4 Granny Pillow

Does anything beat the classic granny square? They are simple and versatile.

This pillow is the same front and back, 4 large granny's joined in a large square. 

I used 8 colours of Lori Holts Chunky Thread.

3.5 mm hook

Make or by a pillow insert the same size as your finished pieces. This one is 14 x 14 inch

Im not going to explain how to make a granny square as there are are thousands of tutorials already out there, hopefully you know how to make one, if not please have a look on youtube :)

These are as follows:

First row:

Chain 5, join. 3 dc, ch 2. repeat three more times. 

Second row and following rows:

Three double crochet (dc), 1 chain (ch) for the sides, three dc, ch 2 , 3 dc for the corners. 

 

Once you have 7 rows finished of each of the 4 front squares, use the join as you go method and white to join the 4 squares together. 

Make the back the same way

Join the sides:

With good sides facing out, start anywhere and stitch the following into both sides to "sew" them together:

1sc, 1hdc, 1 dc, 1hdc, 1sc in a chain space, chain 1 and repeat. 

For the center joins add one extra dc

For the corners add 2 extra dcs

When you have 3 sides crocheted together, insert the pillow and continue, trapping the pillow inside. 

Use colours that make you happy :D

Join as you go to connect the squares for the front and back

 

Scrappy Table Mat

I love making these, they use up scraps and make the table pretty. 

I make them in all kinds of sizes, really what fits the scrap blocks or pieces I'm using 

I used them for small serving mats (under chip bowls etc) I put plants on them, picture, basically I used them where I want to protect a table, shelf etc. 

I don't use batting in mine unless its something I want to use to put a hot pot on. 

You need scrap blocks and a binding an inch larger on all sides 

Make your patchy top piece. 

Place in the center of the backing (backing wrong side up)

Pin and quilt. I usually follow grid lines, but do what you like. Leave the corners unsewn and only sew on the top piece. 

Trim the sides if you need to. Make sure there is 1 inch on each side.

Tuck the corners of the backing under the front like shown below

Fold the backing in half until it meets the edge of the front. You can use clips or iron if you want.

Fold the backing in half again, this time onto the front. The corners should be nicely mitered. 

Hand or machine stich. 

 Enjoy!

Cutting into a Fat Quarter Bundle

These are lovely colorful 1930s print fat quarters called Darlene's Favorites. (Designer: Darlene Zimmerman, Manufacture: Robert Kaufmann)

You can make a quilt from a fat quarter bungle (FQB) or just have an amazing selection of prints from a collection in a convenient size for patchwork, English Paper Piecing, sewing small projects etc. 

The question is.. how to cut into it.. its so pretty, one almost feels bad cutting it... I do strips

I do a lot of patchwork and EPP, I usually end up using 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 wide pieces the most. So I take my lovely FQB and cut a 2.5 and 3.5 strip of each one, iron it and put the rest of the bundle away. if I need a 1.5 inch wide piece I cut from the 3.5 strip.. that leaves a still use able 2 inch piece.. I have a thing about making as much use from fabric as possible lol!. 

Some EPP shapes that fit these.. 3 inch Triangles and Diamond and smaller can be cut from a 2.5 inch wide strip, 1.5 inch Hexagons can be made with 3.5 inch squares, lots of uses and variety. Especially when you are using small amounts but want lots of print selection. 

Happy Sewing!

 

TriPatch Pot Holder

 EPP triangles, some pretty scraps and Voila! Pretty pot holder!

I used the following:

60 x  2 inch triangle papers by Sue Daley Designs

2 inch Sue Daley acrylic template (optional)

Glue Pen

Assorted 2.5 inch scraps

Needle, thread, scissors. 

Batting: 11x11

Backing: 13x13 square

Start by taking 6 of your triangle papers and cut in half  for the edge pieces. Make sure you have 6 in one direction and 6 in the opposite direction. Cut your fabric at least 1/4 inch larger, cut out and glue baste or stitch baste if you prefer to the papers.

Using the 54 triangle papers, cut our fabric triangles at least 1/4 inch larger all the way around. Glue or stitch baste to the papers. 

Collect all your sewing supplies

Arrange them how you want it to look. 9 triangles & 2 edges per row. 

I like to sew these in rows, then sew the rows onto each other. 

Isn't it pretty!

Remove all the papers. I find a 4mm knitting needle helps. If stitch basting remove the basting stitches.

Once all the papers are out, press really well, making sure to press the sides the way they were folded for a nice edge

Place pressed top on the batting. Quilt as desired. I stitched long the diagonal lines. 

Trim the excess batting. 

Place backing wrong side up on your table. Center the top on the backing and trim to have 1 inch of backing all the way around. 

I pin the edges of the patchwork so it stays in place for the next part. 

Press the backing in half towards the front piece all the way around. 

Fold it again, this time onto the patchwork front. Clip or pin in place. 

You can machine or hand stitch the folded binding edges, I prefer hand stitching. 

To finish, I quilted the row of triangles and around the edges of the binding so it was all quilted together. 

Finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you would rather sew this by machine, use a 60 degree triangle ruler and machine stitch them together

I used various prints I had in stash from Darlene's Favorites by Darlene Zimmerman, Robert Kaufmann Fabrics for the front. Back is medium dots by RJR. 

Check out www.victorystitches.com for EPP papers, notions and fabrics 

This pattern was written by me, Vall for victory stitches. It can be used for personal use or if you want to sell the finished item. Do not copy my tutorial for print or resale. If making or sharing this pattern, please do the right thing and give credit. Thanks, Vall.