Maple Leaf Quilt-Along, Step 3
Posted on September 27, 2021 by prairiemoonquilts in Brunswick Forest, Quilt-Alongs & BeesHave you started a pile of little Maple Leaf blocks by now? I’ve seen a few around, and some of you have sent me some lovely pictures! Here’s one Amanda made — the color in this is fabulous!!!
I’m a little slow at it. It’s super difficult for me to cut anything. I ordered one of those ergonomic rotary cutters from Martelli, and it helps a lot, but even then, I can only use it for a tiny amount of time. I’m calling it part of my therapy, because getting back to doing the things I normally do every day is the only way I will consider my arm completely healed. But at this stage, I’m still having to rest it quite a bit. I’m working toward a great report on Oct. 6th, when I go back to see Doc again.
Meanwhile, I’m doing what I can, and I did manage to make 5 more blocks this past week — I now have a total of 8 ready to go:
At the current moment, this first layout is the one I’m planning to go with, so this is the layout I’m presenting first. It’s probably the one that will require the most leaves, so that’s another reason I’m presenting it early on in the quilt-along, so you can determine how many leaves you’ll need and know how many you’d like to make each week.
This layout is all leaves and plain squares. The details and instructions for this version are in the downloadable PDF here: MapleLeafLayout1.
There’s a chart in the file that will help you determine the size you want to make and then tell you how many leaves and squares you will need. I’m planning on making the throw-sized version, unless I get super carried away with the leaves!
So that means I’ll need to make approximately 30 leaves each week. That may not happen, given my current circumstances, but then again, this is not a race, and you do NOT have to finish at any certain time. This is a work-at-your-own-pace, do-what-you-want sort of quilt-along (cos that’s all I can handle my ownself!).
You could take 8 leaves and 8 plain squares, make one block, and turn it into a pillow!
If you’re not in love with this first layout, never fear — I’ll be presenting three more layouts as we go along, so just keep making leaves and maybe you’ll land on one you like over the next few weeks, or even come up with a layout all your own!
Also, I was planning a give-away this week, but after two entire nights spent in the ER parking lot waiting on My Cowboy to be turned loose, the furnace installation guys being here for an entire day, and my daughter’s wedding (that we attended via Zoom), I just couldn’t get it together this past week, so I’m pushing the give-away to next week. Oh, and have I mentioned I have a broken elbow? Welcome to our circus ranch!
Anyway, happy Maple Leaf making, and have a wonderful week!
I have six made but with company this week and quilt show next week, I don’t anticipate getting much done for awhile.
Your blocks are gorgeous. If it makes you feel any better, you sew better than I do with your broken elbow!! Hang in there, and hoping for a great report next week.
Cowboy ER
Zoom Wedding
Broken Elbow sewing leaves
Oh Shelly – wishing you healing.
Yikes, am I not correct in thinking that I have to make only ONE of these squares (I’m doing the 68 x 68 throw/third choice)
I have NO idea how you manage to do all you do!
I only have 3 made but 10 more cut out. Handsewing is slow! Daughter being induced now and 22 month old had accident at slide so now has cast on leg – she weighs 30 lbs so not much getting done since she must not walk. I’m the carrier.
I’m still working on little flowers. I will get to the leaves soon.
Love this layout! I am planning on doing my fall colored leaves with a sky blue background, and this will look like the leaves falling. I haven’t made any yet, but I cut out several sets to use as leaders/enders. Looks like I need to get moving on this. Glad you are able to sew a little–sending healing thoughts your way!
That sounds beautiful!
Sending healing prayers to both you and your Cowboy.
Wow you sure have your hands full! Healing prayers for you and cowboy! I haven’t started any leaves yet, maybe by the weekend I will be able to make a few.
Wow you do have a lot going on! Take care😬
Hope you and Cowboy are both healing. Congrats on your daughter’s wedding. When I had a broken upper bone in my arm the dr said my sewing (pushing fabric through machine) helped keep the muscles from atrophy. Good luck with yours.
Great lay-out idea–Thank you! This is such a fun way to celebrate Fall. Hope it’s a speedy recovery for you and your Cowboy.
Thinking of you and praying your life settles down. All you will do will come but if like I was slower than wanted.
Pieces cut and ready to sew. Hope to catch up with y’all!
If it wasn’t bordering on tragic, I’d be amused by all this. I hope your Cowboy is back on track, and you hang in there. I’ve been intending to make these darling blocks, but instead I’m consumed with washing windows. Don’t worry about the giveaway, take your time.
Love your pretty blocks! I’m still planning to make a bunch…not sure if I’ll incorporate them into a quilt I’ve already planned or toss them randomly onto a scrappy background. I’ll get started on mine as soon as I can.
I’m hoping everything calms down for you and you get a chance to just relax. Often things happen in clusters of 3.
I have found batik fabric creates the look of nature’s color variance really well. These are so fun to make! The leaves are turning colors here so often when I’m going down the road I get more ideas.