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Monday
May192014

great granny sew along & giveaway 

Hello and Happy Monday! 

Welcome to the final installment of the Great Granny Squared Sew Along with Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet and Fat Quarter Shop.  If you've been sewing along, you know the drill - I've got photos of this week's project, which is a ton of fun to make by the way - and a link to your homework PDF, as well as a copy of Lori's new book to give away to one of you. :)

The last thing you need to make for this quilt - but certainly not the least - is the Label Block

It's a whimsical change from the traditionally little label we so often associate with quilts - and it has a blank square in the middle of the block for you to customize with whatever embroidery design you like. 

Lori's book has lovely label ideas and embroidery templates.  I started my stitched square with Lori's floral motif and then did a little designing of my own.

Since I don't need a quilt label at present I took another idea from Lori's book - adding a border to my block - and turned it into a zippered cushion cover.

Not surprisingly, one of my girls requested it for her room in our new house.  So what about the other girl?  Well, this block is so quick and easy that I didn't need any arm-twisting whatsoever to whip up another one ...

For those of you who don't embroider - I know you're out there ;) - try adding a little ribbon to the center square as an alternative to stitching.

(A few extra details on the back of a cushion is never a bad thing.)

For more inspiration, check out my labelling partners over at Pink Penguin and Lily's Quilts.  And remember to add your photos to the Great Granny Squared Flickr Page to be entered for the weekly prize.

Without further ado, I'd like to give away a copy of this beautiful book, which is page after page of gorgeous photography, inspiring designs and easy-to-follow patterns.  If you'd like a chance to win, leave a comment on this post (not an email) telling me if you are a labeller, a non-labeller, or - like me - a labeller with good intentions who doesn't always get around to it. 

This giveaway is open to all and closes Sunday May 26th.  I'll announce the winner soon after.   Good luck to you!

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Reader Comments (219)

I love your cushions! I label all my quilts but most just get my name and the year embroidered on the binding, only baby quilts get a 'proper' label!
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterArchiethewonderdog
I'm a non-labeller yet. :) Great Pillows! I would also like this in my room! Thanks for the chance to win the book!
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterAlexandra
Thanks for allowing me to be a good intentioned labeler who often fails to finish the labeling job. It seems I'm so excited to have a quilt done!!!! I forget it really should have something to identify it for even a year or so down the road. Thanks.
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterMom C
I think about labeling but don't. I should though.
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterDeidra
occasional labeller with so many good intentions and so little time to fulfill them all ๐Ÿ˜Š but I'd love soooo much to win that book and make at least one end-to-end project including label ๐Ÿ˜‰
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterAlexia
Truth be told, I'm a "I wish I had remembered the dang label!" kind of gal. I seem to get so into the next step, I forget things. Anyone else do that?
Your attention to detail is wonderful - I adore (!) the muted shades of the second pillow. In fact, I have some heavier cotton (almost a canvas) of that gorgeous blue floral fabric and made several grocery/shopping bags with it. Makes the task more fun, don't ya know!
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterHeather(mtl)
I don't believe I'd call myself a labeller, but last couple years try my best to at least label my quilts.
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterMartha
Labels are kin of a pain but I usually do it anyway. Your pillows are lovely.
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterJoan H.
Unfortunately, I am a labeler with good intentions. I still need to make a label for the rag quilt my granddaughter and I made at the beginning of the year.
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterDeb H.
Those cushions are so lovely. I`m a labeller as it always is a touch of design on the back. Thank you.
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterAngela
I always intend to label, but unfortunately it does not always happen.
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterJill
I have the best intentions to put a label on each quilt but doesn't always happen. Wow! I love the Pam Kitty pillow and thought it was so cute and then you came up with another completely different but just as cute. I'm going to make one (well, one of each). You inspire us out in blogland so much. Thanks for sharing.
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterLinda S.
I am a new quilter and haven't gotten organized enough yet to think about labeling. I'm always glad just to finish the quilt. I guess labeling my quilts is one of the next things I should think about.
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterSusan
I always label my quilts. I din't sew a special one though, I just use a permanent fabric pen and write on the quilt back.
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterJen B
I have only labled one quilt, that had special meaning to me. The others I've given away, and I never label them because I feel a bit embarassed about doing so, pretentious, or something. Thanks for the giveaway!
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterSarah
I love everything you create so I took a page out of your book and have started labeling. Right now I am cross -stitching a label for a quilt that I have made for my Granddaughter. I love these pillows and especially the center block! You have such a fantastic blog and are so creative putting your colors and fabrics together, it's a joy to visit. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the book!
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterSharon B.
I'm a labeller. I make them up on my computer & print them out. Before I attach the binding I pick a corner of the quilt & pin it in place. That way when I sew the binding on 2 sides are enclosed in the binding & I only have to hand stitch the other 2.
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterKell
I am definitely a labeller! (is that even a word? ha ha I love the idea of embroidering on the back and I am always looking for new ways to label -- so thanks for your links and also thanks for your giveaway!
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterMargo
I am a labeler. Over the years I have varied the techniques I have used for the process. From counted cross stitch, to embroidery, to handwritten with an acid free pen, to computer generated. Who knows what the future will hold. Your pillows turned out fabulous! Kristy
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterKristy
Definitely a 'good intentions' labeller! Always try to do it, but sometimes it slips.
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterAshley
LOOOOOVE your Pillows!!!

I'm more a "Wanna Be a Labeler" .... trying harder tho... lol Would love to win this book!!! Would help me I know....
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterLori Morton
I have the best of intentions with just about everything, so I really never get around to following through, sigh. I love the embroidery because it gives the quilt/project that personal touch.

Thanks for the giveaway!
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterLeslie Hancock
I truly wish I were a labeler, but so far I haven't labeled anything. Thanks for the giveaway!
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterPenny
I do try to label all the quilts I give away. Sometimes one will slip,out of here without a label, but not too often! My favorite part of making the label is "naming" the quilt. My husband has probably named the last 5 or 6 quilts I've made as gifts. He's just really, really good at it.
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterLynette Root
Oo I'm actually not a labeler. I think I've only done it once! But most of the time I just get really excited to finish something that I just completely about labeling.
May 20, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterLily
I try to label, but it's not as pretty as it could be! Thanks for the chance to win!!!
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterKarrie Smith
I'm a labeler with good intentions. Most often I am rushing to finish the project and have not the time to label.
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterNicole Sender
I have always tried to be a labeller and when I do it looks good and is a great reminder, but my last two quilts I just haven't got around to it. ๐Ÿ˜•
I think you have guilted me into doing them...

Thanks for the chance to win Lori's book

Michelle
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterMichelle G
Gorgeous cushions, just lovely. I am labeller with good intentions. Maybe it needs to go on the 'to do' list.
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterCarina
Hmmm, sadly I'm a labeller with good intentions. Finishing a project is quickly followed by an intense desire to start another, if I haven't already!! I need to make more time for those little finishing touches that make a project really sing!
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterXanthe Grundy
Lovely cushions. I am a labeller but as I have only made two quilts I don't know how long this will last.
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterWendy W.
I'm a labeller - but I just write mine!!
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterGill
I label my quilts, but haven't thought about other crafty things. Love your pillows - as always. You have such cute ideas and happy you share them! Thanks for the chance to win a cute quilt book!
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterSusan
Sometimes I label the quilts I make
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterValerie Boudier
I usually label! My new labels just arrived too :)
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered Commenterauschick
I am not a labeler!!...But I love the Granny Squares - especially the colors you use!d I have a special place in my heart for the granny square quilts/projects. My Mom ,who passed away last year, used to make afghans and scarves out of granny squares...love the memories - and would love to have this book to create more memories! Thank you!
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterBJK
I'm like you, a labeler with good intentions who doesn't always get around to it. I love your pillows and the sweet embroidered "home" square.
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterDH
When I first started quilting I always forgot the label! I make sure to always put one on now!
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterChristi Pike
I'm a labeler - or I want to be, ha! :-) I'm still a newbie to quilting and labeling and so forth, but loving every minute of it! :-) Thanks for the entry!
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterMelissa W.
I'm not a quilt labeler, but I really do want to be. :) I believe I would want to embroider something on a label. I just always forget to do it. Enjoyed looking at your pillow!
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterCecelia
I am a labeler. I think it's cute and the receiver always will know who it's from. :-)
May 21, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterMarissa
I'm new to patchwork and quilting, but have just finished a mini quilt (Camille Roskelly's beautiful spool pattern). This post reminded me the importance of labelling. So I've resolved to "label as I go" from the very start! Thanks for the inspirational blog.
May 22, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterLucky Shake
I've only labelled quilts I've made for my grand kids, but really should do it for all my quilts. I love your labels! You've inspired me.
May 22, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterBunny
Love those pillows and the embroidery accents are so pretty!! I stitch a very simple label to all the quilted projects that I make: my initials and a short form of the year. I guess you could say it is my trademark ;-)
May 22, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterMichele T
The quilts I give away get labels. A friend in one of my quilt groups machine embroiders them for me. Without that help, I would be full of good intentions only. Beautiful book and I just have to make some of those wonderful granny squares. Thanks for the chance to win.
May 22, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterDebbie R
Oh how pretty! Would love to win! Thank you!
May 22, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterCheryl J
(whoops, hit enter before I finished!) I try to make labels, but I must say I am not very good at it. Something to work on I guess!
May 22, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterCheryl J
I do not label.
May 22, 2014 | Unregistered Commentermelissa
I am a labeler wanna be! It looks so great. I even have some labels, but never can decide! So many ideas, so little time! I must get going with this idea!
May 22, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterJudith
I am definitely a labeller with good intentions. I always mean to embroider my labels but always seem to run out of time! I've been able to finish one hand embroidered label that went to a charity.

What a fun project! Thanks for sharing
May 22, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterEmerauld
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