Don't you love transforming old projects into something fresh and new? Today we're looking at Lori Holt's Great Granny Squared Book in a whole new way!
In honor of Great Granny Squared's one year anniversary, we decided to put a new twist on Lori's Mama Blocks by turning it into an applique circle block.
![]() |
Kimberly sporting Lori's One Stitch at a Time t-shirt. |
![]() |
Original Mama Block quilt with our appliqued Mama Block Tablerunner. |
We love how these appliqued Mama Blocks look like vintage buttons!
If you want to know how you can sew our Great Granny Circled project, grab a copy of Great Granny Squared and watch Kimberly's video tutorial!
We've also invited Lori's quilty friends to sew along this week. Hop on over to their blogs each day to see their "twist" on Lori's Great Granny Squared blocks!
Monday, December 14, 2015
Fat Quarter Shop (Hey, that's us!)
Lori Holt of Bee in my Bonnet
Vickie of Spun Sugar Quilts
Katie of Good Golly Ginger
Sinta of Pink Pincushion
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Tina of Emily Ann's Kloset
Renee of Sewn with Grace
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Melissa of Oh How Sweet
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Jennie of Clover & Violet
Erin of Why Not Sew
Sherri Falls of This & That Patterns
Rachel of P.S. I Quilt
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 Robinson of Planted Seed Designs
If you love these "twists" but still think the Great Granny classic is the bees knees, check our our Attic Treasures Quilt Kit featuring the Toy Chest collection by Penny Rose Fabrics.
SURPRISE! We are giving away 5 copies of Great Granny Squared on the blog. To enter our fun giveaway, let us know what "twist" you would give the Great Granny Squared blocks on the comment section of our blog. We will pick 5 random winners on December 21, 2015! Good luck everyone!
Great tour!
ReplyDeleteI think a fun 'twist' would be to make the second row and the center in the background fabric so that the block has a flooting feeling to it.
My twist would be to make the Granny Squares in a two color pattern using various prints, such as a red and white or black and white. Thanks for the Blog Hop with all the different perspectives.
ReplyDeleteI'd do this all in shades of blues and greens. It's a lovely pattern.
ReplyDeleteI really like these Granny Circles --- would love to see them in some saturated solids and batiks!
ReplyDeleteI woud gather up some black and white fabrics then maybe some reds and to a tricolor quilt
ReplyDeleteI've been on a "on the bias" kick, so I'd turn the great granny squares 45 degrees and have it be "great granny diamonds" instead!
ReplyDeleteIf love to make a mini version.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
I think it would be fun to try and duplicate a granny square crochet afghan--the one that resides on the back of so many couches in this country. Black background, bright yarn colored solids, all done to scale.
ReplyDeleteI love Sintas variation with the flipped corner. I would love to make one in christmas fabrics! Thanks for a great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI love the round variation!
ReplyDeleteFor a twist, I think I would do the blocks in an ombre pattern, even within the single block.
I would do this pattern in pinks and greens for a little girl I know!
ReplyDeleteLove the Great Granny Twist Blog Hop that has started. Love seeing everyone's twist to this wonderful block. I love making the smaller version and inserting them into the Barn 'Door' Blocks - also designed by Lori Holt.
ReplyDeleteMake all of the center X squares out of the same fabric with all of the outside squares scrappy. Thanks for a chance to win. Love the circles : ) Janita
ReplyDeleteI would make this pattern in Christmas colors.
ReplyDeleteI'd use a floral background (not such a big twist). :) thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteHI,I MIGHT GO ALL SHADES OF RED+WHITE!
ReplyDeleteTHANKS FOR SHARING!msstitcher1214@gmail.com
If the 3rd "round" of the Granny square was the same fabric as the background fabric it might look something like a picket fence around a little house.
ReplyDeleteI would create a 3-D chicken pincushion. I have been wanting one for years from a granny square!
ReplyDeletehmmm...I'm not sure. I love 30's prints and have lots of them. I wonder what it would look like done in batiks?
ReplyDeleteThat is difficult as I have never made the granny square but would like to. jarvenpa1ne at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteBlacks and greys with a rare occasion of a bright red. Maybe yellow in place of the red.
ReplyDeleteI love the circle granny twist. I would build on that and make a completely scrappy "charming" version.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have a jagged edge on the quilt, following the squares instead of a square quilt
ReplyDeleteI'm not that creative...but looove the Circle block you did...would love to make...& use charcoal as background color...and maybe use solids? Thanks for chance to win this Awesome book!!
ReplyDeleteMERRY CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS!!
That circle mama block is great. I'd like to try it but alternating each block as "x" and "+" blocks.
ReplyDeleteI love the circle mama block. I would love to try this in an ombre in each block- maybe alternate darker outside/lighter middle blocks with lighter outside with darker middle blocks. Hmmm... so many fun ideas! Thanks- Sarah: crjandsbj(at)netzero(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI would love to do a rainbow version to up the kid-friendly factor!
ReplyDeleteGranny Square is my favorite block and I think I have made it every way there is with every background I can think of. That said I was thinking it would look beautiful with some Batiks and maybe a black background. I might give it a try or oranges/brwns/reds batiks with a beige/tan/ecru background.
ReplyDeleteI think I would use monochrome fabrics to give a contemporary look. I love all the examples shown today. Thanks for the giveaway x
ReplyDeleteIain.ross30 at gmail dot com
I would go with a coral and teal scheme.
ReplyDeleteI am into pink and grey these days. So I would love a quit done in those shades.
ReplyDeletei would go strictly Granny with the classic look. Probably in my collection of vintage calico prints. Thanks for the chance to win! Helen G. hrglover at hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteMy twist would be to use solids. Thanks for the inspiration love the circles!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe way I would shake it up would be with fabric: I would do a granny quilt with batiks.
ReplyDeleteI'd do a Valentines quilt w/the new Sweetwater fabrics! I'd use these appliqued versions to make X's, and keep all the outer "ring" dark, and the inner square low volume, as well as the outer fabric of the square to make an O. I hope I win! My birthday is Dec 21st!
ReplyDeleteNoelle
Block one would have a light center, moving to darker fabrics each succive outer ring. Then block two would have the opposite...a dark center square with lighter colored fabrics on the outer rings. Etc. Hope this makes sense.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
ollieami(at)aol(dot)com
I think I'd use black and white fabrics with just a bit of reds.
ReplyDeleteI purchased her Farmgirl Vintage Book, and think that mixing any of those blocks with the Great Granny Squares would make a lovely heirloom keepsake.
ReplyDeleteI think I would make seasonal ones like black + orange for Halloween!
ReplyDeleteKsmith8@emich.edu
I haven't made one yet, but I love the design and want to get started over Christmas break. I think I'll do it scrappy I spy, that would be fun when the grands are over!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI would probably make the blocks in red and white, like Canadians would!
cpoot at telus dot net
I love how you've turned the granny squares into circles. I'd love to make one of those. Thanks for the lovely giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many possibilities! I think I would want to use saturated colors for the background and the squares - make it jump out at you!
ReplyDeleteMaybe would try bright colors on black background--maybe set blocks on point--but I really like your design! bjkaupathunteldotnet
ReplyDeleteHmmm... I wonder what it would look like in shirting plaids? I do like the circle twist. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletebasaran.family@rogers.com
Granny Square is my favorite block! I'd like to make it a Valentine quilt! ❤️
ReplyDeletelilruth2@yahoo.com
I like the granny circles.and a great twist
ReplyDeleteNancy
gandn74@ymail.com
I I would love to fussy cut the center square of each block to make a fun "I spy" kids version.
ReplyDeleteJulie
pjmort@aol.com
I'd like to try and turn those squares into diamonds by making them on point. I would also try a dark color for the background to make the diamonds pop.
ReplyDeleteI would love to do the granny circles in the full quilt size, placing white squares in between the granny circle to add some visual "space." Maybe use primary colors from American Jane lines. Fun!
ReplyDeletegowendy (at) gmail dot com
I would love to make a big one, place it off centre in negative space, and make a fun baby quilt.
ReplyDeleteI am loving all the different "twists" I am seeing, I think I would do a mini, or one of the bags. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI would make circles in American Jane fabrics!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what twist Iwould put on the granny square, but I am liking the projects done so far, I love the block the way it is, thanks for the chance to win, Lorraine M Isaac
ReplyDeleteI wonder what it would look like if you made it larger then cut the blocks like a disappearing nine patch. The white would come together in an interesting way. I may have to put that on my to do list!
ReplyDeleteI would love to do this in all pinks with a lavender background.
ReplyDeleteMy twist would be to make a "mini" and hang it on my new "mini hangar" and put it in my spare bedroom. I can use my Farmhouse fat quarters so I'm sure it would turn out cute! Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteI'd love to use some modern fabrics or just use a single color family...I can see it in gray. Or aqua/turquoise. SO many possibilities!
ReplyDeleteI would do this pale pink, gray and use chevron print. I am a first time grandma and my favorite lil needs this beautiful quilt. ��
ReplyDeleteI would love to have this Lori Holt book! I would "twist" it will the circle but in Christmas fabrics as a table runner.
ReplyDeleteI love this look! How about making all the blocks using different shades of only one color.
ReplyDeleteI love the Granny Square in crochet or in quilts! I'm so in love with the Granny Square Circle! Love the circle twist to things! And the look of buttons! Applique! All the things I love! I believe that this book with make putting these squares together easier for me.....so many tutorials I've read /watched, but I get so confused! Lol could be I'm not "buttoned" down properly! Ha ha
ReplyDeleteI love the Granny Square in crochet or in quilts! I'm so in love with the Granny Square Circle! Love the circle twist to things! And the look of buttons! Applique! All the things I love! I believe that this book with make putting these squares together easier for me.....so many tutorials I've read /watched, but I get so confused! Lol could be I'm not "buttoned" down properly! Ha ha
ReplyDeleteI'll be doing more Christmas seeing all year in 2016 and I have some Little Joy fabric stashed to twist this up!
ReplyDeleteI would do a red, white, and blue one - maybe try to twist it to look like a flag - and give as a soldier quilt to my cousin doing her second tour over in Afghanistan!
ReplyDeleteI would do shades of red and pink for a Valentine theme quilt. Beautiful block!
ReplyDeleteI would use my 30'son reproduction fabric to make zipper pouches.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try making a "hue" one... Using one color, all hues of that color. Hope i made sense.
ReplyDeleteI'd use my late Brother's check shirts and make it into a memory quilt.
ReplyDeleteMy twist would be using modern fabrics with this traditional block.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try a variety of muted colors with maybe two darker ones.
ReplyDeleteI am making a granny squared blanket for Christmas, using only Christmas fabric and white sashing. The back of it is red fleece and the binding will be red and white stripes, as a candy cane :) can't wait to see it ready! Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI know this isn't TOO much of a twist, but my background will be in dark grey.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see it in a monochromatic colorway, such as shades of red blue green or black.
ReplyDeleteI think I would continue to add more and more rows.
ReplyDeleteI would use an ombre of colors as my twist!
ReplyDeleteJessica Peled
I like the one hour basket and the sew together bags that features the granny block!
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing all the twists I think I would do planted seeds design and make a matching crochet blanket. Thanks FQS
ReplyDeleteI would fussy-cut the fabric and make an "I spy!" quilt for my niece! So fun -- Merry Christmas everyone!
ReplyDeleteI'd use up some of my bright coloured scraps to make some cushions.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to try this using jewel toned fabrics on a navy background.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be neat to make them more modern. Using a grey background and using some of that grey in the blocks themselves to make squares seem to disappear!
ReplyDeleteGreat tour, would be nice to see them in modern fabrics, but I loved them all, Lorraine
ReplyDeleteI quilt and crochet. I make Crocheted Prayer Shawls for church members who are in hospice or have a serious illness and need a "hug". After seeing the blogged pillow from WhyNotSew where she crocheted the squares in a pillow, I thought it would be beautiful to crochet some of these squares into a Prayer Shawl. Surely the recipient would feel better after receiving a gorgeous shawl like that! And it not only makes their day, but it blesses my day to have made them. Thank you for all the ideas and Merry Christmas to your staff!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to make a granny square quilt in shades of blue. I'm enjoying this blog hop so much. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to try adding some of Lori's blocks from Farm Girl Vintage with her Granny Squares.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely going to make the granny circles. So fun! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHow about all patriotic fabrics with the red, white and blue. Love the blocks....thank you
ReplyDeletesewfabrics@outlook.com
Since I love making table runners, I'd definitely TWIST the pattern to make a runner. That should be fun!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I love this quilt!
ReplyDeleteI think in a quilters mind this block is endless.I am always in awe of the talent and artistic ability of my fellow quilters. I think this is a verisitile pattern Just using different fabric lines would give it a total new look. I personally love some of the rich color classics of the Moda Or perhaps changing the background border where the diamonds and squares would give it a picture framed feel
* Thanks for the opportunity to win this terrific book
Actually, I wouldn't mind trying out the circle twist you featured in your video. It looks so fun to make and I need more experience with fusibles.
ReplyDeleteMy Granny Square twist would be to use this pattern to make a retro-style apron. I think it would be adorable.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holiday wishes to everyone at Fat Quarter Shop!
I would like to make this with a dark background and bright colours like Busy Bee Quilts version - it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a copy, its a cool pattern. I have made a queen size crocheted granny square blanket, would be neat to make a quilted one.
ReplyDeleteWhat better twist than to make this fantastic pattern in many color combinations. Would love to win this book, thank you for the opportunity. Merry Christmas............
ReplyDeletesascott4@hotmail.com
I'd love to make this with several shades of the same color - perhaps in blues
ReplyDeleteI would like to incorporate it into a bag or small accessories. Would be so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI love the original!!! Would make it that way.
ReplyDeleteI think I would do mama blocks mixed with some sashing and another block to make a lap size blanket. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDelete