Granny Square Quilt

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! 






I 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. 



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.