Granny squares

The latest task from my challenge group is to make Granny Squares.  Those of us who were around in the 70s will remember the multi-coloured crocheted squares, usually edged with black which made blankets, scarves, jumpers and even skirts.  Well, these have come back into vogue, not as woollen but cotton squares, and they look very pretty. 

I have already started to make them, and think they'll look great sashed with white, which will make them float attractively.  If you want to make some, you will need 1 central square, 3 sets of four squares for the colourful part and then 12 background squares (which are the white ones in my case) all measuring 2.5".   I started making them by laying them out and sewing them in rows, but as those at my Tuesday morning sewing group will testify, found it hard to keep track of the pattern.  So here is a much easier way of assembling them, if you fancy making your own.

 First make a nine-patch with two sets of four and the central square.

 Then take the remaining set of four and sew a backgound (white) square onto opposite sides.

 Sew the remaining background (white) squares on top of the coloured squares to make upside down 'T's.

 Sew a 'T' onto each side of the nine patch, and it's done!

Well, once you've trimmed it 0.25" away from the edge of the coloured squares it is!  Hooray!