QM Scrap Squad: Cathy’s “Autumn Glory”

The QM Scrap Squad is a select group of seven QM readers. They take one pattern from each regular issue of Quiltmaker and make their own scrappy versions to inspire you.

The Scrap Squad project from the July/August issue of Quiltmaker is Old Glory, designed and made by Margie Ullery of Ribbon Candy Quilt Company.

Old Glory, designed and made by Margie Ullery; appears in Quiltmaker July/August '12

Today’s featured quilt is by Cathy Buel from Clinton Township, Michigan. You’ll hear from Cathy in her own words below.

Cathy Buel from Clinton Township, Michigan

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I liked this quilt the moment I saw it. When we were asked to consider what else might be sprinkled across the quilt, my wheels were spinning. My favorite time of year is Autumn. I love the changing colors of the leaves and pumpkins.

I just happened to have a Bali Pop in Autumn colors. The original quilt called for 1″, 2″ and 3″ strips. I wasn’t able to do that since Bali Pops are 2″ wide.  So I used enough of the 2″ strips to equal the size of the original quilt.

Because of the size of the quilt it was easier to put it up on my design wall sideways.  By the way, my design wall was very inexpensive. I bought two flannel-backed tablecloths, sewed them together lengthwise and have them thumb-tacked to my wall.

Next was to draw my leaf. After I came up with the drawing I enlarged it 130% for the small leaf and 150% for the large leaf. I also drew a pumpkin, pumpkin leaf and stem. Please help yourself to the free applique patterns for all the different versions of Old Glory, including mine.

I drew my patterns onto template plastic and then traced the designs onto my leaf and pumpkin fabric. I played around with the placement until I was happy.

I hand appliqued my leaves and pumpkins. It takes a little longer but I find it very relaxing. I turn my edges using a toothpick. I find that a toothpick hugs the fabric better than if I was using the needle to turn the fabric.

I started auditioning fabrics for the border. Since my quilt is rather dark to begin with black just didn’t work. I ended up not using an inner border and just used the outer border design for my quilt. It took a little math work to get it to fit properly since I left off the inner border.

I machine quilted in the ditch throughout the quilt. I hand quilted around the leaves and pumpkin.

I also added a little embroidery embellishment to the pumpkin.

Here is my completed quilt. I won’t have it for long as my youngest daughter has already laid claim to it. I hope you enjoyed my journey and will stay tuned for the other Scrap Squad versions.

Hugs, Cathy

Another nice job, with hand applique no less, by this Scrap Squad member. Remember that the free applique patterns for all of the Scrap Squad versions are there for the taking courtesy of Quiltmaker. More renditions of Old Glory coming in the days ahead!