Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Kick Up Some Leaves

Design - "October Owls"
Chart - "October" #164
Designer - The Prairie Schooler
Fabric - 32 count Lambswool linen
Started - 3 November 2012
Completed - 4 November 2012

This was one of six rectangles that made up a larger piece.  It is a 'small' for sure - would make a nice pincushion if I had the skill set!

I always think of Owls as an Autumnal bird.  Maybe that is because they've become affiliated with Halloween.  But for me, the number one sign on Autumn is the turning of the leaves.  In western Oregon the leaf color peaks at the end of October / beginning of November. 
Let's take a walk and take a look.   

This Cherry has so many pretty colors.

A couple of the Big Leaf Maples turned a lovely buttery yellow.

It's hard to top this Dogwood - what a lovely rich color pallet. 

Then there are the Oaks.  They go straight from bright green to dull brown.  And yet, they, more than any other tree, "mean fall" to me.  I have lots of fond memories of kicking through large piles of Oak leaves.  And the smell - the earthy, musty smell of Oak leaves - that smell says 'home' to me. 

While the leaves are pretty mundane, the berries of the Hawthorn are bright and lovely.

And let's not forget the conifers!  Deep in the forest the duff is composed of a layers and layers of Douglas Fir needles.

I have an answer!  My mystery tree from last week - it's a Plum!

Even the Hazelnut shrubs get into the spirit of things come Autumn.

The grand old Cottonwoods are some of the last trees to lose their leaves. 

If you were composing a photo, could you do a better job than Nature?
I think not.

I hope you enjoyed today's walk!

11 comments:

cucki said...

aww great stitching and lovely pictures..
love cucki xxx

Nicola said...

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

Not my words but something I read that stuck with me.

Ann at Beadlework. said...

I agree Beth, nature for me tops everything else.

dixiesamplar said...

Really enjoyed the walk...and the finish is awesome.

Siobhán said...

Lovely stitching! Great finish. I loved the walk, too.

Gabi said...

Love those owls.
And also all those beautiful autumn colors, not only in your stitching but also in your beautiful photos as well.

Barb said...

That last picture is so pretty ! Love that owl stitch!We are truly being attacked by big leaf maple leaves!!They are mid-calf deep!

Wanda said...

It's hard to find colours more beautiful than autumn. Thanks for the great walk! Great PS owls!

Pam in IL said...

Owls, owls and more owls -- another cute finish! Pin cushions are easy to make and I'm sure you can find some easy online tutorials.

How nice that you have fall color. Our color is pretty much gone and we've had such strong winds that nearly all the trees have been stripped of their leaves.

Melanie said...

Love the photos!!! I never get tired of seeing fall leaves. :)

Astrids dragon said...

Love the owls and your pictures are just lovely!