Autumn approaches, in all its splendid glory. As cool weather draws nigh, so does the craving for fall fabric and the cozy creative spirit that comes with the season. Did you know there is such a word as "autumnophile?" I think we fit the definition and to prove it, we're starting with a unique wool block of the month just in time. Are you ready to meet The Raven?

Perhaps you've already met? Several years ago, Blackbird Designs published a striking autumn masterpiece in cotton applique. We are delighted to discover they have brought it back! Marianne Michaels set to work adapting the design to feature rich, hand-dyed wools and we love it so much, we're offering it as a new wool block of the month!

Moody, autumn hues stitched in wool and cotton tell the tale of The Raven. Inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s poem, each block’s name is taken from a bit of Poe’s poetry. The ladies at Blackbird Designs have shown us through the years how well their designs translate from cotton applique, to cross stitch, to rug hooking and, in this case, to wool applique.


This nine-block, 68" x 68" quilt is perfect to welcome fall. The birds, whether perched on a pumpkin or silhouetted by the light of the harvest moon, are sure to add a bit of whimsy to your seasonal decor. 

For this block of the month, we have adapted the pattern for wool applique on cotton backgrounds. The Raven pattern book by Blackbird Designs will be included in your first kit. The first nine kits will each make one Raven block and will include hand-dyed wool for applique and a cotton background. Month 10 will be your finishing kit including cotton fabric from Blackbird's newest collection for your sashing, borders and binding. 

The blocks include simple embellishment using silk threads. Threads are not included in the kits but a list of the threads we used in our sample will be included in your first kit.

This ten-month program begins October 13th, 2025. Sign up now with a $25 registration fee. Monthly kits are $44.99 each. You may choose to pick up your kits each month or we would be happy to ship for an additional $8.99 per month.

There is not a class associated with this BOM. We recommend attending one of Marianne's free wool applique demos to learn the basics or you can check out her YouTube tutorial on our channel. Read all the program details here and get ready to stitch this fall!

It's high time we share another free pattern download!

Designed by Ramona Sorensen for Corn Wagon Quilt Co., this free download pattern series is designed to help quilters of all skill levels use their scrap stash while practicing tried and true techniques to finish a variety of fast and fun quilts! Find this and more free patterns on our website.

Wouldn't this quilt be fun made up in the new Willow Bend collection by Cassandra Zaniboni? Drawing on inspiration from the adventurous spirit and rugged landscapes of the northwest, deep hues from the forest with muted, sun-washed tones host friendly woodland creatures. It would make a great choice for your favorite fall adventure buddy. Find it now online and in-store!