Great Granny Twist Blog Tour - Twisted Great Granny Pouch

I have had the Great Granny Squared book by Lori Holt of Bee In My Bonnet since it was released. 

Super cute quilts,projects and fabrics that I can never resist thumbing through.

When fat quarter shop challenged a group of bloggers to make a block with a twist....

many ideas started flowing for me.

I began with the new Sweetwater Valentine inspired line called First Crush.

In order to make a pouch, you need the book for cutting measurements.

I chose 5 fabrics and cut out a block using 1.5" strips. 

In order for a pouch to be made from a block, 

I modified the "letter F" dimensions in the pattern 

to the following: 2- 3.5" x 1.5" strips background

                       2- 1.5" x 2" strips of background

The rest of the measurements were the same as a 1.5" great granny block.

It measures about 9 1/4" square when sewn.

Once the block was sewn,

I layered it with 10" backing and batting just as I would for a little quilt.

I quilted it with cross hatch straight lines using coordinating Aurifil thread.

Next, square up the quilted block, I tried to make sure

 there was an inch of background fabric all the way around the block.

It measures about 7" square.

Remember this number can vary with the amount of quilting that is done.

I cut out a 3/4" square from 2 sides of the block... opposite sides. 

I chose a zipper that was about 14" because I wanted red for this bag.

The picture makes it look off but the zipper is connected on one end. 

I sewed the zipper to each 'long' side of the pouch. Turned it to the right side and top stitched the zipper in place.

Actually using such a long zipper allowed me working room for sewing it on.

Unfortunately, I didn't get many pictures of these steps. 

Next, match the sides of the bag - right sides together and pin from the zipper to the cut out out square area. 

Sew this seam carefully. 

Then pinch open the 'square' bottom and fold it flat. 

Sew a 1/4" seam across. This creates the 'box' bottom of the pouch.

Repeat for the other side BUT make sure your zipper is open half way.

Turn your bag right side out.

I loved this little pouch so much that I went on to make pouches

with 2" strips and 2 1/2" strips.

This grey pouch used 2" strips and a mix of fabric from my etsy shop.

The quilted block was trimmed to 9 1/2" and 

a 1" square was cut from the sides of the pouch to 'box' it.

Here is a large pouch done with Hello Darling mini charm squares.

I auditioned the look of this bag by folding the block in half before I quilted.

You can see the quilting is pretty basic - just straight lines.

This quilted block squared up to 12 1/2".

3 pouches....

perfect for gifts this season

Now as you know the Fat Quarter Shop is hosting this twisted tour 

and they kicked it off with their twist called the Great Granny Circle.

Here is the video on you tube for it.

Super cool idea....wished I'd thought of it!!

I hope that I have inspired you to make a bag or pouch from one of your granny square blocks!

Here is the list of other bloggers that had Twisted fun with their Great Granny blocks.

Lori Holt Bee in My Bonnet

Fat Quarter Shop

Sinta of Pink Pincushion

Katie of Good Golly Ginger

Many more bloggers tomorrow

December 15, 2015

Debbie of Happy Little Cottage

Tina of Emily Ann's Closet

Renee of Sewn with Grace

Tricia of Notes of Serenity

Wednesday December 16, 2015

Melissa of Oh how Sweet

Marni of Haberdashery fun

Nadra of Ellis and Higgs

 Thursday December 17, 2015

Jennie of Clover & Violet

Erin of Why Not Sew

Sherri of This & That Patterns

Rachel of P.S. I Quilt

Sharon of Daisy Cottage Quilting

Friday December 18, 2015 

Greg of Grey Dogwood Studios

Pam of Pam Kitty Morning

Jamie of Busy Bee Quilts

Daisy of Ants to Sugar

Gerri of Planted Seed Designs

Again, I sincerely hope you enjoy the twisted blog tour.