Falling leaves ...

Today's the day! Issue 3 of Fat Quarterly is now available. This issue has a focus on fussy cutting, and I really think it's the best issue yet.

Want to learn more about Fat Quarterly? We also just released our first ever newsletter, available to anyone who wants to read more. Find it here.

I'm so happy to share the pattern I created for this issue. It's one of my personal favorites so far ...

Inspired by the changing seasons, I wanted to create a giant tree quilt with falling leaves. Rosemarie Lavin's Spa line, with it's hues of brown, blue, and green, was a perfect fit. And when I went shopping for a backing fabric, Joanna at Wish Upon a Quilt pointed me towards this Joel Dewberry print. Genius!

Bethany Pease (http://www.bethanyquilts.com) amazed me again with her mad skillz. I was worried that the overall tree pattern was getting lost among the busy prints, but she masterfully added bark to the trees, stems to the leaves, and swirly winds in the sky to really bring the quilt to life.

Check out this detail work. Amazing.

Since I have had solids on my mind since returning from Quilt Market in Houston (thanks, Cherri!), I can't help but imagine this quilt made from mostly solids with a few select prints mixed in. My wife also had the brilliant idea to make this as a family tree quilt, with the leaves doubling as signature blocks for family members. Wouldn't that be amazing?

I'm calling this pattern "rooted", and I am very proud of it. And since it's really just made up of squares and half-square triangles (HST's), it's great for both beginners and more experienced sewists.

Check it out. I can't wait to hear what you think.