I finally had a few minutes to make my first “Granny Squares” block (pattern by Lissa Alexander)–I’m using Maison de Garance by French General for Moda and will be adding in some Rouenneries as well. I love this pattern–love working with the 1 ½″ strips, and love the fact that if you follow the pressing directions every seam nests perfectly.
I’ve been wanting to make this quilt since this issue of American Patchwork & Quilting arrived. I’m using a fat eighth bundle which is adding a little bit of work for me since I can only get 22″ strips from the bundle. I can’t make any more of the blocks until the brown around the edges is available in yardage, but I love the fact that I’ve started working on this project.
And here is the reason I’m so intent on making this quilt–these granny square vests were made for me by my Grandmother when I was a little girl. I wore these vests with a white blouse underneath, and my Mom saved them for me. I had always hoped one day my own girls would wear them, but neither of my daughters would ever try one on! I’ve kept them as a reminder of my grandmother’s handiwork, and when I saw the “Granny Squares” quilt I immediately thought of these vests.
I had a lot of fun getting them out today to photograph for this post…they do kind of date me, though!
I was able to pick up nearly 20 yards of fabric for just $42 the other day–a Las Vegas quilt shop is closing it’s doors, and the big sale has started. I was happy to be able to find some Fig Tree fabrics, Shangri-La, and American Jane Recess for borders and backs.
I’m finishing up the last of my market sewing this week and am looking forward to being able to share some of the sewing that’s been going on behind the scenes here.
Oh…one more thing…my blog is now a dot com…blogger should redirect you automatically…but just in case it doesn’t, go here! Hope you have a great day!
Mama Pea says
Wow! What a steal on that fabric! Way to go! And your granny squares look awesome! That's a lot of work, but what a stunning quilt it will be. Have fun with that! Looks like a great way to use up scraps.
Melinda says
Did you go to Nancy's? When I was there this summer she said she was going to close this fall. It is such a nice quilt shop and will be missed.
Barb says
Your granny square is wonderful and the crocheted ones bring back such memories.
What a great sale, even tho I hate to hear of a place going out of business.
Carol says
I love your block, very nice colors too. It's nice that the seams nest together.
Sandie ~call me crazy says
Love your block! I have been saving that issue too. 🙂 Great buy on the gorgeous fabrics! Happy stitchin'!
Jackie says
Good pressing directions are not over rated!
I love your grandmothers granny squares. Wonderful treasures!
Karin says
I cannot wait to start this quilt too! I knew I had to make it as soon as I saw it! I'm looking forward to seeing your progress – you'll inspire me! I also love that you kept the vests your grandmother made – what a treasure!
Sarah Craig says
I love your granny squares block! So pretty…..
Abby says
I bought this magazine just for this quilt pattern. I love your block and love the line you chose. Again I may have to copy you! The fabric decisions you make are flawless and usually in my same taste in lines! Thanks for sharing. How long did this one block take? I'm in awe of all you get done.
Vivian says
Your block is drop-dead gorgeous! Love it. That AP&Q cover quilt is yet another I've added to my bucket list.
I'll base a recommendation for a pattern solely on the pressing instructions. They can make a block enjoyable or a pain to make. Glad to hear these are good ones.
My first "adult" craft project after college was crocheting a tablecloth for a small round table, made from granny squares. Wish I'd kept it.
W. Latane Barton says
Beautiful quilt!! Eager to see the finished top.
annieb says
Love your granny square- isn't it such a beautfil fabric line? I love your vests, too- very cool. My Dad has a granny square quilt his mother made that I have laid claim to as it has so many childhood memories for me. It is not particularly pretty, but that doesn't matter at all.
Laurie says
Oh Sherri!! (Hey, wasn't that a song – by Journey??) Anyway – the block is BEAUTIFUL! It's stunning actually – great, great work. AND, I can't wait to see your work for market – it's always a pleasure to see what you do with fabric. You are so talented – it's a joy to visit your blog 🙂
passingdowncrazy says
Thanks a lot, Sherri! I'm doing really well at finishing up some quilts. Then you have to show me that block. I'm shutting off my computer!!!
Jen says
Lovely quilt! I don't remember seeing that magazine, but it's so darling! Your square turned out fabulous too. Which Las Vegas quilt shop is closing down? I just moved away from Las Vegas. So sad.
Marge says
Sherry, I get to go to Las Vegas every Christmas and have my favorite quilt shop. Sure hope it isn't the one that is closing it's doors. If possible could you let us know which one it is. Love your blog and enjoy reading it and admire your quilting.
Marge
Dee says
I love that quilt block. The colors are right up my alley. I'm looking forward to seeing the whole thing! And congratulations on such a great fabric deal. I always get excited when I find a bargain.
Sue says
Oh my, those vests brought back the memories! My grandma made them for my sisters and I when we were young. I'm sure we thought we were looking sharp! Thanks for bringing that to mind, good memories.
Melody says
Beautiful fabrics, fabulous sewing.
Carol says
Sherri your block is wonderful…I'm working on that one too, I'm using tons of Civil War repros…lots of scraps…I love it…please keep posting blocks to motivate me to get mine done…LOL! Love your crocheted vests…memories. What a yummy stack of fabric.
I knew you must be busy doing Market sewing…
Teresa says
OMG!! My Mom used to make the same kind of Granny Square crochet vests for me when I was a kid! Wow, talk about a blast from the past…
I like you quilt granny square…that should be really cool!
In stitches,
Teresa :o)
Darlene B says
My grandmother made a granny square vest for my younger sister. It looks just like yours! What a great memory…
Karen says
your block is drop dead gorgeous, Sherri! I bought the magazine the second I saw the cover quilt….it is another some day project on a list,lol! Fabric deal was terrific- except that it meant another LQS closing. That is sad…
thanks for the granny square memories…I remember those crochet goodies.
Karen
Stephanie says
I had a blue and green granny square vest I used to wear in Jr Hi and HS. How fun you saved yours. Very pretty Granny Square block. This will be one gorgeous quilt.
Sad that a quilt shop is closing. It's happening a lot. Wondering if on line quilt shops are a contributing factor?
quiltingnana says
the block certainly does look like granny squares…like the afghans I made so many of
Glenna @ Hollyhock Quilts says
Love the new Granny Square project! And I love the old ones, too!
Nedra says
QW has a version of the same quilt on the wall in granny fabrics.
Your wonderful SIL came into the store yesterday and picked up your finished quilt. It was nice to chat with him for a few minutes.
Terriaw says
I fell in love with that granny square quilt on the cover of the Am. Patchwork & Quilting magazine as soon as I received it! Love your block too! This looks like such a fun quilt to make, so I'm hoping to add it to my "someday" list. I do love crocheting granny squares too. How fun that you still have those adorable little vests from your grandmother to remind you of her.
Thimbleanna says
Oooh, I love that pattern! Yours is going to be beautiful. I can't believe you still have your granny vests — I sure wish I still had mine!
Helen says
That's a lovely block. I love the Maison de Garance line and it really works in this pattern. When I saw that pattern I wanted to make it too. Maybe when I finish a few other quilts. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.
Red Geranium Cottage says
My mom made those for me. I have a school photo of me wearing one. I wish I still had them today like you do. I love it.
Karen says
Sad about the shop, but what a wonderful stack of inspiration!!
Sinta Renee says
Those vests are so adorable Sherri! Do you have a photo of yourself wearing one? I have never seen those before- how cute! I hate to hear of a quilt shop closing… so sad. But looks like you got yourself some wonderful fabric goodness to add to your collection.
Diane says
your granny square is adorable and congrats on the great buy on that fabric!
Sue-Anne says
Your granny Square block looks wonderful Sherri and what a bargain with the fabric!
Nanette Merrill and daughters says
How cute. I have a quilt on my bed with a similar theme of medallions and each block of squares is different. It really is one of the top 5 quilts I have.
lissa says
I am honored!! Thanks for the show and tell. I still haven't learned to crochet yet!
http://modalissa.blogspot.com/
Rene' says
I love your granny square block, and those vests made by your grandmother are so sweet! How wonderful that you still have them.
Brenda says
Great buy on the fabric!!!! How lucky can you get. I love your granny square vest. Granny squares were the first things I ever learned to crochet.
Chocolate Cat says
I love your Granny Squares block – a lot more than your vests!!! brings back memories! What a bargain that fabric was, we wouldn't even be able to get 2m for that price!!
Thelma says
My French General fabric should be here this week or next, I'm pondering what pattern would be the perfect choice, I'm really liking what you've chosen…..I'm ready to see another block, surely you've got half of them done by now!
So sorry to hear another LQS closed, but you got some great fabric at an unbelievable price!
Loved the sweater vests, how adorable you still have them.
julia says
Yay, Sherri! Congrats on your dot com!! And your fabric bargain…wish there were prices like that over here 😉 (I bet my partner doesn't!).
Love your Grannie Squares…that pattern is just timeless…
Hugs, Julia
P.S.: I've just seen that you'll be teaching at a retreat ~ I so wish I could come and attend *sigh*…hope you'll tell & show us all 🙂
deb says
LOVE the granny square!!!!!! Love your blog!!!
Auntie Em says
Oh my gosh! The granny square vests! My grandmother made matching ones for my sister and me. I haven't thought about those in ages. Thanks for the memories.
Cindy says
Beautiful block with fantastic fabric color choices.
I remember those vests. Thanks for the memory.
Looks like a wonderful fabric collection of goodies.
Béa says
I want to let you know, my new cover board has been posted on my blog. Hugs!
Deb says
LOVE the granny square block. I loved that quilt the minute I saw it on the magazine and really would like to do one. Love your color choice – if you don't mind me asking, what fabric did you use for the brown? It's very pretty. Would love to make one….oh the trials and tribulations of what to work on next.
Renata Barillari says
beautiful your blog many inspirations
thanks
Mª Clara Lloveras says
I love your blog!!!
Your projects are very nice!!!
Micki says
Your granny squares are wonderful, and boy did you get good deals on the fabric.
Micki
Heirlooms by Ashton House says
I love the way your block turned out, Sherri. You chose beautiful fabrics. I've been wanting to make this pattern as well ever since I got the issue of APQ. Thanks for the inspiration.
Ginger Patches says
What a great block! I love it when patterns give good pressing info, it makes such a huge difference. Sad to lose a store but great to get such an awesome deal! My granny squares always turn into granny circles 🙁 Yours are perfect!!
Quilary says
Oh dear I'm a bit obsessed by granny squares at the moment. I think you have given me a new addiction – quilted granny squares – where will it all end????
jaybird says
beautiful block! i was also attracted to that pattern… it's on my one day "to-do" list!