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Sunday, April 23, 2017

Dressing Up Granny

How often we read about quilters finding inspiration everywhere, from nature to bridges, floor tiles to ceiling tiles, even fruit and vegetable displays at the grocery store.  And that's true for me, too, and I snap all kinds of pictures, but never do anything with them.

Well, the other week, I was at a local drug store, and in walked an elderly lady, dressed to the nines in skinny black jeans and coordinated accessories.  But, what stood out the most was the shocking pink swatch of hair at her left temple!  I watched her move about the store and she was a real pistol, and I thought, "Why NOT dress up granny?"

So, I came home and I did!  

I love making Granny Squares, 
as evidenced by this picture of my 
scrappy leader-ender project from over the winter.


Here are the first two grannies I came up with.


I decided I would keep the consistency of the white line throughout all my blocks.

The next one is ready to sew up,
which I will do leader-ender style while I work on another WIP.


I'm having fun trying to think of creative ways to 'Dress Up Granny'
and look forward to working on these,
one block at a time,
as the spirit moves me,
over the summer.

I have no idea where it will go from here
or how long it will take!

Happy Quilting!
XO,
Karen


35 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

neat idea - isn't it surprising every now and then we we see an old granny that is not like everyone else and plays it her way

canuckquilter said...

I love this and the story of where you got the inspiration!

Maria said...

Your Grannies look 👀 great dressed up. Look forward to seeing them made into a flimsy.

Raewyn said...

I've pulled out my Granny blocks today but mine are very sedate compared to yours - I think my grannies haven't taken the pep pill that yours have! Great work :-)

Kate @ Smiles From Kate said...

Love the story, you are so funny and it's a great idea to 'dress up granny'. Your dressing up blocks are very creative, I'm looking forward to seeing more of them.

Christine B said...

What a great story and fantastic inspiration! The blocks are looking fabulous! Christine x

Karen said...

Beautiful blocks. I have always want to make granny square blocks. I too have leader/ender projects on the go. My current one is ready to be sewn into strips. I hope you made it home safely.

Janice Holton said...

Fun story! I would have loved to see that granny. She sounds like quite a personality. :) Your granny squares will be enough to make a quilt in no time!

Louise said...

Great idea to have that consistent white strip through each block! Your grannies will be rockin' :)

Needled Mom said...

That is a fabulous idea and the blocks look amazing.

julieQ said...

Oh please, have a Granny quilt along! That would be super great fun to make Granny a little fancy...who is in??

Tish Stemple said...

Love this story and I love how you are Dressing Granny up! You totally have to make one with a bit of pink in it :)

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Grin....Dress up Granny. Love your new granny blocks especially the purple one with the yellow star.

Allie-oops Designs said...

BRILLIANT!!! It does look all dressed up!

Lesley said...

Pretty cute grannies! Great idea!

Anonymous said...

wow Karen they look fantastic,i love your interpretation of it x

Cheryl said...

This is awesome! I love how just the little changes make such a difference in this block!

Sheri said...

Your leader/ender grannies are gorgeous and how fun to dress up granny! Very creative!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely love the inspiration and the blocks.

Sondra said...

How very clever you are, and talented. Those squares are so colorful, outstanding idea.

Teresa in Music City said...

Oh how FUN Karen!!! Can't wait to see your next blocks. That's what I call putting inspiration to work for you - and how!!!!

Lin said...

Always good to find inspiration in the unusual! I love your blocks. xx

Createology said...

I do love how you saw inspiration and carried it through to your sewing of granny blocks. My Grandma taught me to always see things with "different" eyes. Very creative dear. <3

Sheila said...

Loved the story of your inspiration for these blocks and I think you have dressed up your grannies extremely well !

Chookyblue...... said...

wow they look great.......its great to think outside the circle sometimes.....goodluck and I look forward to seeing you blocks coming along.....

Linda said...

Your grannies rock! Love them all but Love the last one the best.

Scrapatches said...

I really love your dressed up grannies! What a great idea. You are quite a pistol yourself ... :) Pat

Barb said...

Why not dress up Granny....love it.

Binsa said...

Love your Grannies Karen...such a great idea

JanineMarie said...

I love this idea and the inspiration behind it. This sounds like a perfect quilter's book. Dressing up Granny. Great title. Maybe you should publish...
It will be fun to see all the ways you dress her up.

Nann said...

What fun! Great design ideas. Thanks, Karen.

Nann said...

What a great design idea!

Abby and Stephanie said...

Your grannies are really stylish!!!

Sarah Goer Quilts said...

I love those skinny white lines in the blocks! A great unifying feature.

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

Dress up granny blocks ! Great idea