Pumpkins and spice.  And yes, it is nice.  It is that time of year.  

These were on display at a local market on Saturday morning.  There's just something about a big pile of pumpkins that says "fall"... even when it's 80 degrees.

Clockwise from the upper-left... Pink Pumpkins - Red Warty Things Mix - Knucklehead Mix - Cinderella Pumpkins.

The Cinderella Pumpkins were particularly interesting - though no, I didn't get one.  Described as being prized for it's sweet flavor and creamy texture, it is ideal for using in pies, breads, cookies and cakes.  It should be sliced lengthwise and roasted or grilled to enhance it's sweet flavor.  Puree cooked Cinderella pumpkin to make Pumpkin Ice Cream.  It is also ideal cooked down to make Pumpkin Butter.

If wondering why all the pumpkins... it's because of Jan Patek.  Jan's block for this week is a Pumpkin.

This is Tammy's Pumpkin block - she's planning to set some of her blocks on point so she appliquéd this one to fit her setting.  The pumpkin fabrics are from Harvest Hill by Lynne Hagmeier for Kansas Troubles, Moda Marbles, and a lovely batik in the perfect color.  The stem is from William Morris by Victoria & Albert and the background is a Moda Rustic Weave.

CLICK HERE for the link to Jan’s blog and link to Block 28 – Pumpkin.

I went in a slightly different direction.  I'm pretty sure I cut out the freezer paper for the stem with the seam allowance added... then added it again.  It's a bit "chunky".  The background is from Snowberry by 3 Sisters and the prints are from Union Blues by Barbara Brackman and Lizzie's Legacy by Betsy Chutchian.  

Piecing the pumpkin is an idea I have shamelessly stolen borrowed from Jan.  When I was a wee young quilter, most of the appliqué I was exposed to was very traditional.  Imagine a still-life painting made with fabric.  Then I started seeing books by an amazing group of ladies from the Midwest... they were primitive.  Make that Primitive - with a capital P.  Jan Patek.  Linda Brannock.  Barb Adams and Alma Allen - Blackbird Designs.  Sue Spargo.  Gerri Kimmel-Carr.  Maggie Bonanomi.  Renee Nanneman.  With fabric and wool, they created art in a folk style, piecing and creating appliqué that turned "traditional" a bit on it's ear.  From their use of space to the scale and perspective, their work was original.  So when Jan appliquéd a big pineapple made entirely with half-triangle squares... it left an impression.

Jan is much, much better at appliqué than I am so I stuck with squares.

And diamonds.  The stem on this one is a tiny bit better.  I think I needed a few more pumpkin-butterscotch prints...

The fabrics are from Fig Tree & Co.'s Farmhouse and Chestnut Street collections and the background is one of my favorites, the circles from Ann's Arbor by Minick & Simpson. (It's in shops now.)

Question of the Week ~ Do you hand-quilt?  If so, how frequently?  Do you have any tips to share?

No.  Not often.  None.

But I'm working on it.

I have taken many, many classes for hand-quilting and... I always thought the idea of "no pain, no gain" should apply to crunches and lunges.  My fingers still haven't forgiven me.  But I'm working on it - I love the look of big-stitch quilting so now that I'm much older and wiser, I'm going to give hand-quilting another chance.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Just in case you missed it - CLICK HERE for the link to Jan’s blog and link to Block 28 – Pumpkin.

Don't forget that there is a Blockheads Archive with links to all of the published blocks and blog posts.

That's all she wrote for today, September 13.  Be sure to visit Lisa, Betsy, Lynne and J0 to see their blocks and what other good things they might have made:

• Lynne’s Blog / Facebook / Website
• Betsy’s Blog / Facebook / Instagram
• Jo’s Blog / Instagram
• Jan’s Blog / Website
• Lisa’s Blog / Website / Instagram

Don’t miss the blocks being posted to #modablockheads on Instagram and Facebook.

If you're not already a member, you can still join the Moda Blockheads Facebook group.  It's a busy group with lots of tips, suggestions and support.

Happy Blockhead Wednesday!