Granny's Garden Quilt

Granny's Garden Quilt

The Granny's Garden Quilt by Lori Holt of Bee in my Bonnet is a happy project that you will be delighted to pursue in case you love quilts that make you feel like you have stepped into a backyard that is in bloom. This design was included in a free sew-along pattern offered by Riley Blake Designs, in which quilters were encouraged to sew block-by-block in a casual and encouraging way.

The quilt is constructed using Lori Granny Chic fabric collection and applique Sew Simple Shapes which makes the quilt look as happy as a flower bed during sunshine.

What Makes It Special:

The Grannys Garden Quilt brings the caprice of flower gardens to the world of quilt. The blocks are characterized by colorful applique patterns - such as flowers, leaves, stems - and are enclosed in more ancient methods of piecing. Its floral design and its symmetrical design ensure that it can be placed in any guest room, residential room or any other place where you would need a cheerful quilt.

The Granny Chic fabrics of Lori, with all its florals and luscious ginghams, are cozy and vintage and yet fresh and contemporary.

Quilting Tips:

• Balance Colours - Pair brighter and flavourful floral prints with lighter materials to provide blossoms with visual flair.

• Smooth Applique - This will be done with the help of fusible applique shapes or templates, particularly the Sew Simple Shapes set, to keep the stems and petals straight and in place.

• Press Often - Firm pressing after your seams will make sure that your quilt blocks will be laid flat and will fit together in the final quilt top.

    The complete pattern collection by Riley Blake Designs includes the free download of the entire Granny Sew Along Guide pattern

The Grannys Garden Quilt is lovely flowery applique and traditional quilt piecing, a project that grows your talents and brings a quilt you will be reluctant to show off or offer to others. This quilt is very creative and appealing in its own blocks, whether you are doing the original sew along or doing it at your own pace.

Curve it Up Quilt (Block 7)

Curve it Up Quilt (Block 7)

A Warm Turn on an Old Favorite:

Curve It Up Log Cabin block (Block 7 in Sew Kind of Wonderful's book) begins traditionally enough as a log cabin—a central "hearth" square embedded among rows of fabric "logs." Tradition holds that a red center equals the hearth, and yellow equals a welcome light in the window

Piecing Magic with a Twist:

What makes this block stand out is the sweeping curve that arcs around that center. Instead of square-in-square, you’ll use the Quick Curve Ruler to cut gracefully tapered log pieces. A tapered ¼″ seam starts and ends 1¾″ down the curve's edge, blending tradition and fluid design 

Step-by-Step Overview:

1. Cut the Curved Logs:

Use the Quick Curve Ruler to trim strips with a gentle curve.

2. Sew with Tapered Seam:

As you sew curved log to center, start 1¾″ from edge, taper to ¼″ seam most of the way around the curve, and then taper back out on the other side

3. Square Up:

Trim with square-up ruler when stitched for precise alignment.

4. Repeat Around:

Continue tapering, curved logs around center to complete the block.

Why You'll Love It:

• Scrap-Friendly: Great way to use up scraps of fabric—log cabins are log cabin love by pack rats anyway, and the curves add a cute touch

• Engaging Challenge: The curve is fun, but the ruler and cut-sew-square-up process make it accessible for newbs

• Visual Impact: Piling up a number of blocks, and your quilt explodes into bright curves—see Dueling Threads' blog and Sew Kind of Wonderful's mock-ups of the bright effect

Tips for Success:

• Practice Makes Perfect: Curves can be picky—practice a test curve with scraps to achieve the ¼″ taper transition perfectly.

• Lean on the Ruler: A Quick Curve Ruler is essential; it ensures uniform, accurate curves without guessing

• Embrace Personalization: Choose your center color thoughtfully—red, yellow, or pink—to impart personal meaning to every block.

Get the Pattern & Supplies:

Block & Book: Curve It Up by Sew Kind of Wonderful is sold on their website, quilt shops, and online retailers

Ruler: Required is the Quick Curve Ruler (12×7″). Sew Kind of Wonderful, Massdrop, Amazon, and quilt stores sell it.

Final Thoughts

The Curve It Up Log Cabin block is the perfect combination of tradition and innovation. Whether it's the narrative symbol of the center or the smooth, swooping curves that appeal to you, it's a charming and visually stimulating project. It's perfect for leftovers, developing curved-piecing techniques, and creating a quilt with a distinctly modern feel on a classic. 

Happy stitching—and may your heart and hearth be warm with every block!