My granny square quilt is finally finished and in use; just in time for the cold weather.
A post in August showed the process of making this quilt, and now it’s time to show photos of the last making stages and then completed.
As always, I find that trimming the finished blocks (even if just the smallest amount) the quilt top lines up so much easier and more accurately. Even though it’s a time consuming task it’s worth it in the end.
Here’s a stack of freshly trimmed, pressed and starched blocks.
Here’s a partial layout on my floor before trimming threads off the back. There are 6 blocks per row, 7 rows total.
In keeping with a totally floral theme, I also choose a floral quilting motif. My longarmer, Carrie at Lovebug Longarming, is always kind enough to send me a shot or two from her machine. 🙂
I chose a yellow flower with a medium blue background for the binding, also from the Tilda Sunday Brunch collection. It’s kind of funny because I almost never incorporate blue into my quilts—Tilda fabrics have changed my mind!
Just a few other shots taken in my sewing room. I couldn’t resist including my latest addition of a 1957 Singer Featherweight! It’s a fun little machine and I just love the sound it makes…such a great piece of history.
All in all I really enjoyed making this quilt and I love the outcome! It only took me 11 years of quilting to finally make a quilt for myself. 😉
Throughout my quilting years, over 11 now, I’ve noticed that the majority of quilts I’ve made have a light-colored background. Actually, most quilts do. But, being one who loves color, I wanted to design a quilt that shows mostly that—color! I also wanted it to showcase stars and as a result, my latest pattern, Twinkly Stars.
Twinkly Stars is the classic sawtooth star surrounded by various colored backgrounds bordered with the same color of the stars. Often times I go for bold and bright, but I wanted to lean toward muted colors for this one.
The plan was to make a queen size for my bed (another one?) using only solids. Since I’d need a variety of colors and hues, I raided my solids stash first.
A while back I’d purchased a Bountiful Blooms Coordinates fat quarter bundle by Moda, and this was the perfect project for them.
The pattern is designed for fat quarters, yet yardage works too, so I used both. I needed more than pictured above so I purchased a fat quarter bundle of New Century Solids by Andover Fabrics, and it is gorgeous!
The queen size quilt requires a whopping 72 blocks, so I had a lot of cutting to do.
Since there was quite a bit, I didn’t cut and make all the blocks at one time, I did them in batches of 5 or 6 stars.
The stars are made using flying geese so there’s plenty of opportunity for chain piecing to speed things up.
Here’s a look at a few star centers from the Bountiful Blooms Coordinates.
These were from my stash…
This was definitely a project that I worked on at my leisure. It was very relaxing because of the simplicity of the blocks. While I was in no hurry to finish, chain piecing the blocks made the process go faster.
Here’s a finished block in one of my favorite colors. 🙂
Once all the blocks were complete, trimmed and starched, it was time for layout. Because there were so many tone variations in addition to several different colors, I used this placement method for keeping like-colored blocks from one another:
To start, I kept approximate blank spaces on the floor for rows and columns. For layout example, because there were 2 same-colored blocks for most colors (stacked in pairs) I would lay out a block say ‘first in the first row’ and to keep it separate from it’s mate, I’d lay the second one say ‘sixth in the fourth row’.
I would continue with this process until I filled all 72 spaces. Additionally, I’d coordinate ‘next to’ colors with blocks already laid. For the most part, I didn’t have to make many adjustments once my layout was complete. Here’s the first row finished.
Here are more rows with sashing…
And so on…
Once my top was finished, I had the dreaded task of trimming threads off the back. Every quilter must dislike this tedious job, but it’s very necessary for a nice, crisp front. Take a look at my back all trimmed and ready for longarming.
For a nice soothing feeling, I chose a serpentine quilting motif. I really like the outcome!
I also chose a violet solid for the binding.
I love this quilt and it’s so nice to have it on my bed so I can enjoy it daily.
Twinkly Stars is a great pattern for quilters of all levels. The pattern is available for purchase in my Etsy shop. It’s written for 5 sizes: baby, throw, twin, full and queen. Definitely a fun make and a great stash buster too!
For years, I’ve seen quilters rave about Tilda fabrics and it’s always been intriguing. With curiosity getting the best of me, I finally purchased a 10 fat quarter bundle of Sunday Brunch Tipsy Blenders. The collection is absolutely adorable; the print is the same petite flowers in a variety of muted colors.
I’d also recently purchased a 24 fat quarter bundle of Andover’s Pebbles by Laundry Basket Quilts consisting of beautiful petite prints with neutral backgrounds. Admittedly, I had no idea what I was going to do with either bundle.
After seeing a lovely IG post featuring a granny square quilt pattern, I had my inspiration; I’d make one with smaller blocks using those two bundles.
Because granny square quilts are historical and timeless, my idea was to make mine with modern fabrics that give a vintage vibe.
I committed to making this quilt as a ‘slow process quilt’ where I didn’t rush during any part of it—just enjoy what I was doing. I had no other projects going and didn’t have the need to finish in a hurry, and I’m happy to say goal accomplished.
To get started, I chose the Tilda prints for the inner and outer squares due to the darker colors and wanting block consistency. I chose the most heavily printed and darker toned Pebbles fat quarters for the middle squares. I decided on Meadows from the collection for the background (which was an expensive additional order!). I usually go with a solid background but I wanted something different for this one.
For cutting and sewing, I could’ve cut for strip-piecing to save time but I didn’t think of it, and had I, I wouldn’t have chosen it. I cut everything into 2 1/2″ squares and chain pieced accordingly. Again, to enjoy the process.
Another different choice was to not press open. I pressed to the dark side so nesting would give crisply joined seams.
To keep pieces organized, once pressed, I clipped same-fabric block strips together and stacked them together. I couldn’t go any further at that point because I didn’t have the background fabric yet.
To keep my mind organized, I’d sew one outer square color combination at a time. I made 3-5 blocks out of one color. I also tried to not repeat the exact same fabric combination for a nice variety of blocks.
Once I received my background fabric, I was able to sew blocks together.
Right now I’m still working on blocks and am loving the whole process. It’ll be a while until they’re done and the quilt top is put together, but I’ll post again once I finish.
If you’d like to make your own granny square quilt, take a look at my tutorial using this same pattern from my Quilting on a Whim post.
Sometimes it seems like spring and summer is the best time to stay indoors and quilt–it’s so hot outside!
Not only that, but it’s a time to organize fabric, too. Having ordered fabric for upcoming projects (or just to have some pretty goods on hand) my drawers were in need of an overhaul.
I don’t keep a lot of stash and I didn’t order much either, but the time comes around fairly often when I need to clear out fabrics that have been around too long. When that time comes, I need a project for the fabric.
While clearing out I found several pieces in the pink family that could be turned into a quilt. That said, I gathered everything that coordinated along with pieces of neutral solids and got to work. Collecting and deciding on fabric is one of the funnest parts of quilting. 🙂
I’d settled on making a simple patchwork baby quilt top using 5″ square cuts. Easy and cute!
I didn’t have a lot to cut, but once ready I started by chain piecing a solid cut to a print and made several pairs; leaving a good amount of singles for the ends.
Because this step is so fun I didn’t even count, just sewed what I had.
Due to the simple nature of patchwork, I pressed and laid out pairs. Also a very fun step.
I decided on 9 squares across and 9 down. I, of course, pressed to the dark fabric so all my seams would nest, making sewing rows together so easy.
After a few hours altogether, I had a darling little quilt top, perfect for a darling little baby!
It measures roughly 42″ square. Fabrics included are from Moda, Kona, Andover, Free Spirit and Riley Blake.
Every time I make a scrappy quilt, I feel as though it’s a memory quilt. I see the fabrics and remember what other quilts I used them in, and for what purpose or whom I made the quilt for. I love that!
This fun and happy little quilt top needs a home, so I’ve got it listed on my Etsy shop! I’m hopeful a quilter out there needs a top and this is the perfect one.
My upcoming pattern, Breakwall (not released yet) lends itself to big blocks, bright colors and a modern design.
I’m known to use bright colors, and a lot of colors, and Breakwall does not disappoint! Although once finished, I had several leftover fabric pieces of the same height but varying widths. There were too many to store and some were just too small. I didn’t want to cut them to a standard size because of too much waste. I also had leftover white strips with the same issues for storage, size, etc.
What else can be done then? Make a quilt top! I knew I didn’t have enough color pieces for a throw size so I decided to make a baby/crib size. Not really having a plan, I basically sewed random leftover pieces to a short-end white strip. Making sure colors complimented one another, I kept the process going until I had around 43″ across or so. I kept going and going until I had 9 strips.
Looking too busy with no break in between strips, I added a white strip for somewhere for the eye to rest. I sewed 4 rows together with sashing, trimming the length to 42″. After sewing it all together and trimming, I had a nice size crib quilt top. It measures 42″ x 51 3/4″. It’s a perfect size for a toddler or small child.
Funnily enough, I have no need for anything this size, but figured there might be a quilter out there who does but doesn’t have time to make one. I also think if you’re learning to longarm, practicing your new skills on a quilt like this would be great.
For whatever need you have, this playful and fun quilt top is for sale in my Etsy shop!
Every new year I look back at all the projects I’d made the previous year. Some years I’m surprised how much I did; other years I’m surprised how much I didn’t make!
2024 was a year where I really didn’t make a whole lot, partly because I was running out of room to store quilts. I wanted to part with some but needed a good cause. I ended up donating 4; three to Hurricane Helene victims in NC and one to fire victims in LA. I strongly felt they needed quilts much more than I needed them sitting in my curio cabinet, so off they went to new owners.
Here’s a look at what was accomplished last year…
In January I released my Classic Plaid quilt pattern; one that I had written a few years prior. It’s beginner friendly and is a really quick sew. It’s available in my Etsy shop. The quilt is also for sale!
In May, I made a cute little clothespin hanger for the drying rack I use outside. It’s nice to make useful items for around the house.
To add to that, I made some decorative pillows for my bed. I had the yardage for a few years, just waiting for the right project and these were definitely it.
In June, I made another Wee Three Trees with leftover fabric from my Winter Woodlands quilt. I ended up selling this mini on Etsy, but it’s always a fun make. Wee Three Trees has been my most popular pattern since its release!
In August, I listed my Love to Sew cross stitch pattern. Again, I’d written it a few years back but somehow didn’t release the pattern then. It was enjoyable to make something different. I’m thinking about a new cross stitch pattern, just got to put the pencil to the paper…
In August, when it was way too hot for any outdoor activities, I’d decided to take a few hundred already trimmed HST and sew them together. I thought I’d make a throw quilt for myself but then realized there weren’t enough HST for anything larger than crib size. I ended up selling this on Etsy.
In November I released my Merry Little Stars mini quilt pattern. One of my all time favorite fabric collections is Evergreen by Basic Grey for Moda. I had just enough left to make the stars and I was lucky enough to find yardage for the borders and binding. I loved having this displayed on my coffee table during the holiday season.
In December I’d gotten back my Winter Woodlands quilt from my longarmer. It’s quilted in swirls and lovely snowflakes. I released this pattern last year, and it was a favorite both seasons. It’s very simple and all you need is a jelly roll and some background yardage. I used Merry Little Christmas by Bonnie & Camille for Moda.
For now, that’s all I can share. 😉
Upcoming, I have a queen sized quilt to be featured in American Patchwork and Quilting. It’s a pattern that allows for so much color and it’s designed for fat quarters. I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone.
During the 2019 holiday season, I released one of my favorite patterns, Wee Three Trees. It’s been nearly 5 years now so I thought I’d revisit the pattern and make a new one.
I decided to use leftover fabric from my Winter Woodlands quilt. Since both patterns are 2 1/2″ strip friendly, I was able to use strips from my Merry Little Christmas jelly roll by Moda.
For my new version, I made a slight alteration by easily changing the direction of the right-hand border. By doing so, it gives a bit of a different look which shows that you can take this pattern and add your own little touches.
In addition, I chose solid white for the background instead of tone-on-tone.
I crosshatch quilted my original Wee Three Trees mini as I did this time, too. I love how crosshatch quilting on a rectangle creates diamonds. Classy and timeless!
Otherwise, nothing else differed. This cute little mini quilt goes together relatively quick—you can finish it in a day or it makes a great weekend project. The pattern is suitable for a confident quilter yet is fun for quilters of all skill levels.
Wee Three Trees mini quilt pattern is available for purchase in my Etsy shop, as a PDF download or paper copy.
Remember, it’s not too early to start that holiday sewing!
From the time I started quilting, I’ve cut smaller leftover fabric into squares for future projects. By doing so, I’ve undoubtedly accumulated a lot of squares. And since I’m one for organizing, I have different sized cut squares in four boxes: 3″, 2 1/2″, 2″, 1 1/2″.
Here and there I’ve made scrappy quilts using these squares—Five Squared, my Scrappy On Point Nine Patch Quilt and a couple of baby quilts.
And since I’m also one for frequent paring down, several months ago I decided to go through my boxes to see what I could use and consolidate.
Because I had a nice array of colors in both prints and solids, I decided to make a scrappy nothing-but-2 ½”-squares-quilt (which I’ve always wanted to do).
The appeal of making this quilt was twofold. One, to use only what was already cut, saving time. Two, since I was going scrappy it meant anything would go.
It wasn’t a total free-for-all though, I did have a plan in mind. I wanted every other row to feature prints, then solids, rotating back and forth. Every other square within the row was to contrast.
I chose to do it this way for a few reasons. First, I didn’t have enough 2 ½” solid squares already cut, but my main reason for mixing both is that it would be more visually interesting.
Here’s what my sewing desk looked like while working. I basically took one print square and paired it with a light solid. I sewed one darker solid to a lighter solid.
Because nothing was in strip form, I had to sew pairs, chain piecing as I went. I loved how freeing this method was, just pick up a square and attach it to whatever I wanted.
I was a bit short on cut solids, so I had to cut more from on-hand strips. I gauged cutting as I went along, not wanting to end up with leftovers for the box.
Once I had several pairs sewn, it was time to switch gears and press. I pressed toward dark squares for nesting purposes. After pressing several pair, it was time to start making blocks. I sewed a print/solid pair to a solid/solid pair, dark colors opposite to make a 4 patch.
To make a block, I sewed four 4 patches together. So a 16-patch…?
You can see the pattern of a row of prints then a row of dark solids.
After several blocks were complete and assessing how much fabric was left, it was time to determine the size of the quilt.
I decided on 8 blocks across and 8 down. I needed to make eight additional 3/4 blocks for the bottom row. Why? Because I like the quilt top row to be the same as the bottom row. Meaning, if I hadn’t added the partial blocks, the top row and the bottom row fabrics wouldn’t have matched up. Plus, I prefer a rectangular quilt to a square one.
Here’s a look at how few cut squares I had left. I eliminated an entire box and consolidated prints and solids into one.
Would you like to guess how many 2 ½” squares were used in all? 1,120! Can you believe it? I found that pretty surprising.
So…here’s a look at the finished quilt top!
It measures 62 ½” wide x 68 ½” long.
I love the way it turned out.
But…I’ve had it sitting around for a couple of months now and I’m pretty sure I won’t quilt it, so I’ve decided to sell it as a ‘quilt top.’ If interested, please send me an email, I’d love to see it go to a new home and become a quilt. 🙂
This was a great project with pretty results. Got too many scraps, give this one a go!
I like to start off every year with a new pattern release and this year it’s Classic Plaid. I finished this pattern (and quilt) nearly 5 years ago but kept pushing it back because I’d get a new idea then start that, etc., etc.
The main reason why I designed this quilt is because I feel we quilters need a quilt pattern geared toward the masculine side. While this one is very versatile, it’s a perfect choice for a man, after all, men need quilts too!
So…here it is!
Classic Plaid is designed specifically for the beginner quilter, but you don’t have to be a newbie to make it; it’s suitable for quilters of all levels. It’s oh-so-easy as there are only two blocks to make. Assembly is really fast because you’ll use techniques such as strip piecing and chain piecing, making it go together in a snap.
There are three sizes to choose from: throw, twin and queen. Only four different colored fabrics of yardage are needed. Easy, right?
Often times the most simple designs make the most interesting quilts and this one is definitely a great example.
For quilting on mine, I chose a 1 1/2″ grid to coordinate with the quilt’s design. Basic, yet it makes a statement.
Here’s a look at Barbara’s quilt. She made a throw size using blue and red bandana fabrics. They’re an excellent choice, and I’d like to mention that she’s an excellent quilter.
Barbara had her quilt longarmed in a cowboy/western motif of boots, spurs and stars. I love how she also used a darker thread for quilting, it really brings out the details. Great job Barbara, it’s a beautiful finish!
Joanna, another awesome quilter, made a throw size quilt. We all loved her version; she fussy cut the background square. I honestly have to say that I never would have thought of this which is why I love getting testers’ take on patterns. This is such an adorable quilt, excellent job Joanna!
Lastly, I have to share this photo. I had my husband hold my quilt up in front of a beautifully painted mural (in NW PA). Without realizing it, the people’s heads in the mural are poking up from the top and look as if they’re holding up the quilt or hiding behind it, which I thought was pretty funny.
Classic Plaid is available for purchase in my Etsy shop starting today!
In the fall of 2022, I found myself (once again) making another quilt for my bed to use up leftover fabric. Since I’d already made a queen size on point scrappy quilt, I thought it was time to make one using my own pattern.
I had a variety of beautiful fabrics to use so I decided on Pinwheels Galore because 1. I love to sew pinwheels 2. the pinwheels are on the larger size so I knew they’d showcase all the lovely, vibrant colors.
Pinwheels Galore is an easy, 10″ square friendly pattern. Just make pinwheels, strip piece the bars for sashing and voilà, you’ve got yourself a quilt. The pattern is a PDF download and four sizes are available: baby, throw, twin and queen.
To start, I chose the most colorful fabrics I had enough of and began making HST for the pinwheel blocks. Fabrics included: Art Gallery Elements and Matchmade by Pat Bravo of Art Gallery Fabrics, Moda Rustic Weave and Grunge, Bedrock by Windham Fabrics and Blossom by Riley Blake.
Here’s a look at some HST before creating the pinwheels.
I needed 72 pinwheels which works out to 288 HST. That’s a lot! I made sure of an even balance between lights, darks and colorways.
Because of the sheer number of HST needed, chain piecing came in very handy.
Here’s a look at some pinwheel blocks…
After finishing all the pinwheels, it was time to start the sashing. I’d designed the pattern to include strip piecing, so with that there’s chain piecing, too. I can’t say enough about how easy this pattern is, and fast!
While working on this quilt I completed other projects, took breaks, etc. Start to finish time was several months which was intended as I was in no hurry. I had everything sewn together in April 2023.
Here it is after trimming threads on the back; an annoying task and time consuming, but completely necessary. 😉
In August, I sent it off for longarming. For the quilting pattern, I chose Euphoria by Urban Elementz. I love how it turned out! Here it is on the cutting table for trimming off excess batting and backing.
I had made the binding long before I sent out the quilt. I was glad of that because it was ready to go once I got the quilt back. I used different colors of Blossom by Riley Blake. While it’s one of my favorite collections because of the small print and variety of colors, it frays a lot. That said, it took me quite a while to trim the binding edge before basting it down for machine sewing.
Lastly, here’s my finished quilt…
For backing, I used a wide width due to the amount needed. The fabric here is Lava Lamps by Whistler Studio. I love that every color on the back is seen on the front.
For this photo I added pillows I made but keep elsewhere in my home. I thought they looked cute so I included them. 😉
That ends my major projects for 2023! And I doubt there’ll be any more queen size quilts in my future, but who knows…
Monday Morning Designs 