10/11/14

Fall Colors

The forecast "pineapple express" seems to be slow arriving. The last I checked, it wasn't due until Tuesday. It rained a little last night, but the day was lovely. We needed to drive out to a couple of wineries to pick up wine shipments. We are members of three wineries, two of them local. The third ships the wine to us, but we are required to pick up the other two. It's really just a good excuse to visit the wineries and taste some wine.

The vineyards are always beautiful this time of year. We're told 2014 will be a good harvest. The leaves are turning, and folks were flocking to the tasting rooms today. Those of us who live in the area know that this beautiful weather won't last much longer. It was a little hazy today, but I think you can get an idea how beautiful it is. These images were taken at the Domaine Drouhin Winery in the Dundee Hills of Oregon.



Here's a pano. Remember to click on the image to make it larger.


We stopped along the road as we were leaving the winery to take this one last shot. So pretty.


When we got home, I went to work on my "Leaves" table runner. I finished putting the borders on it.


Then I added the leaf backgrounds.


Then I added the second applique layer to the insides of the leaves.






I was wishing for a little more contrast on that last one. I'll probably top-stitch it in a pinkish thread to bring out the different fabrics.

Here's how the whole thing looks.


Tomorrow I'm making dinner for the family to celebrate Erik's birthday, and so I don't know if I'll have time to do any sewing. When I get back to this again, I'll be top-stitching the applique pieces. It's tempting to sandwich it and let the top-stitching serve as the quilting, but I think I'm going to use a blanket stitch. Then when I'm ready to quilt it, I'll straight stitch around each piece. That will give it more texture. I'll probably do a vine of leaves around the outside as well.

So that was my day. How did you spend your Saturday?

12 comments:

Tami C said...

Your table runner is coming along real nice!

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

I love the leaves, they are super looking. The contrast in the purple one is pretty low, I agree w you on that. Hope the birthday celebration is a great one. My baby turned 29 last week, hard to fathom, isn't it ?~!

quiltzyx said...

Very pretty at the vineyards! It was hazy down here today too.
Love the way the leaf table runner is looking! You are speeding right along.
What did I do today? Finished a transcription on lung cancer medications & crocheted a Happy Bowl, another to go to my guild's boutique & tea next week. Then a nap. Working tomorrow at the colleges.
Have a great Erik's b'day dinner!

Michele said...

It is looking great so far.

gpc said...

I love the colors in your runner, even better than the original IMHO. The wineries are beautiful. We have beautiful places near me, but getting wine is a super bonus. :)

ana-ane said...

Felicidades por tu nuevo trabajo y felicidades tambiƩn por haber parido un chico tan guapo como Erik.

Erik feliz cumpleaƱos.

Anonymous said...


What a beautiful table runner - love all the pretty colors you have used - stitching will make the last one pop.
Thank you for such great pictures you always include in your post - it is like going on a trip without leaving home..
Look forward to your adventures..
Thanks
MaryLou
Fun4Me1249@aol.com

Dar said...

That is beautiful. You find the cutest patterns and do such a great job with picking out fabrics. Everything I see I like!! Your stitching and quilting will be gorgeous as well, I know. Have fun at the birthday dinner.

Julierose said...

Gorgeous pattern choice--am in love with that purple/grape one--gee think your wine trip influenced it?? Here in SE CT we never see any wines from Oregon--I wonder why...hugs, Julierose

liniecat said...

fabulous runner, love batiks and wonderful to see vines growing and the promise of MORE wine to come lol

kc said...

Stunning! (both the winery & your leaves) IMHO, your runner is prettier than the original sample in the book. I love the cohesiveness of your fabric choices..I'm not so much a fan of scrappy, and yours looks much better to my crazy eyes.

Thanks for sharing! Happy Birthday Erik!

Kate said...

Gorgeous scenery! I think we got your cold wet weather, it pretty much rained or misted all weekend. And it was cold (it didn't get above 60).

Love your fall leaves. It's going to be a beautiful table runner. Is it going on your table or will it be a gift?