Remember this little orphan block that I scored at a thrift store a couple of weeks ago?
I spent a fun afternoon quilting it up. I used a rust colored thread for the main leaf portion and quilted it with a tiny stipple. These little stitches look so darn cute.
For the white background, I pebbled away for about one-half hour and filled it up. Sometimes it is so satisfying to work on a quick project. When I first started to pebble the white portion, I quickly remembered that I don’t really like to FMQ pebble patterns and thought I would regret it. But with such a tiny project it didn’t really matter. I was done before I could even get annoyed with the tedium.
For the border I quilted little leaves and berries but it is nearly impossible to see because the thread matches too well. It was good practice but really, I have to look very closely to see it. Kind of funny.
The dusty green binding wraps it all up into a sweet little mini. Perfect for fall.
Now that we are approaching fall, I need to start getting my Etsy shop stocked for the holidays. The Chemex cozies that I make are definitely my best seller around Christmas which means I need to get busy. Yesterday I cut fabric for five covers.
Selecting the fabrics is fun but also a bit of a challenge. Looking back at what has sold well over the past two years, the favorites are definitely gray, blue, black, and red tones. Also, the two fabrics with the coffee theme text prints (in cream or black) are usually good sellers. These are the last two I could cut from that fabric so I need to purchase more of it.
I love to make a few with novelty fabric. I have done some with bicycles for coffee drinking cyclists and another one with Marvel comics on it which made someone very happy. Last Christmas I had a custom order for a cozy made with Star Wars fabric. I am debating making a few fun ones like this but choosing a theme is hard, kind of a guess as to what will sell – if you have any suggestions, please feel free. I truly love your input. For now, these will get me off to a good start.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Remember, I am hosting Handmade Halloween on October 4th!! Link up any blog posts, new or old, that are related to Halloween – costumes, decorations, quilts, even fun recipes. Let’s make it a fun round up of all things Halloween! I will tell you that I have had some really nice prizes offered in support of this party. Go write a post and come back and link it up. This will throw your name in the draw – maybe for a win! See you then.
Linking up today with the best of the best. See the top of the page, under Link Ups.
This is a good weekend to shop Craftsy! They have some great discounts on kits and supplies for their End of Summer Clearance. Take a look. This sale runs through Sunday night, 9/18/16.
(I am a Craftsy affiliate.)
I can’t for the life of me understand why someone would orphan that lovely little block, but you have loved it up and made it beautiful! I haven’t thought about Chemex covers; what a great idea!
I often wonder about the history of things I find in the thrift shops. Was this person no longer able to sew? Did she decide she just didn’t like this project? Maybe this is an orphan/extra block from a finished quilt? Who knows?
Are you a chemex coffee lover? I am. 🙂
Oh, the mini is so perfect for fall, Bernie! I agree that pebbles can border on insanity with the tedium and time they take, but the use of them here looks and sounds like it was the sweet spot of perfection.
When I made Julia’s quilt for her bed there was tons of pebbling which looks nice but made me a bit crazy by the end of it. I sort of swore off it for a while. I do love the way it looks – it has its place – just not a large-space-kind-of-place for me anymore!
Love the curved stem. Adds extra bit of oomph to your falling leaf!!!
Thanks Preeti. It is a fun little mat to use this time of year. Enjoy the weekend!
It’s a lovely block Bernie, it has a wonderful combination of colours. Lovely pebbles, so even, they compliment the block so well. It makes such a pretty autumn mini.
Thanks a bunch Kate. I really like the combination of the colors in the leaf. The rust shades and greens look so pretty together.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Came out sweet! I don’t know what Chemex is. Enjoy your weekend! XO
Thank you Karen! A Chemex is a pour over coffee pot. It doesn’t sit on a heating element, like an electric coffee maker so the coffee tends to cool off quickly. I make cozies that are quilted and insulated to wrap around the pot to keep the warmth in. Here is a link to see what it looks like.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/469909939/chemex-cozy-for-8-cup-pot-in-blue-gray?ref=shop_home_feat_3
I am sorry but I don’t know what a cozy is?
Barbara,
A cozy is quilted, insulated cover to keep the coffee warm in the Chemex pot. I also make them for French Press pots. Here is a link to show you what I am talking about. Thanks for asking! I should have clarified it in the post. 🙂
https://www.etsy.com/listing/469909939/chemex-cozy-for-8-cup-pot-in-blue-gray?ref=shop_home_feat_3
Very cute and quick project. I love fall colors and decorating the house in oranges, rusts, browns, and reds always makes me smile. This is perfect for fall.
Me too!! Love fall colors. I just picked tons of decorative gourds and mini pumpkins that we grew in the garden this year. But today was so stinkin hot outside — it didn’t feel fall-like. I think it got up to 92 degrees. Ugh. But it will be here soon enough. C’mon Autumn!
What a lovely project and to think someone didn’t want it anymore. Well done Bernie.
Thanks Cindy — I was so happy to rescue this cute orphan block for the bins at the thrift store!
Nice quilt! The colours are so nice ♥
summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
Thanks Summer. I really love the greens and rust tones in the center of the leaf. Great Autumn shades.?
Hello Bernie,
Yes I know exactly what you mean about pebbles. All those tight circles drive me nuts.
This is a gorgeous little mini. Why don’t I ever find unfinished projects in second hand shops? I’m obviously in the wrong country.
Thank you for linking up with Free Motion Mavericks!
Love, Muv