A Touch of Fall

What a magical time of year it is as the first leaves turn. Now the days have a slight wind and we bring out the quilts on the sofa. Soups and stews simmer in the kitchen, and I just want to nest inside. I love adding seasonal decor touches to cozy up my home. Around the studio, I'm getting into many fall-inspired projects!

 I use my Fall Country Apples pillow case as a table centerpiece too. Find the country apple sewing pattern here. To match it, I found this cute wicker mat and the orange vintage crochet at a thrift store a few years ago. My husband, Columbia River Tile and Stone, makes these beautiful granite candleholders. This one is Baltic Brown granite- so perfect for fall!

Love this designer- Country Cottage Needleworks,... Apple Orchard pattern

And....I'm excited to announce a new cross stitch pattern of my own- Variegated Fall Leaf! This one is really fun and simple with just eight thread colors. It goes pretty fast with a stitch count of only 38 x 35. If you're new to cross stitching this is an easy pattern to start with. I used 11 count Aida cloth and framed it in a 6x6 (4x4 opening) bronze wood frame. Then I added on a black ribbon to hang it with. It's perfect for a small corner or shelf. Or it could be sewn as a motif on a bag or table linen...
Find the fall leaf pattern here!

 Vintage fall fabrics, aren't they sweet? I used these them to make simple potholders and a decor pillow. I find them everywhere from thrift stores to estate sales. Some are handed down from family and friends. Aren't those the most special?  For the hot pads, I make them large and strong with four layers of natural cotton batting for extra support. Make sure to use 100% natural materials for your potholders since synthetic fibers (polyester and poly/cotton blends) melt in the oven. I learned this by accident once ;/ Stay posted for a free downloadable potholder pattern, coming soon!

 Here's a fun country-style design idea: Apple Picnic pillow. I alternated 2.5 inch plaid fabric squares with a vintage apple print. Try any fall fabric matched with a plaid print for a similar look. I use a 1/4-inch piecing foot for perfect piecing. For the center, I hand stitched a lace motif on denim. It has an old-time look to it that I just love! I cut the flower out of an old piece of lace and then stitched around the edges with white thread. You could also iron it on with fusible web too. This simple pillow measures 9x9 finished.

My cat is as obsessed with fabric as I am :)

For a firm, non-lumpy pillow, make your own pillow insert. This makes such as difference, and you can remove the pillow for washing later. Sew a casing out of two pieces of muslin or lightweight cotton that is one inch smaller than the pillow. Stuff it and then insert it in the pillow case.

Make the pillow case removable by adding snaps to the end closure. For larger pillows, I like to make a slipcover opening on the back or a zipper, but since this one is so small I used snaps.

Happy Fall!