Introducing Great Granny!

She's all ready for her reveal! Great Granny came together so much better than I ever could have hoped. Have a few looks at her. I think you'll surely agree that she's a true beauty.

Not only is she a beauty, she's also rather a whopper in size. As I began making the blocks for this quilt, I did not have a firm plan in mind. It wasn't until I had run out of scraps that I decided I wanted a bed-size quilt. So while at retreat, I shopped for a few acceptable fabrics to work into my great granny blocks, and now she finishes at a very nice size for our queen bed - 88" x 76". There are 30 granny blocks with sashing strips, cornerstones, and a single border all around. A very pleasing quilt on which to feast one's eyes, wouldn't you agree?

To recap my progress on Great Granny, the picture below was taken at retreat and (mostly) shows  my 15 finished granny blocks. The fabrics below the blocks are the ones I'd decided to use to make 15 more. Five of the fabrics pinned up are new - all the darker ones. I had plenty of the lighter fabrics, so I found the three dark blue and the two dark pink fabrics to blend in.

If you have followed this blog for awhile, you are aware that I just "wing it" a lot of the times on the quilts I make, and this quilt is no different. I did not have a plan; one came to me while sewing blocks. Later I found many layout options on Pinterest, and I decided on the one which called for 2.5" white sashing strips and colorful cornerstones.

For the border, I liked the larger squares on point which seem to "float" around the quilt. I did not have a pattern, and I hoped as I made border units that I would "figure something out" if the side borders did not meet up properly with the top and bottom borders. I really have to say it was plain dumb luck, but the parts came together without much fussing at all. 

 

The colorful border squares are 4" while the setting triangles are made from 7" blocks cut twice on the diagonal. 

Great Granny is a quilt that I listed on my yearly goals, and she is done and ready for quilting. Yay! I have her folded up and in the queue for long arming - hopefully soon.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Great Granny Tutorial

My method for making a Great Granny block is basically no different from many others that can be found on the internet, but I did devise a couple of stream-lining tricks that you may or may not find useful.

I  made 30 blocks for my quilt, and made each block individually. I suspect that chain-piecing could have been done to speed up the process, but I wanted each block to be different and while somewhat haphazard, when all blocks are sewn together, my quilt top would look planned and harmonious. I determined early on that my dominant colors would be pink and dark blue, so that helped with the "planned and harmonious" part.

I began with lots and lots of 2.5" squares. I had a good supply in my scrap stash, so I pulled from there as much as possible. Each Great Granny block has the same basic requirement:

        1 center square

        4 second row squares

        8 third row squares

        12 fourth row squares

        16 outer row squares

From this "recipe" I laid each block out on the cutting table like you see below.

Rather than deal with all the white outer row squares, I just kept a stack of them by the sewing machine and added them when I took this part to the machine. Taking a block from table to machine required me to create a habit that I would use time after time. I didn't want to lose my place and waste time recreating. So I learned to do it by stacking from bottom to top.
 

The two outside squares are single blocks; the next 2 in have three blocks in the stack; the next 2 have 5 blocks in the stack, and the center stack has 7 squares. The shape of these stacks resembles the shape of the top of the block in the previous picture - albeit, somewhat smooshed together and overlapped. This is so that I can easily carry them to the sewing machine.

At the machine, I added the white squares to the top and bottom of each stack, spread the stacks out in the correct order, and the two white squares in the center will be the outermost squares of the finished block.

To clarify all that mumbo-jumbo, I added numerals to indicate how many squares are in each stack. Now I am ready to sew. I begin with the two stacks of three, chain piece so I am not stopping to cut after each seam. When I have the three squares together, I add the two white squares. This prevents small, unattached parts from going missing. 

Then I begin the next two stacks - the ones marked with 5s above. I chain piece and press after every addition. The handy little iron and wool mat next to my machine makes it easy and fast.
 

I lay the finished rows out in order, and move on to the next row or rows.

All the rows are complete in the picture above. The top 4 rows have an identical row stacked under it - these will be the bottom half of the block. From this point, I work from the long middle row out to complete the block. Perhaps the picture below will illustrate what I mean. I take the single long row, which is the center row of the Gr. Granny, and add the rows to both sides.

Press! After every seam, I press. It's so much easier to do as I go rather than to do it all at the end, and it's neater this way, too.

Continue adding the next two rows, and finally that small outside unit on each side. The finished block looks like this. From here, I head back over to the cutting table and take my big square ruler to cut off the outer parts of the white squares, ideally the finished square measures 12". I admit that mine varied by as much as half an inch, but they still all went together just fine.

Below is a different block with the squaring up completed. In my squaring up efforts, I tried mostly to assure that I had a quarter-inch on each outer print square to (hopefully) maintain my points when adding the sashing strips. I  was mostly successful with this. A few points were lost, but overall, I am satisfied.

I didn't give instructions for pressing, but if you work it right, all intersections will nest just perfectly, which means you can stitch without too much pinning. That is a time saver, and as I made more blocks I became more consistent in my method of pressing. You will, too, I'm sure.

Did you notice that I have pieces some 2.5" squares? If I found I was just 1 square short of having enough to do a "round," I went digging for scraps and made a square that would work. I also have a couple of blocks in which I did "almost" matches. For example, that pink round above has one square with orange constellations, while all the others are white. Does anyone notice this in a finished quilt? 

Absolutely not!

Here's another block with "almost" matches. See if you can spot them.

I began my Great Granny quilt with the intent to use only my scraps, but as I went along, I kept enlarging the quilt, so I ended up buying a few more fabrics to fit my "look" and I am super happy with the results. I will hopefully have a completed flimsy to show you by the end of the week.

Here's the quilt laid out with the sashing strips but no border. This will have to suffice for now. Border production is in the works.

Let me know if there are any parts of this tutorial that confuses you. I'll be happy to clarify.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Progressing Right Along with Great Grannies

Such a funny name for a block - in an odd way, you know. Great Granny Block. The name comes from the crocheted blocks called granny squares. The little squares were/are popular because they provide a great way to use leftover bits of yarn. Click this link to see a Pinterest example. These crocheted versions translate well to fabric, and likewise, they are great for using scraps.

So, as I understand it, some clever quilter ramped up the granny square by adding another row around it, thus making it a great granny square. Whenever I first saw them - sometime in the last 15 years, I suppose - I knew that I would love making these blocks.

So now, I am nearly finished with enough to make a quilt. Click back here to see when I had just 6 blocks finished with plans to go to 20. At some point I decided to go to 30, and this morning I stand at 28 finished blocks, with the remaining 2 prepped and awaiting stitching beside my machine.

When I began making these blocks, I really had no specific plan in mind for what I would end up with. The more I made, the more I realized that I ought to decide on a plan, so that sent me to Pinterest (obvious!) and, of course, there are just so many varieties. I had in mind that I would attach block-to-block (no sashing in between). That plan changed when I saw this one with sashing, cornerstones, and a simple little outer border that really struck my fancy.

As of this moment, the 28 finished blocks are hanging precariously from my design wall. I am placing these blocks in front of other projects which explains the bit of confusion in the lower left corner. The lower right corner has a mass of electrical cords obstructing the view, but this is what happens when spilling over the edges of the design wall.

Originally, I was trying to lean to predominantly pink and navy colors. I have added in a few more - specifically gray - but I hope when I begin placing blocks, I can spread out the pinks more evenly amongst the navy. I will enjoy arranging them to suit me. The pinks are quite "loud" and I hope I can tame them with the calmer blues and grays.

Making these blocks has allowed me to create a rather efficient system, which I will share in a future post. Many tutorials are available on line, and that is where I studied various methods. 

An update on my cold - I believe it wasn't a cold at all. It was allergies! I have never in my life been an allergy sufferer. Thankfully. Former coworkers and students suffered terribly, and our son is miserable each spring due to tree pollen. Mine came on as laryngitis, grew into congestion and watery, itchy eyes. I went for 10 days treating it with cold remedies. When it finally occurred to me to try an allergy medicine, the improvement was incredible. My gosh, what a discovery! I still have itchy eyes and a scratchy throat, but I am so much improved. 

Today, I will finish blocks 29 and 30, then begin prepping the sashing strips and cornerstones. I also want to load another quilt on Tin Lizzie, so that might happen, too.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Great Granny Blocks

I'm having the best time making these Great Granny Squared blocks. I am using up scraps and they go together effortlessly. It's like trying to eat just one potato chip - I cannot stop making these blocks!

When I had 9 blocks finished, I laid them out to see a sample of what the quilt will look like. I was tempted to stop at 9, but I have plenty of 2.5-inch squares, so I might as well keep going. I will see how satisfied I am when I get to 20.

I'm sounding like I am brand new to making great granny squares, but I am not. I have a history. I have made great grannies peviously. I had to go all the way back in the archives to 2012 to find the posts. Here's my very first one. Here's a post showing how I used those early granny blocks.

Now, here is my current situation - some individual block pictures for your perusal. I am using white-on-white to surround my grannies, and they, too, are scraps. It is so satisfying to use these bits I've been saving for so long.

 

Staying busy in the quilting room never seems to be a problem for me, that's for sure. Some mysterious urgency to use this fabric has motivated me to stay on task. I have listened to several audio books which helps maintain focus. I will share those titles at some point.

Added later: for ages I have had the Oh Scrap! icon on my sidebar; it just occurred to me that this post perfectly fits that linky party! So go have a look at the amazing scrappy projects from quilters around the world. It might just be another place to find some inspiration!

I hope you are having a wonderful April so far! It's a bit cool and drizzly here in these Ohio parts, but trees and shrubs are leafing out, and the birdsong is magnificent!

Happy Quilting, Friends!

It's April!

 

Four months into 2022 - already! Is any month more welcome than April? It holds so much promise!

Do you plan on a month-to-month basis? For me, it seems to be a workable way to be accountable to myself. For this new month, I seem to have happened into a couple of projects quite by accident. 

You saw my early and experimental efforts on a mini trip around the world quilt. I am liking how it is coming together. This is a rerun of the previous picture. I've made a few more blocks since these initial blocks.

While in the middle of these blocks, I also decided to make a trial block for another quilt on my 2022 Goals List. This is the first block of my Great Granny Squared quilt. 

Both Great Granny Squared and Mini Trip Around the World are on my goals list for this year, and it appears that I plan to make them both this month. Interesting how I just sorta' fell into these projects. This doesn't bother me in the least; I kinda' like that these goals are going to be checked off my list, and are rather fun to do at the same time. I have 2.5" squares everywhere!

I will share my March wrap-up collage tomorrow, and hopefully will have a few more pictures of these fun blocks I've been working on.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Finally...My 2018 Goals

Gracious! This month is nearly over (already!), and I have yet to post the sewing and quilting goals I want to accomplish this year. Talk about being remiss. I am reminded of that old phrase "the hurrier I go, the behinder I get." That suits me better than I care to admit.

Early blocks made for Snow Shoo - Item #1 on the list.

A block for item #12 on my list.

A couple of weeks ago, I did sit down to formalize the goals I want to work toward this calendar year. Having a defined list always seems to help me stay on track; I could get so distracted by all the pretty patterns and all the pretty fabrics and all the pretty sew-alongs and all the...well, you get the idea - I am too easily distracted. The list is definitely necessary to help  me maintain my focus.

My current focus is Snow Shoo (shown at the top) - item #1 on the list - and I have not done too much on it this week. Not enough hours in a day, I suppose. With the new semester of school now in full swing, and a book to read for book club, I had distractions that I could not ignore. My little stacks of Shoo Flies and Snowballs are waiting ever so patiently over on the cutting table. I hope to sew on Monday with Sharon, so they won't be ignored too much longer.

Thimbleberries/Retreat Quilt - Item #9

My list contains no UFOs; 2017 had enough of those, so I am backing way, way off. One might think that item #9 is a UFO (cover of book above), but I prefer to reference it as a WIP (work in progress); this is a fine distinction, I know, but it makes sense in my brain. *grin*

Item #10 is also a WIP - I never have 'fessed up about the idiotic mistakes made trying to finish that jelly roll quilt back in September. It's embarrassing...just wait; it's on the list, so it will get done, and I will tell all.

Above is a sample Great Granny Square (item #13) block that I made several years ago. I had come to possess a small amount of vintage feedsack fabrics, and decided this is how I wanted to use them. I have collected a few more vintage pieces and I now have enough to get a quilt top finished. The solids are taken from the collection in my grandmother's items, which seems fitting since we are talking vintage and granny squares (although she detested being referred to as Granny!).

I am gradually getting back on track with things around here! Slow and steady, right?

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Retail Therapy and Experiments

I sure don't buy much fabric anymore. I made a calculated decision about 4 years ago that I needed shop my stash and I have done a reasonably good job of that. When I do buy, it is to get a backing or a piece to complete a project that most was already coming from the stash. I also allow myself to shop sales. When I'm given a gift certificate to my local quilt shop, I then splurge on some pretty new stuff - and Lord knows there's plenty to choose from!

On Friday morning I attended the Circleville Quilt Show, and while I mostly wanted to see the quilts and check out how the new venue worked for them, I knew there would be a chance for shopping. Wanna' see what I got?

I have no explanation as to why these three fabrics from Primitive Gathering appealed to me, but they did, so I bought them. I also picked up a hexagon ruler with several sizes marked on it. I think I will be able to make good use of it. The business card is from the shop that these items came from. Pumpkin Ridge Quilt Shop is located near McArthur, OH, which is on the way to Athens where my DD2 lives. I think I will make it a point to find this store.

Another shop I stopped at, but alas, did not make any purchases was The City Stitcher out of Centerville, OH. She does not have an actual shop, but sells her items at shows. She also is affiliated with Quilter's Warehouse as a pattern designer. I was fascinated by this vendor because she had a huge array of blocks made up for quilters to buy. So, if I wanted a bunch of 9-patch blocks for a project, but didn't want to take the time to make them, I could get them from her, and then just work on completing a quilt top. Janet, the shop owner, says she has really good success with the sale of these blocks and she offers many colorways and other blocks, too, like churn dash, in several sizes.  

I thought the Primitive Gathering fabric would be all I went home with, but on my way out I remembered the "Sale Room" - a great place to find unique treasures. Members of the guild bring items from their sewing rooms that they no longer want to sell for others to use.

The last table I looked at had these feedsack fabrics, and I just knew I had to have them. I was so excited! I have seen so many great quilts made from  vintage fabrics, and I really think I will have fun coming up with ideas and seeing them turned into quilts.

The feedsack fabric did stay on my mind all through the weekend. I searched the internet, Pinterest, Instagram and various blogs for ideas. One that really appealed was a 9-patch with a white center. So I tried it. If I go with this, each 9-patch will be separated with white sashing strips. Go here to see my inspiration.

Two things make me reluctant to proceed with this 9-patch plan, however. First, I have only 6 fabrics, and I feel like this plan would require more variety. Second, the 2.5" squares are so small, and I think they lose some of their impact when placed side by side like this.

 The other idea that I really wanted to try was a Great Granny square. I have a nice big tub of solid fabrics from my grandmother. I rarely use them, and this seemed perfect. I used the 2.5" squares and laid out this design first.

Again, I thought both of these options really do not focus enough on the feedsack fabric. The solids were too dominant. So I tried one more option and I really like this one.

Removing that solid in the center and replacing it with the floral is exactly what the block needed.

I stitched it up and am very likely going to go with this design for a full-size quilt. I don't know when I will get back to this, but it will not be put off too long, I hope.

How much auditioning do you do before you come up with a design that you like? I probably should do more, and this experiment was worth the time I took to come up with the results that really pleased me.

Happy Quilting, Friends!