Sunday, January 20, 2013

Granny Square Quilt

Granny Square Quilt #finishit2013

Earlier this week, I mentioned I'm on a mission to finish it in 2013. Now who's ready to see the first finish? I started my Granny Square Quilt in the Spring of 2012 using this tutorial from Blue Elephant Stitches. I chose to use a fresh + cheery combination of fabrics -- all of which came from my stash -- and paired them with Kona white. The colors just pop off the quilt and remind me of Spring! 

Granny Square Quilt #finishit2013




Granny Square Quilt #finishit2013I straight-line quilted lines 1/2" apart using 50 wt Aurifil (color 2021) and my walking foot. The dense + close quilting took a while to finish but I'm so happy with the results! For those of you wanting to give straight-line quilting a try I say don't be intimidated and go for it!  Make sure you use your walking foot, a new needle (I use a Universal needle, size 80/12), lengthen your stitch (on my machine I use a 2.5 or 3.0 stitch length), and use the "needle down" position, if your machine has the option. Most importantly make sure you quilt using a steady + constant speed -- I've found it helps keep my stitches straight. 

Granny Square Quilt #finishit2013

My favorite thing about this quilt is the binding! I've always loved the look of bias binding but I'm not a fan of making it. Well here's a fool proof way to achieve the bias binding look -- use zig zag or chevron fabric. The fabric I used for this quilt binding is from Simply Color by V and Co. It comes in gray (my favorite!), green, egg plant, and orange. The scale on this zig zag print is perfect for 2 1/2" double-fold binding! You can find all four color ways at Pink Castle Fabrics and Fat Quarter Shop.

Happy Sunday!
xo, megan. 

31 comments:

  1. Its beautiful. You have inspired me to finish mine now.

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  2. Very fresh and pretty. I like doing strait line quilting but I have never done it with the "needle down" option. Thanks for the tip.

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  3. That quilt just puts a smile on my face :) So happy!

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  4. Oh, it is just fabulous!!! I love every detail, but especially that binding for the perfect choice in finishing!

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  5. Megan, your Granny Square quilt is wonderful.

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  6. Stunning!! Love the colours and your dense quilting.

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  7. Beautiful Megan!! I have lime green chevron binding on my favorite quilt...gives it so much character!

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  8. this is beautiful. straight line quilting takes patience but definitely worth it.

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  9. Megan, this quilt is an absolute knockout! I love, love, LOVE the quilting, which adds so much texture!

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  10. A bright and cheery finish for the gloomy winter months - congrats :)

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  11. Beautiful and bright- a perfect winter warmer. Well Done on the finish. : )

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  12. So what's your count so far this year Megan? You're a finishing machine!!

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  13. It looks really stunning and I know how long that quilting takes as I just did the same thing on a quilt for my mum and it seemed to takes days! I started my grannies last spring and need to make some more as a granny finish is on my list too! It's a beautiful finish.

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  14. Congratulations on getting this one done! I love it - it's such a happy quilt! I love granny squares. And what a great idea on the binding!

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  15. Pretty quilt, I love the straight line quilting. i believe I will give it a try. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. That is just awesome. I love the overall color effect. Nicely done.

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  17. I am just so in love with these colors! And your quilting is the first machine quilting on this pattern that I've loved. Way to go! Quite a finish!!!

    -Amanda-

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  18. The quilt is stunning!!! I may just have to add this quilt to my "to do" list! :)

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  19. I love this quilt! It's so fresh and pretty. Your quilting is fantastic and makes me want to give it a try. Love your blog - I'm a new follower!

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  20. I really, really love this quilt despite the fact that I am sick of square patch quilts. This is truly spectacular, you hit the nail on the head here!!

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  21. Oh, this is one of those patterns that didn't grab me at first, but has been growing on me. Now I'm sold! Just beautiful!

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  22. Beautiful. Simple, clean, and refreshing. It keeps my interest, looking around the quilt, and the binding is so fun. I do this type of quilting a lot and love the effect. Thank you for taking the time to post this.

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  23. Gorgeous finish! It is absolutely lovely.

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  24. love this one, it's even prettier in person!

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  25. Such a winner! I know that quilting took forever!!!

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  26. This quilt is really, really pretty. I like the quilting. Thank you for taking the time to include all the quilting details.

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