Hello Fall – Awash in Acorns!

I am so pleased to be a part of Carla’s Hello Fall Blog Hop. Her hops are always so much fun and this one I am sure will prove to be also.

For my project, I decided to deal with some old blocks that needed a purpose in life. I will give you the instructions for the blocks and the setting triangles I used so you can make your own version, either using my blocks or ones you have left from other projects.

I had many test blocks left from when I designed these blocks for the 2018 Let’s Fall into a QAL. I had 3 – 12 1/2″ blocks and 4 – 6 1/2″ blocks. So, I headed to Electric Quilt 8* to figure out what to do.

I needed two kinds of blocks…the corner triangles and the setting triangles. Remember we know the dimension of the block these triangles are next to…12 1/2″ for the corner triangles and 6 1/2″ for the setting triangles. Of course, Electric Quilt does figure this out for you, except the corner triangles were cut as one square cut in quarter. So, I went back to the formula for half square triangles. That long side of a HST is 1.414 x the length of the square. So, in order to cut a square that is close to the size of the 12 1/2″ block, it would be 9 1/2″ [(12.5/1.414 +.5)=9.3 rounded to 9.5). I actually cut a 10″ square as it just seemed safer. I prefer to trim and know I have a little wiggle room.

So, I turned to quilting. That turned into more of an adventure than I anticipated; I thought I would just do it the long way. Well, that did not work as well as I thought because there was not quite enough room to do the 12″ block on point in the space between the bars – remember that is 12 x 1.414 = 16.96″. I really can quilt about 11″ before I have trouble running into the rails. Again, I had to readjust my plan and would have to do half a block at a time. I found designs I liked and worked and am pleased with the way it turned out. [You can find lots of information here on quilting calculators].

These are the quilting designs I used. One is flipped and made to join on the ends to use in the 12″ squares. My Simply 16 Handi Quilter, SS Tabitha, worked like a charm. I even used heavier thread in the bobbin than on top – because I liked the color!

I am pleased with the overall effect. It fits nicely on this bureau, so I can see it getting some use. I love the Essex Linen that is some of the background, as well as the red maple leaves in the corner and the Dit Dot pumpkin on the edges.

The back has a fabric I have hoarded for a long time. I loved the lambs and the colors looked great with a little Dit Dot pumpkin! Funny thing, I wasn’t planning on using all of my new yard of this at one time.. I didn’t put a label on it as it was really meant to be a double sided piece. Also, I have sometime to tell you about binding tomorrow, in my Tips and Tutorials on the 22nd. If you are new here, that is a monthly feature with a link up party – there are lots of great tutorials and tips that get linked up through the month.

But, before I forget, here is a link to the pattern. I give the cutting instructions and layout, but not the details of sewing rows together, all but novices or newbies should be comfortable with the pattern.

A might old Peaks Island oak tree on Willow Street

This old oak is down the street from us. She is a beauty and her owners had 3 piles of acorns, and more falling as I took the perfect photo with my new table runner! Funny thing, we don’t have squirrels on the island and we would like to keep it that way.

Awash in Acorns!

This project also was my One Monthly Goal and one of my PhD in 2020 projects! Hooray for September goals reached.

Awash in Acorns
20″ x 50″
Pattern design by me
Quilt pattern from HQ Prostitcher (see above pictures)
Batting: Quilters Dream 70/30
Threads for Quilting:
40 wt Glide in gold in bobbin
50 wt Superior Sew Fine #403 and 50 wt Craftsy Rose on top

Coming Up on the Blog:
QAL by the Sea #7 – 9/22
Tips and Tutorials on the 22 – 9/22 
QAL by the Sea #8 – 9/29 My block!

Linking Up With:
What I Made Monday
UFO Busting
Colour Inspiration Tuesday
Longarm Learning
Midweek Makers
One Monthly Goal
TGIFF

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55 Comments

  1. September 21, 2020 / 1:51 AM

    The perfect spot to photograph your pretty runner. Nice work.

  2. TheGranChris
    September 21, 2020 / 2:40 AM

    Very nice, love the acorns.

  3. September 21, 2020 / 6:15 AM

    Your acorn runner is so charming!

  4. September 21, 2020 / 8:08 AM

    Hi Kathleen! The perfect piece for Fall and how wonderful to be able to use up some extra blocks that weren’t feeling loved. I love hearing about the pre-quilting process, and love the design you chose! They compliment each other so nicely and have translated well onto the piece. Happy Monday to you! ~smile~ Roseanne

  5. Vicki in MN
    September 21, 2020 / 8:35 AM

    Love, love your acorns, and so nice of your neighbors to share their acorn pile for your photo shoot;) Thanks for sharing the pattern also! I haven’t done anything with acorns but keep thinking I should.

  6. September 21, 2020 / 8:37 AM

    So cute!!! A perfect Fall runner.

  7. September 21, 2020 / 8:40 AM

    Thank you for the pretty acorns. Fall wouldn’t be complete without them. Your runner is lovely, Kathleen. Thank you for joining the Hello Fall blog hop and the information. I didn’t know there was a site for quilting calculators.

  8. September 21, 2020 / 8:43 AM

    You did well with this project, using up orphan blocks, finishing your OMG, etc. It is a cute runner. I like the idea that it could be reversible too. I’ll bet the neighborhood squirrels love that old oak tree with all its acorns!

  9. Carol Kussart
    September 21, 2020 / 8:56 AM

    Great fall project and great way to use orphan blocks. Thanks for sharing the pattern too! Our yard is full of oak trees and acorns–I wish I could donate some to you. 🙂

  10. September 21, 2020 / 9:30 AM

    Lovely acorn quilt. We have many of them in our yard. Thanks for sharing your pattern … 🙂 Pat

  11. September 21, 2020 / 9:34 AM

    What a great use of those Orphan Blocks, Kathleen (and a perfect project for the Hello Fall Blog Hop!!)

  12. sewswift
    September 21, 2020 / 10:12 AM

    This is such a pretty table runner, Kathleen, and it’s perfect for fall. I have never seen an acorn in real life…yes, I live a sheltered life. LOL I love the picture of the tree and of your runner with that pile of acorns. Great fall project and thanks for sharing!

  13. Gretchen Romanelli
    September 21, 2020 / 10:15 AM

    Very nice pattern and options. You included your process to the final block which let’s people know it is a lot of creative hard work to get the finished product.
    Loved the backing lamb fabric. Fall colors are not here yet but soon. Acorns will be gathered and stored in my woodshed by local squirrels and chipmunks now.
    I do the the colorsxand smells of fall.

  14. September 21, 2020 / 10:25 AM

    What a terrific runner you designed Kathleen! Our oak is dropping acorns like crazy this year, the most ever. We read that when it’s stressed (and we had a very dry summer) it will do this. Wonderful quilting you did too; anything feathers you know I love.

  15. September 21, 2020 / 10:42 AM

    Such a lovely Fall Acorn table runner. And it’s great that you could use some orphaned blocks. I did not realize that you lived on an island and no squirrels. It is a lovely oak tree.

  16. September 21, 2020 / 11:14 AM

    This is a great runner and I love your acorns, they are so cute.

  17. Lori Smanski
    September 21, 2020 / 11:18 AM

    this is very pretty. thanks for sharing the pattern. my daughter in law is nuts about acorns. this will make a pretty gift for her. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

  18. Karrin Hurd
    September 21, 2020 / 12:10 PM

    Adorable table runner, thanks so much for sharing. I have the original Handiquilter rails that you taped to a board, which I use with a Juki machine, and I only have about 9 inches of space, until you start rolling up the quilt, and then it is much less.

  19. Joan
    September 21, 2020 / 12:10 PM

    Love your acorn runner. I have a friend who we love to torment with squirrels ever since she ran over one. An acorn runner to go with her squirrels is perfect! 🙂

  20. Nancy Bekedam
    September 21, 2020 / 12:12 PM

    Great quilting and photography! I love your seasonal bureau topper, Kathleen!

  21. September 21, 2020 / 1:06 PM

    Beautiful table runner! Your color choices are lovely. Thank you for sharing the pattern.

  22. KJ
    September 21, 2020 / 1:39 PM

    What a great fall project. Thank you.

  23. September 21, 2020 / 1:41 PM

    Kathleen the runner is perfect; using orphan blocks and those acorns are the cutest

  24. September 21, 2020 / 1:50 PM

    I love your fall table runner! Perfect for fall! 🙂

  25. Jackie Hale
    September 21, 2020 / 2:48 PM

    This is beautiful! Thank you!

  26. September 21, 2020 / 2:57 PM

    So lovely.

  27. Connie S. Wolfe
    September 21, 2020 / 4:54 PM

    The runner looks great in its new home and under the tree. Good job on such an intricate looking design.
    Connie

  28. Helen Bowie
    September 21, 2020 / 5:36 PM

    Thanks for sharing, your work is always wonderful!

  29. Brenda @ Songbird Designs
    September 21, 2020 / 5:56 PM

    Love your acorn runner, Kathleen! It definitely signals fall in my book! Thanks for sharing and for the pattern download!

  30. September 21, 2020 / 6:43 PM

    Kathleen, I love the acorn runner! Thanks for sharing the layout, I’m going to give this a try!

  31. Janet
    September 21, 2020 / 7:12 PM

    Thank you for reminding me of them! When I was little and we lived back east, my father would use his pocket knife to make baskets for us from the acorns. I has been a long time since I have seen acorns and fallen leaves on the ground. I miss seasons.

  32. Patti
    September 21, 2020 / 8:59 PM

    This is cute! Thank you for sharing.

  33. selina
    September 21, 2020 / 9:49 PM

    I retired to Florida from NJ and I really miss fall and Acorns. Your table runner is wonderful. It captures fall beautifully. Love the mound of acorns you included in your last shot.

  34. Lj Meyers
    September 21, 2020 / 10:06 PM

    Thank you for the sweet fall ‘acorns awash’ table runner. It is such a lovely tree. The oaks on our block were decimated by a derecho we had 6 weeks ago. 🙁 Love oak trees and their acorns.

  35. Sandi
    September 21, 2020 / 11:39 PM

    Your acorn table runner is very cute. I started making a fall quilt yesterday and I’ve been thinking about trying to quilt acorns and oak leaves on it when I’m done. We’ll see if I can.

  36. Hannah W
    September 22, 2020 / 2:23 AM

    your table runner is beautiful:)

  37. Colette
    September 22, 2020 / 12:42 PM

    I have a huge old oak tree I see out of my sewing room window. Currently I have a resident squirrel, but who knows how long it will live there, they have a tendency to play in the road. Lovely runner and I love your quilting.

  38. September 23, 2020 / 9:25 AM

    Love it, Kathleen! It’s a super cute table runner and the quilting is gorgeous. Our new puppy saw his first squirrel today and nearly caught it! It just shot up the tree as he reached the base of the trunk. I think there must be a little bit of wolf still left in him. . . .

  39. Cindy Pieters
    September 23, 2020 / 11:36 AM

    What a lovely fall project and from orphan blocks a win in my books any day!

  40. cropperbea
    September 23, 2020 / 2:53 PM

    cute runner

  41. thedarlingdogwood
    September 23, 2020 / 4:01 PM

    Those acorns were one of my favorite blocks from the fall QAL! So nice to see them again! Your table runner looks great.

  42. September 23, 2020 / 8:16 PM

    That’s lovely fall runner, and a great way to use up test and orphan blocks. Thanks for sharing the details.

  43. September 24, 2020 / 12:10 PM

    those are darling acorns and a lovely layout. perfect for fall!

  44. September 24, 2020 / 1:25 PM

    What a fun way to use your abundance of acorn blocks! Thanks for sharing.

  45. mlmcspadden
    September 24, 2020 / 1:55 PM

    Great project

  46. September 24, 2020 / 7:45 PM

    This is a lovely table runner. Love the acorns, perfect for Fall.

  47. September 24, 2020 / 8:58 PM

    Hi Kathleen, what a great runner. I really like those quilting designs! I’m not sure that I would want to quilt acorns though since the squirrels around here are burying them and I have tons of little oaks everywhere! If I don’t catch them early, they become impossible to uproot. They are glorious trees but those squirrels have no sense of where the oaks belong 🙂 Take care.

  48. September 25, 2020 / 6:25 AM

    What delightful fall runner! Goodness, that is a lot of acorns!

  49. Julie Stocker
    September 25, 2020 / 8:12 AM

    A fall project at the start of fall has to feel rewarding. SO much nicer than Christmas trees in July! Good idea to use it as a reversible runner. I think the backing is just as lovely.

  50. Rebecca Grace
    September 25, 2020 / 10:04 AM

    Your runner looks fantastic, Kathleen! I love how you quilted it AND I love the photograph with the actual pile of acorns! I can’t imagine living someplace without squirrels.

  51. September 25, 2020 / 8:48 PM

    Kathleen, thank you for linking to TGIFF!

  52. September 28, 2020 / 12:45 PM

    Adorable acorn runner!

  53. inquiringquilter
    September 28, 2020 / 9:46 PM

    I remember this block! What a clever way to put them together. Thanks for sharing on Wednesday Wait Loss.

  54. September 28, 2020 / 10:25 PM

    What a great use for all your spare acorn blocks. Our usual city home is near a park with old oak trees… they make amazing picnic shade in the Australian sun. Thanks for sharing at the Clever Chameleon’s Colour & Inspiration Party.

  55. Joy Teague
    October 8, 2020 / 10:26 PM

    Thank you for the lovely quilt block.
    Joy

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