Just as I predicted, we did get a frost that put most things in the garden to rest. This however, gave me an opportunity to regroup and gather together the things that still look good and create new arrangements in the yard. It may refresh everything enough to get through Halloween and closer to Thanksgiving when outdoor decorations really do become the beginning of Holiday decorations.
I love stepping outside my front door to be treated by all the glorious colors each day. All the colors really intensified in just 24 hours. These colorful moments are fleeting and it is important to not take one day for granted. I try to capture what I see in photos, but they are never as grand as the actual experience. You can see why I am inspired by my surroundings, even just outside my front door.
Inside, a touch of fall color starts to appear in every room. Most of my basics are quite neutral which really gives me an opportunity to transition from one season to the next by changing out some artwork, switching out pillow covers, tweaking arrangements of pottery and of course, changing out quilts. They are the best for adding color, softness and interest to a room as well as actual warmth and coziness. All the beds get new quilts and of course the dining room table is a great place to change out the multiple runners I have for Halloween and general fall decorating. It is fun to bring the fall colors indoors. 
Sneak Preview . . . Quicker By The Dozen
I promised a sneak preview of the Block of the Month made from the River Song Fabric Collection that will be debuted at the Fall Market in Houston at the end of October. The colors in the River Song collection reflect a traditional color palette that appears along river banks everywhere, and definitely here in my home town. The basic quilt is Quicker by the Dozen. Each month, 12 blocks of one block design are made. This is what makes it “quicker”. The cutting is easier and the piecing is easy and multiples can be made quickly. One size version is a Throw that uses 6″ blocks and no border. Another size version is a generous Queen/King that uses 9″ blocks with a border. Of course, borders are optional on either size.
I collaborated with the ladies at Cotton+Steel and RJR Fabrics showcasing two other fabric collections. This gives you, the consumer, a very valuable design that can be used for so many quilts that will be remarkably different. It is easy to piece and would make a great project to do with someone who may want to learn to quilt while working along someone who can pass on hints and tips and they can make it in a fabric collection that appeals to their sensibilities.
It is a one size fits all kind of BOM. Included in the pattern is also a view using the RJR Thirties, Everything But The Kitchen Sink collection as well. All the versions are vastly different giving you a lot of choice. Actually, it would be fun to make one of each. Ask you local quilt shop to inquire about the Quicker by the Dozen – Block of the Month from their RJR representative.
My favorite Halloween Decoration:
My two grandchildren, Taylor and Ella, both wore the same Halloween costume at about the same age, just 2-1/2 years apart. A similar picture was taken of both. They are the first two things I pull out each year and if I didn’t get any other Halloween decor displayed, they would be enough. Both Taylor and Ella, now 5 and 7 love to see the pictures as well.
