1. Granny Square Quilt #finishit2013, 2. Granny Square Baby Quilt, 3. Granny Squares front, 4. vintage granny square quilt!, 5. Granny Square Quilt, 6. Granny Square Table Topper, 7. harper and kate holding my granny square quilt, 8. My Granny is Amish, 9. My purple&brown quilt, 10. granny square quilt, 11. scrappy granny square quilt, 12. Granny Square Quilt 2, 13. Finished Granny Square, 14. Granny Squares Mini Quilt, 15. Granny Square Quilt top, 16. 20121109_fo_beautyshot3
For some pretty inspiration, here’s a few awesome granny quilts that I found on Flickr! I just searched for Granny Square Quilt, and was immediately sucked into a crazy deluge of luscious quilts that I had never seen before! I spent way too long choosing which ones to include here! (to find out more about the makers of any of these quilts, just find the link under the photos)
So after my post a little while back, in which I talked about my experience of writing a granny square tutorial, and it’s subsequent popularity, I wanted to say just a bit more. Sometimes I think I would be safer to not write my honest feeling like that, because I feel inadequate to express my thoughts in clear way.
But I’ve always tried to approach my blog as my own little journal, and you’re free to read and comment, but ultimately I’m gonna write what I feel like! So that’s what I try to do, although it can be hard not to get in a wad, thinking someone may misunderstand…
You all left me some very sweet and understanding comments, and a few of you mentioned earlier quilters who had made similiar blocks named ‘Granny Squares’ and had them published in magazines or books.
Thanks for sharing this! It’s been a superb lesson for me.
1. Just because my idea is ‘original’ does not mean that someone else did not have a very similiar original idea! This does not make my idea worth less, it’s just something to be mindful of.
2. I will apply this lesson when viewing and judging all other folk’s work. It is very hurtful to be accused of copying when it’s not true! (yes, I know this!)
Anyways, thanks for following along with me, and always remember to throw a healthy dose of salt in with anything I say:)!!
My Granny is awaiting borders. I wish I had your eye for colors. I started out planning on doing all white but now I keep laying different pieces of fabric beside it and thinking I like the character it gives it. Hey isn't that the fun of piecing quilts? Deciding halfway through to change gears! Also do you free-motion quilt ever? I'm just not willing to spend big bucks to get someone to quilt my "scrappy" granny but I'm so scared I'm gonna ruin it!
Thank you so much for including my quilt in your list 🙂 That picture has a tender place in my heart because my daughter and her best friend (who is my best friend's daughter) are holding up the quilt, and sadly our friends moved across the country shortly after this was taken.
I really appreciate your honesty and it is one thing I enjoy about your blog. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Well I for one loved your Granny and because of you I made my own and I will always be thankful for that because I love her – no matter what anyone else says.
Thanks for the inspiration and your thoughts. I think it's great of you to share your quilts and your knowledge about quilting.
I love your blog and your quilts and the fabulousness that comes out from your mind. And I understand how you would feel to see something that was "yours" being passed as someone else's. There is an old saying I remind myself of -there is nothing new under the sun. What's been done has been done before. Sounds a little depressing, but what I'm getting at is, we participate in a hobby steeped in tradition. People have been am,ing quilts for hundreds (if not thousands) of years, so the likelihood of any of us ever coming up with something truley "original" is minuscule. What we make is a twist. A unique interpretation. An adaptation of what has been done before. And what is wonderful is when your adaptation is so fantabulous that other people want to make what your making. And this is how I see what you make. As fantabulous inspiration on my modern interpretation of my old school hobby.
E xx
(I hope you know that what I've said was meant in the kindest way. If it upsets you in any way, please take it down. E xx)
Jolene, you inspired me to make My Granny is Amish, which is one of my favorite quilt finishes from last year. And how exciting to see it there in your mosaic! Thank you, and thank you for the inspiration you give me every time I read one of your posts.
Ah yes, I can relate. I was taking a pottery class and came in with what I thought was a fabulous completely original idea – to use a cake decorating tube to pipe out clay onto a pot to create a design. I excitedly asked my teacher if anyone else had ever thought of doing that. He said, "In the 1,000's of years that people have been potting?" I had to laugh at myself. I think with the overload of images we all see on a daily basis, it is also hard to give credit. And there is the tipping point factor – some things have their moment. If I remember correctly, Frieda Kahlo was independently and simultaneously creating surrealist-esque art at the same time groups of artists in Europe. I do appreciate that you kept your sense of humor about you in your first post, that always helps! I read a blog recently where the author ranted, and posted a linked to the "stealer of her idea". It was just unnecessary.
Sometimes people forget that the wheel wasn't probably only invented one time. Why is it not allowed to have a similar idea that also someone else has? What was there first? The hen or the egg? There are a lot of people claiming something their own idea when they just did copy it, that's the problem… I didn't remember you said it was your idea. And maybe it was as you said you were inspired by granny squares. But there may be another one who was inspired in a similar way, that's possible isn't it? Oh, I don't know how to write it properly. And it's surely something where we can write a lot about. Just be sure: I found a similar drawing in my documents from my first time making patchwork. But I followed your tutorial and linked. I just thought: well, often it comes again (like in fashion). I like what you're doing. Hope you understand my drivel… 😉
All I can say is thank you for taking the time and energy to share your thoughts and ideas.
Love your site and just want to thank yo for the great tutorial on the Granny square did one in repro feedsacks that just turned out brilliantly it's gone to live with a beautiful baby girl!
Great pics Jolene. Yay for Granny Square Quilts!! I love my quilt……and I love your blog.
Hi Jolene….I love your quilts, love your blog, love everything about it. I am finding my love with quilts again….something my grandmother taught me, but I am really a person who is over obsessed with cotton yarn!
Your newest follower,
Shari/Kashmere Kisses!
My blog is (mostly) all about cooking and baking, I make several quilts and become addicted to making crafting etc. lately, and I found myself more relax while doing quilting even my quilt is not as good as yours but I keep trying. And one of my inspiration is you, the way you write, giving tutorial is always clear. Don't worry with what people thinking, keep on doing what you are doing. You know, everybody knows how to make bread but they bake from different oven, so the result must be different too. Oh, by the way, I bought one of quilting book and there is one pattern you made on that's book is stay on my mind, I (promise) to make those.. I know I can tell that I will (copy) your pattern LOL .
xoxo
I so excited that my quilt is included in your mosiac! This was my favorite quilt to make so far. It was such a trip down memory lane cutting up my scraps and remembering each quilt I'd made so far. Each block was a little work of art and so much fun to put together. Thanks for inspiring everyone to get cutting and piecing!
Hi Jolene! Thanks for your thoughts and your inspiration! Just wanted you to know that I finally finished my Hope Valley Quilt. A complete copy of yours only queen sized. It looks really beautiful on my bed.
I really enjoy your blog and your beautiful photos and writing. Please keep on doing what you are doing! xxx