Just before we decided to go away last week, I had just started on my granny square quilt. I managed to piece together 5 of the 20 blocks before we left last Wednesday, leaving me with 15 more to do when we got home.
It took me a couple of days to recuperate and unwind from our whirlwind mini vacation before I picked them up again because I’m finding that I still tire easily.
While I was piecing together more granny squares, my 5 year old Rowenta mini iron died. I guess she decided that she’d had enough and this last tumble from my ironing board would be her last swan dive. Sadly, she will be making her way to the great iron graveyard in the sky on our next trash day. *sigh*
I really liked her. We were best buddies and she served me well.
I knew that this was eventually going to happen because in her 5 years of service, I think that she must have gone for at least 20 or so tumbles from my ironing board as a result of me tripping over her cord. RIP, dear friend.
On one of my shopping excursions, I did manage to pick up a ‘spare’ while it was on sale…just in case.
Well, ‘just in case’ happened yesterday. She refused to start up again after landing on the floor one last time so I dug through my supply cupboard and pulled out her shiny new replacement.
Pretty snazzy, huh? Works like a charm and I promised her that I would try to be more careful and try not to trip over her cord.
Over the past two days, I’ve been busy piecing the remaining 15 blocks. With Frankie’s help, I finished the last 3 this morning.
He then inspected them and gave his paw seal of approval.
Then we trimmed them to size.
He’s quite pleased that I went with his suggestion to use the 1930’s feedsack prints.
Don’t they just make you smile?
So fresh, bright and cheery. My Grandma would have loved this fabric. I recall some of her house dresses being made from similar fabric.
Next comes the fun part of piecing it all together.
Frankie and I will try to get the sashing and cornerstones cut out this evening.
Of course mine is going to be a little different from the original because it seems like I always have to change a little something.
Now tell me, don’t you do the same?
59 comments:
I do do the same!! They are so bright and cheerful! Bravo for a job well done!!!
Blessings
I am definitely smiling , wow I love this quilt and it reminds me of my grandmother too. Wonderful quilt !
One of the joys of quilting for me it being able to take a pattern and making it my own. I love to repurpose and create in a big way.
Recently a friend made a Carolina Lilly mini quilt and remarked that she did not have the same color of tan like the pattern showed when she made it. I told her to "ease up a little, it is okay to NOT do it their way." BTW she just finished her chemo and almost cancer free - just a little more radiation she said. At least she is sewing again. Loved seeing your beautiful "quilt to be" and Judy C sends warmest wishes.
I always do that. In almost everything, recipes also. I always have to give them a little twist.
You worked hard, I've only made nine granny squares so far and probably will only make 12.
I love your choice of fabrics.
Hi Kaaren,
Love your Granny squares. Feed sack prints are a favourite of mine too.
I think I might try your pattern soon.
Our weather here in Ontario is cold today and they are calling for some snow. How is your weather? Its hard to believe that Easter is next weekend.
Hope you enjoy your weekend.
Dianne
I love these blocks. I have put this on my list of projects I want to do but don't dare start another project until I get something completed. I love the feed sack fabrics, they are perfect for this quilt.
I can't tell you how many irons I have lost to the nose dives off the ironing board. I just hope they weren't suicide attempts because they didn't like us. (I say "us" because they have jumped for my husband, too!) The granny squares are looking great! Wish my mom had kept my granny's house dresses. Thought about that for a quilt as an after thought.
Kaaren I really like your granny squares. I just started working on mine-I've made 2. (I got distracted, if you can imagine!)
they are the so fun, quick and easy. Look forward to seeing how you and Frankie finish yours up!
I am sad for you that your little Rowenta died. I still miss the one I had - the new ones (which I just had to buy a second one of) have a dial instead of the up/down lever (which I loved). Oh well, I still love my little Rowenta for pressing while piecing! Love your Granny Squares! Aren't they so much fun?!
This is going to be a beautiful quilt!
I am horrible with irons, so i buy cheap ones, then I don't feel so bad when I break them, lol. Love your new blocks.
Debbie
Not only pretty blocks but another bonus phot with Frankie! (keep em coming). Enjoy your weekend.
I love the blocks..I have just started cutting up my squares..it will take awhile!
I read about a cordless iron..haven't tried it, but sounds like a great idea!!
Those are beautiful, Kaaren.
Nice to see you ar feeling better. I have been thinking about you. Nice blocks too. Keep feeling stronger.
Hugs.
Ahh the Rowenta took her final dive--I have retired a few for this reason.
Your quilt and fabric are lovely--yes, my Grandmother like your Grandmother would have loved this fabric.
Frankie is a wonderful helper, am glad he is there to give his direction and approval.
So wonderful to have you back!
Glad you had a nice trip Kaaren and already are up to putting all those granny blocks together! Very pretty.
Looks really summery, glad you are feeling up to sewing again
Isn't it wonderful working with Frankie? What would you do if he didn't give the seal of approval? :o) Have a delightful weekend and happy sewing. Your granny would be proud of your grannies.
They certainly so say "spring is here'!
Luv them!
Love love it so much. I want to make this. Sigh.
I love the 1930's fabric, and your blocks look great! Frankie is so cute.
I love those granny squares! What a great idea. I'm putting that on my list
Your blocks look great and Frankie is SO handsome!
Absolutely love your blocks! They will make a very happy quilt! Can't wait to see the finish!
Check out the blooming poppies site; she's just posted her granny top on there!
Kaaren, are they 2" squares?
The blocks are just wonderful - so happy. I think my Grandmother would have loved them also. Is there a pattern for your Granny Squares? Frankie is so gorgeous. Is he a seal-point Siamese? I had a Siamese once who was a good boy except when I made spaghetti sauce and then his favorite place was in the pot! Your new iron is fabulous. Please tell us the brand. I am always looking for a perfect iron for pressing my quilt blocks - not too heavy but gets the job done.
Yep, a very happy quilt, Kaaren! Those are my favorite fabrics for just that reason. I had to laugh at Frankie being so involved.
Too bad about the iron....but you're so smart to have a replacement! I hate tripping on cords, I try to position my board so that doesn't happen, lol. Hardly ever works though.
Love the grannies....those are on my bucket list! I am partial to those fabrics anyway.
Your helper Frankie is so handsome (and if Frankie is a girl I apologize - a female would be beautiful). I'm wishing my old travel iron would wear out so I can get another, better one because the handle folds down and it's getting so loosie-goosie that it's bugging me. But I'm a tight wad. I will not break down and buy a replacement until the old one is dead.
I change everything I make! And I love your granny square blocks! I must make some of those.
Your blocks are beautiful! I have such a hard time changing anything in a pattern. Maybe some day I'll feel more comfortable with that, but not yet. :)
That quilt is going to be a very "happy" quilt. Look at all those Happy colors! Looks like your Frankie is so pleased to have you home. You amaze me, Kaaren....you always seeem so energetic. I am so glad you are getting back your energy. Rest when you need to.
I love your blocks. I have done a few too, they are sure fun. I haven't put mine together yet though, I need to make some more, but got going on a quilting project. Almost done and needing something fun and simple to do for a break. I am like you in that I always need to change something. I feel like that makes it more mine than if I were to copy someone else entirely. I think if I designed something I would really enjoy seeing the ideas others would have for it.
Love, love, love your blocks! They are just so sweet and perfectly pieced,..I can tell! I can't wait to see your next step. And yes, I often put my own twist on my quilting projects. Makes it much more fun that way! I have never seen an iron quite like yours...does it iron all by itself? Giggle...
Nothing like pawing 30s fabrics to lift the spirits! These blocks are delightful!
Of course we change things up from patterns--isn't that written somewhere into the official definition of "quilter"?
Gorgeous blocks. I love them
Don't you just hate it when a good iron dies? And I love this quilt. So pretty and fresh. thanks for sharing.
beautiful! I may just have to buy one of the travel irons too! I have a big Rowenta, love those irons!
ok, love your quilt blocks, ah yes 30's always make me happy! glad to see your making progress, this is going to be a beautiful quilt. Can't wait to see more.
Kathie
Gorgeous granny squares! Glad to see you are having the energy to get back to sewing...bet it is a great source of joy!
Love your granny squares - I'm still resisting the urge to make some of my own! Seems like everyone is having iron troubles lately. I might have to check out one like yours - I love my Rowenta but it's starting to spit and hiss and I'm afraid it will have to join yours in the iron graveyard soon.
Hi Kaaren!
I love your Granny Squares and your choice of fabrics...Granny would be proud!!
P
Poor little iron!!!!!! RIP! The new one is quite snazzy..........
I love this new quilt!!!!!! It is MY cup of tea with all that bright red!!!!!! Love it. Can't wait to see this one finished!!!!!
I'm so happy to hear the "lilt" in your voice again. What a little blessing your smile is!!!!
xoxoxoxoxox
The Granny Squares look fantastic!
Did you replace the iron with another Rowenta? I am terrible about having mine take tumbles too. Sigh!
Such a pretty Spring quilt! YEs, makes me smile when I look at it. I've collected these fabrics for so long and really need to take your lead and make this one. I ALWAYS change something, seem to have to make it my own and hard to follow a pattern EXACTLY~for me.
I love seeing your work!
I do like those thirties prints. I have my own ongoing project from them and usually pull it out this time of year. Personally, I think you might want to push the snazzy new iron off onto the floor so you can "break it in." Pardon the pun; couldn't resist. My Rowenta has done its fair share of dives off the ironing board. It leaks some, but still heats up fine. I am amazed at how durable they are and wonder if the new ones can take the same abuse.
I just love that pattern, & your blocks are so pretty. Frankei is such a beautiful cat.
They all look beautiful! I'm glad you are feeling like sewing again.
Lovely project for spring. No holding you back now.
I love your blocks. Anxious to see how you put them together.
Glad you are feeling better.
Darlis
Your iron story makes me feel better. Hubby would hear this loud terrible noise in my room, and come running. What happened!!
I was checking the hardwood floors for dents, yep, another one.
After that I heard of a cordless iron.
I wore the teflon off the first one, hubby bought me a cordless panasonic, no teflon. Wont go back to corded.
And hubby is happy, no more thunks or dents.
What we do for our men... LOL
Your squares are very pretty.
My Rownta is only 6 mths and has started to leak.
Can't return it, bought it in Florida. Just use it on dry.
Glad you are feeling better.
Did you have a great trip?
What a lovely stack of blocks! How fun to be home and sewing again!!
looks like Frankie is as good a quilting companion as my Misha! We must have had the same Grandma because I see all her housedresses in there too :)
I love to read your blog and I am so pleased that your feeling better. Hopefully our not overdoing but I do know that is hard. I love the cheeriness of these blocks. Have a beautiful day. Many hugs
Hi Karren... I truly love the blocks madee with the 30's fabric... I can't waite to see the quilt finish... Rest when you need it, and you know your body will tell you when to rest... I just love Frankie paw of aproval... Hugs :)
Your granny square blocks are looking so wonderful, you did well to complete them in good time! I love those 30's prints, am working on a small project myself using these happy prints! Lets hope your new iron lasts as long as the previous one!!!
My mini Rowenta iron died about two weeks ago. I am lost without it. I have another travel iron, but it doesn't get as hot and the sole plate isn't as smooth. I have looked all over and can't find another iron like the small Rowenta. :(
I like the granny square blocks, very nice! I aqauired some real feed sack fabrics that belonged to my grandmother and my aunt and was wondering what I will do with them. I was thinking of donating them to someone who does quilt repairs but I might cut a portion from each and make some granny squares.
Post a Comment