Where the Buffalo Roam: The Story Behind the Quilt

There’s something unforgettable about seeing a bison up close.

My husband and I visited Yellowstone National Park in the summer of 2023.  The landscapes were incredible; steaming geysers, endless pine forests, and wide-open skies.  But what really stole the show were the bison.  We were very careful and kept our distance from these majestic creatures.

Bison herd in Lamar Valley

Lone Bison in Biscuit Basin

Working the zoom lens!

But one in particular made a lasting impression.  As we were driving along one of the park’s winding roads, we came across a lone bison walking right down the middle of the road.  Not across it - straight toward us.  Slow.  Steady.  Massive.  Majestic.  It was his road.

That moment stuck with me.  The quiet power of the creature and the way he moved with total confidence and calm.  Plus, he was really stinkin’ cute. 

So I created the bison block in the Yellowstone Sampler quilt, and he quickly became my favorite.  So much so, that I decided to make him into a mini quilt of his own.

This 18”x 18” mini quilt is a tribute to the bison and includes an adorable bison face with Paintbrush flowers in in the corners.

Paintbrush flower in Yellowstone

It’s traditionally pieced (no templates) and perfect for confident beginners or anyone who loves small projects with big personality.  I used fabrics from Cherrywood in warm, earthy tones to truly capture the spirit of Yellowstone.

The pattern is now available as a digital PDF download, so you can start stitching your own buffalo adventure right away.

Where the Buffalo Roam Pattern

Whether you’ve been to Yellowstone or not, I hope this mini quilt brings a little bit of that awe and freedom into your sewing room.  No go make something beautiful!