Sea Monkey was born and is now Asher.
The other Leah had her baby! She and Abram went old school, they didn’t want to know the sex of the baby. Since they love everything about sea creatures, it was nine month of being called Sea Monkey.
I went to work months ago, I found this paper pieced pattern and got to work. This is one of the most complicated paper pieced fabrics I’ve ever done, but boy was it fun.
Then it was time to think about the background I went with SewKindof Wonderful, Chic Country. I love their quick curve ruler, I have had the pleasure of taking a class with Jenny. This pattern has been done in so many ways, I decided I want to create a solid circle and patterned background.
I went with an interesting color choice, as the other Leah said, this color combination isn’t in our wheel house at all. It was new for me as well, not knowing the gender, I wanted something neutral, I wanted someting that would be powerful but wouldn’t over take the octopus.
He fits in perfectly, I had no idea how perfect this would be. I thought I’d be cutting more into the background. Serendipity, perfect match.
I realize I was influenced by Luke Haynes, many of his early works were a detail realistic applique on a traditional quilt pattern background. Nope, I’m not calling this derivative (Sorry MQG – your guidelines are atrocious). This is simply me, creating in the real world, using the influences I find around me.
I am so happy with my glue basting.
I love the FMQ, and yes, my feathers are killer these days.
You get a better idea from looking at the back. I’m a dense quilter and that is how I like it. 
For the octopus, I outlined him and did some pebbles on the beach.
I have mentioned how much I love my feathers, right?
Hand binding comes next.
I finished this months ago, and I have kept it secret for months! The funny thing is, I shared this with both my quilt Instagramt LAMQG someone put it up on instagram! Yikes! The other Leah had already seen the octopus and had commented when I shared it on instagram. I really wanted this to be a surprise. Somehow she missed that post, and next time I shared the completed quilt, I asked that no one hashtag it. So yes, it did end up being a surprise.
I always piece the backs, the thought of buying five or six yards just for a back is very hard for me. I love using the leftover blocks. You will notice that the upper grey fabric wasn’t quite big enough. This is the only part of a quilt where I use any kind of improv.
I love a quilt that isn’t wavy or funky, so yes, having this beautiful square corner shows good workmanship. For me the accuracy and the workmanship are very important. I don’t call myself an artist, I’m a crafter who is very very proud of my craft.
Having the right model never hurts. When Leah and Abram settle down to being parents they will share pictures of Asher on his quilt.