Granny Square Quilt (#58)

This granny square quilt block is reminiscent of the crocheted squares many of us made with yarn. My focus fabric is 3.5" x 3.5" - larger than most tutorials which use a 2" or 2.5" square.  I love this bigger size. 

Each Block: 
13 colored fabric squares 3.5"x 3.5"
12 squares background: 3.5" x 4" (rectangles) 

Sew all small squares & background rectangles together in rows except for the top & bottom rectangles. 
Iron seams open (top right picture).
Next - sew all the rows together.  (don't iron yet)
Now sew on the top & bottom rectangles so they can be centered over that middle square (middle left pix).

It's almost time to iron the horizontal seams but here is a tip: finger press the seams in the proper direction from the FRONT before ironing.  These seams are NOT pressed open.
Finger press 3 seams towards the top square and iron from the front.  
Finger press 3 seams towards the bottom and iron from the front.  
Now feel free to flip your block every which way and give it a good iron since all your seam directions are perfect!

There are many ways to make this block - most vary in how big to cut the background fabric pieces.  You can cut all squares the same size - or even use half square triangles for the sides -  I tried those methods and while ragged edges will probably get 'trapped' in the 1/4" seam I opted to use more fabric with waste for piece of mind. My background rectangles  are 3.5" x 4" ... 1/2" bigger than my colored fabric. I found this tip on Wombat Quilts.

Each block was trimmed to 13.25". A little awkward but since I didn't have a pattern and need to keep everything within 60" wide - this math worked best. 

Kona white sashing between blocks was cut 2" and the top/bottom and sides sashing cut 2.5".

Everything trimmed nicely after quilting with wavy lines in Aurifil #50wt. white - and of course, beautiful soft minky on the back. 

This is "Teen Quilt No. 3" for my daughter's friends.

Materials:
Feather Flock by Tina Givens
Kona White & Pansy (binding)
Dimple dot minky / vanilla from Fabric.com
Aurifil 50wt. white #2024
Warm & White batting
Size: 60" x 74"
November 2016

Eclectic Elements Half Square Triangle Quilt (#57)

Tim Holt's Eclectic Elements was the perfect choice for this teen quilt.  Having used Eclectic Elements twice before, I knew that the colors would look good without sashing and harmonize with denim. 

Moda Love Layer Cake was my starting pattern so I cut 6" finished half square triangles using an Accuquilt die. But, as it sometimes happens - the pattern I thought would work didn't ... being flexible is key if you are like me & don't map out your quilt in detail or with sketches. 

 The important thing I like to share is this: do what feels right with what fabric you use and the final result will make you happy - evolve your quilt design.  I spent many years at an art desk doing old school advertising paste up and there is always a way to make your shapes & colors work.

This lap quilt has a minky back and my usual simple quilting method of a wavy line following the seams - it is fast, effective and makes a nice pattern on the back as well.

I used Aurifil 50wt. Muslin (#2311) which is a wonderful alternative to the ever popular Light Sand (#2000).  It glided through all the different fabric weights with a #14 needle - not one thread break or jam up ... love that. 

This is "Teen Quilt No. 2" for my daughter's friends.

Materials:
Eclectic Elements
Kaufman Essex Yarn Dyed Linen / Denim
Dimple dot minky / beige
Aurifil 50wt. Muslin #2311, Beige #2314, Chocolate #2360
Accuquilt HST 6" finished
Warm & White batting 
Size: 59" x 75.5"
November 2016