are two trees that I see when I come and go in my neighborhood. Every year, they put on this magnificent crimson display and it is such a joy to behold. I have a wonderful tree in my backyard that always puts on a show at the end of October, but it doesn’t hold a candle to these beauties.
Sadly, another day has passed with no sewing on my part, but I did a little bit of dreaming of future projects. This next year, 2026, is the USA’s semiquincentennial. Say that three times. What it means is, it is our country’s 250th birthday! You can bet your boots that there will be a slew of red, white, and blue quilting projects, patterns, and sew-alongs going on! We are already seeing a load of patterns coming out, and previews of upcoming patriotic colored fabric collections.
All American is an It’s So Emma pattern put out by Fat Quarter Shop. I have half a shelf of red, white, and blue fabric collection bundles, but the one I am leaning towards using is Grand Haven by Minick and Simpson. I have the first Primitive Gatherings American Gatherings collection also, which would be amazing. Whatever fabric I use, I can tell you that I will be doing a couple of patriotic-themed quilts in honor of our nation’s birthday.
I can’t wait to see what sew-alongs are planned. I still have a ton of Lella Boutique’s Old Glory that I need to use as well. That is such a pretty group. If you recall, I had started a sew along that was based on a Susan Ache/Lissa Alexander book, Celebrate with Quilts, but was disappointed with the way mine was turning out, so I abandoned ship and quit. The bundle didn’t have enough colors in it to make the overall design work well I think. But it would be perfect for an Americana quilt!
I hope you all have a fantastic weekend and a great last week of October. Can you believe how fast this month has sped by? My posting may be spotty next week, as my husband and I are actually going on a little getaway. I hope to post, but it might just be photos of me sitting in front of a fire in a bulky sweater reading a book. Any guesses where we are going?
17 Responses
Beautiful trees! We don’t get a lot of Fall color here in Florida either! I haven’t started any Americana quilts yet, but I have several on my list of to-dos. I’m currently finishing up a trip around the world quilt, which is taking all of my concentration.
I’ve made a couple of Trip Around the World quilts and loved the results. They were a challenge to lay out properly, but with organization and a big design wall, they came out great.
I love the colors of fall and the bright red trees are my favorite. I have that pattern and want to get to making it. It’s a fun quilt and Inlove patriotic colors and this is a big birthday for our country!!
I will enjoy seeing the red/white/blue quilts you make in the months ahead!
Might you two be going to Palm Springs? Have fun wherever you go!
My sewing has been simple since I’m in a lupus flare and have zero energy. I’ve made lots more quilted hearts for I Found a Quilted Heart and today hope to sew borders on two doll quilts I’m making. Still need to wrestle the baby quilt to fuse the layers and machine quilt it but haven’t the umph to do it. Bother!
Hugs!
I love the colorful trees at this time of the year. I did make the All American quilt after your recommendation. Now I just need to quilt it. I have been a mission to get the quilt blocks I have finished into quilt tops. Have fun on your getaway!
Did you use one fabric collection for your All American quilt? Or did you dive into your scrap stash?
Isn’t it wonderful to dream and plan future projects! Sometimes I enjoy that aspect even more than sewing. Have a lovely weekend and I hope you sew and enjoy your beautiful fall (my favourite season). I think you may be headed to Lake Tahoe!
You are right! Lake Tahoe it is. It has been going down to 32 degrees each night and days have been in the 40s and 50s, so I plan to pack plenty of warm clothes. Not that I will be going out much! I love sitting in front of the fire with a good book. I’ve got three of them I am bringing along, plus my Kindle.
Take the gorgeous blue sweater with you….the color is perfect for you and it will keep you warm.
It’s nice to have a plan for future quilt projects! And a bonus to already own the fabric! I was going to guess Lake Tahoe…is Archie getting to go with you? Have a wonderful relaxing time away!
You are right about Lake Tahoe! Only Archie can’t come with us. No pets allowed. This time we’ve hired a house/pet sitter who will stay with him. Costs nearly as much as our stay.
I’m not feeling very optimistic about next year so I haven’t planned a quilt yet. I guess I need ignore the news and do some planning. Did you see what he has done to the ‘people’s house’? unbelievable. just makes me so sad.
Imagine yourself as one of the musicians who played while the Titanic went down. Only you are quilting something.
I love your sense of humor….have a wonderful trip.
Yes, that tree in your neighborhood is gorgeous! Have fun next week at Lake Tahoe; it is always pretty there and you always seem to get a good dose of relaxation/rejuvenation.
Yes, it’s time to regenerate a bit.
tahoe i hope!