The Great Outdoors Part 3

Take a mini-vacation with us today !  You'll find yourself surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and wildlife in these lovely quilts.

Calling Me Home, 57 x 60.5, by McKenna Ryan at Pine Needles

Teeming with animals in their natural habitat amidst scenic beauty,  Calling Me Home is comprised of 8 separate applique blocks.  You can choose individual block designs,  or you can purchase all of them for this glorious quilt. As always, McKenna's scenes are full of personality, ranging from capricious bear cubs, to dignified waterfowl, graceful deer, and leaping fish. This quilt was created with solid color and lightly patterned batiks from Hoffman California International, as are many quilts from Pine Needles.
 

On the Prowl,  28.5 x 28.5. by Toni Whitney at Bigfork Bay Cotton Company

According to the San Diego Zoo,  the mountain lion is also known as a cougar or puma; it inhabits the wilderness areas of western Canada, the western United States, and southern South America. This fabric kit contains the rich tawny beiges and golds  for constructing the mountain lion's face, along with the deep chocolate brown batiks for the borders.  The eye-catching, attractive pattern can be purchased by itself, or along with the fabric kit. In addition, the fabric kit and thread kit can be purchased separately if desired.

Fish On, 37.5 x28.5, by Willow Bend Creations at Northern Threads

 
Alaskan pattern designer Mary Stenros did a great job of creating this dramatic applique pattern showing an angler landing "the big one."  This pattern is advertised as being very "beginner friendly", even though it seems complex and detailed.  You trace the pattern onto fusible web material,  cut it out and attach it to the background fabric, then iron it onto the quilt. Here's a great way to put that pretty multi-colored batik fabric from your stash to perfect use.

Metolius, 40.5 x 70, by Jean Wells at The Stitchin' Post
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Renowned designer, author, and teacher Jean Wells of The Stitchin' Post in Sisters, Oregon, pays tribute to the trout of Metolius River, near her grandmother's home. Find the most dazzling royal blue, violet, orange, and gold fabrics that you can; and get to work on this cheerful creation.  You can purchase the entire quilt kit including directions,  or the individual pattern itself.  Either way, you'll have a wonderful time with this project.

Northern Lights, 33.5 x 24.5,  by Marie Noah at Northern Threads

A beautiful bargello patchwork background and fusible applique silhouettes highlight this picturesque work. The scene depicts the fascinating light show of the Aurora Borealis, which often occurs near earth's polar regions.  This wall hanging looks complex, but it's designed for basic sewers. It includes easy-to-follow directions for both piecing and applique. If you love mixed-techniques quilts, here's an enjoyable pattern for you.