I’ve always had a soft spot for fall. 🍁 Even though my kids are grown, I still feel the seasonal shift when school buses reappear, the horizon fills with color, and the rhythm of the day slows down just enough to breathe and create.

The mornings are cooler, the walks are longer (thanks, Fergus and Rigby 🐾), and my creativity always gets a little added inspiration this time of year — maybe it’s the crisp air or the scent of cinnamon wafting through my kitchen.

But for me, fall isn’t just pumpkin spice, sweater weather, and football games.

Fall is filled with memories.

🎃 Pumpkins, Pirates & Playful Nostalgia

Some of my fondest memories — as both a child and a mom — are wrapped up in Halloween.

Every October, we made the pilgrimage to the local pumpkin patch. The rule? You could pick any pumpkin you wanted… as long as you could carry it yourself. We’d haul our finds home and carve spooky (or downright goofy) faces before roasting the seeds — a tradition that never gets old.

Costumes were a whole production in our house. And one of my son’s all-time favorites? A pirate. Thanks to a certain little movie franchise called Pirates of the Caribbean, he was utterly hooked.

So, when this month’s Quilt Block Mania theme turned out to be Fall, I couldn’t resist blending a little Halloween whimsy into something unexpected.

And thus, the Pirate Nutcracker was born. 🏴‍☠️🧡

🪡 This Month’s Free Block: The Pirate Nutcracker

Say ahoy to your October edition!

This block features all the essentials:

• A striped shirt for that classic pirate vibe

• A sword (naturally!)

• A bold mustache and eyepatch combo

• And even a pumpkin sidekick ready for mischief

💡 Want to jazz it up? Try:

• Metallic thread for a glinting sword

• Buttons, embroidery, or a tiny skull motif on the hat

• Add your own funky face for the pumpkin.

Whether you turn it into a Halloween wall-hanging, a cheeky table runner, or a seasonal banner, this block is sure to spark some fall mischief in your studio.

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More Fall-Themed Blocks from the QBM Designers

This month’s QBM designers are bringing lots of fall fun – October-fest, apple pie, fall foliage and sturdy sunflowers.

🧩 Piece them together into a quilt that celebrates a fabulous fall.

Acorn Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Bracelet Quilt Block by Patchwork Breeze
Boot by Crafty Staci
Seam Rippers by Inquiring Quilter
Bow Tie Quilt Block by Scrapdash
Lipstick by QuiltFabrication
Watching the Time by Patti’s Patchwork
Favorite Bow Quilt Block
City Bear by Colette Belt Designs
Summer Hat by Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts
Lingerie by Appliques Quilts and More
Necklace by Slightly Biased Quilts
Quilted Tote Bag by Cristy Fincher
Yes, M’Lady by Epida Studio
ZipZip Purse by Oh Kaye Quilting
Nail Your Style by Orange Blossom QDS

🧵 Catch Up on the Full Nutcracker Series

If you’re new here — welcome! Each month, I release a new Nutcracker block as part of a this year’s block of the month series.

Want the full nutty crew?
🛒 You can find the past blocks here in the shop.

💬 Let’s Chat!

Fall is such a season of inspiration. 🍂

What’s your favorite part?
The colors? The flavors? The crunch of leaves underfoot?

I’d love to know what inspires you this time of year — or what you’re stitching up! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @tourmalinethymequilts so I can see your seasonal makes.

Until next time — keep stitching with spirit!

Happy Quilting!