Completed Granny Squares

Look what got finished!  This little guy is making it's debut as a finished quilt.  I just love how the bold threads look along side the blocks. 

I also added small diamonds between the blocks and a boarder around the outside edge.  

The binding is scrappy.  A scrappy quilt deserves a scrappy binding.  As I use up fabric, I cut a 2.5 inch piece and sew the strips together.  Eventually I had enough binding for the quilt.  (Another great way to use up those small pieces instead of tossing them out.)

 Here are the final images with the binding on.  

And the back is also scrappy!  Talk about a super scrappy quilt!

Now it's time to sit in that rocker with a good book!

Sew long for now, 

CHELS

Granny Again

Finally, an update from those 3 inch granny squares I have been working on.  I decided to hand stitch the whole thing!  Many people ask me about my hand stitching style.  I use standard DMC embroidery floss and use the all the strands, that's right all 6.  This creates a bold look that is visible from a distance and allows the thread color to become part of the quilt design.  If I am going to spend so much time to hand stitch, might as well add some visual impact to the quilt.  

Here is a little tutorial of what works for me. ** By no means am I an expert on anything hand quilting, in fact this is the only hand quilting I ever do.  Although I can say this method has worked for in the past and I have been doing this for years.**  First, start with tying a knot on the end of the thread.  

Next, burry the knot.  I like to go through the top layer and the batting.  Pop the knot through the top layer until you feel it catch on the batting.  Be sure not to pull too hard and take the knot back out the other side.  When you are pulling the needle through, come up where you would like to start your stitches.  

Start by weaving the needle through all three layers, making sure to catch the batting and backing each time.  It is easy to see if you are making even stitches on the front, but also take time to look at the back.  Your quilt should be pretty from both sides.  

Keep going around the whole block, or whatever you are trying to highlight in your quilt.  

When you reach the end of your thread or the end of your block.  Tie a knot in the thread about 1/4 of an inch from where you last pulled the thread out.

Next, you will once again need to burry the knot.  Pull the knot under the top layer, then trim away excess thread.  

You can then pick up again with another piece, or start your next block.  I am planning on going around each block with a different color.  The varying thread colors will bring out the colors in each block giving the design a little more richness.    

I hope this tutorial inspired you to add a little more pizzaz to your quilts with bold threads! If you have any questions don't hesitate to email or leave a comment.  

Sew long for now, 

CHELS

Granny Squares Update

Remember those little squares of 1930's prints I cut into cute squares at the beginning of the month?  Well I am finally getting around to sewing them together.  Just in case you forgot.

The stack is getting smaller.  Instead of using the 2.5 inch square in the directions I'm using a 3 inch squares.  If you want to make your own Granny Square quilt, head on over to the tutorial at BLUE ELEPHANT STITCHES.  

The block is much larger, but still as cute!

These blocks got squared to 11 inches, but this may vary for each person. 

Isn't that little flower pot of scraps just too cute?!  

Hopefully this little W.I.P. gets finished soon! 

Sew long, 

CHELS

Feedsack Prints

Another goal for 2014 was to use my stack of feedstack fabrics I have been collecting (hoarding) for the past two years.  It was time for these beauties to get cut.  

Here are some of my favorite prints :)

My first project of the year, was Remixed Flying Geese quilt, made with this FREE PATTERN designed by Erica Jackman from Kitchen Table Quilting.  I just loved the way it came out.  

 The quilt is about 51 inches by 66 inches, a great lap quilt.  Now I am debating about hand stitching or machine quilting the whole thing?  Ah, decisions.  

As I was cutting the squares for that quilt I was left with a stack of 3 inch squares among other scraps.  Most of these scraps are to pretty to just toss in my scrap bin.  I decided to come up with another project.  After all, I did wait two years to cut into this fabric.  

So the second project of 2014 will be a Granny Squares quilt, but with 3 inch squares instead of the traditional 2.5 inch.  The blocks will be larger but I think it will still look good.  

Thats all for now, 

CHELS