Quilting with Great Granny.

In July  I saw this.  I thought it would be a fun quilt along and told the Wild Threads about it.  We are an informal bunch so I just forwarded the link and suggested that anyone who was interested or intrigued should play a little.  I have seen 'Granny square' quilt blocks and quilts all over the blogisphere for quite some time now.  These are fun because Lori from Bee in My Bonnet added a round, making these Great grannies.  The baby is in the center and is surrounded by a mommy, then a granny, and finally a great granny.  So fun to think of the rounds that way.

  Less than a month later, at the August Wild Thread gathering, at least 5 people had Great Granny quilt tops DONE!  And Annette even had hers quilted and bound.  Since then, she entered it in the state fair and it won a prize, zowee!   And mine?  I lagged behind a bit.  I had some blocks done but wanted to make more and seeing my friends' quilts got me motivated.  I got to work with my piles of 2 and a half inch squares.  The next day, after hours and hours of piddling around,  I sent the following email to my pals:

I just thought I would share with y'all the progress I made yesterday. I stayed up past midnight working on my GGQ (great granny quilt). I determined yesterday that I need to make at least 5 more if I set it on point. If I decide not to set it on point, I will need 9 (NINE) more!!!! Guess which way I'm leaning? So I ransacked the room, stacked the mini design boards, and got to work. This morning I am surveying the progress (damage). I have one block decided and laid out on its little board. I have 2 others waiting for a great granny to adopt them. Another is missing a mommy and a fifth needs a grandmom. The problem with the 5th one is that the mom and the great grandmom don't seem to get along well. I think they are giving each other the evil eye. I am hoping to find a sweet lil granny to bring peace to that household. However, as I look at it now, I am thinking that the baby is kind of a dud. Harsh words I know. Sooooooo, the reality of the whole dingity ding dong process is that SCRAPPY AIN'T EASY FOR ME!!!!!!!! And the final answer is.............. this GGQ is getting it's ass put ON POINT!!!!!!!

 

It is crazy how much time I can spend pondering how to make a scrappy quilt.  I persevered, however,  and got a total of 25 blocks done.

 

 

 I didn't fussy cut all of the baby squares but I did have fun with a few.

Perfect place for a little Heather Ross action don't you think?

 

This block was still in the deciding stage.  Needs a great granny.

 

Isn't it fun when you can start grouping your blocks together on the design wall?

 

 

This is how far I got on retreat this past weekend.  I decided these blocks looked better NOT on point.  I am not crazy about square quilts but couldn't bring myself to make five more blocks at this time.  So I went with simple sashing and no border and put the blocks 5 across and 5 down. 

 

 

 Hi fishie!

 

 

Love those scooters from Aneela Hooey.

 

 

Since the quilt is square, I just made a giant 4 patch for the back.  I really love these bright and cheery DS fabrics.  It hurt a little to use up the last of my green floral but I'll keep my eyes peeled and hopefully JoAnn's will get more soon. 

 

 

We had loads of fun on retreat and OMG did we have some good food.  By this weekend I plan to have this quilt sandwiched, basted, and the quilting begun!  I think some kind of all over design, unless someone has a better idea...........hint hint.