Project No. 3 – Nanny’s New Digs.

A Simple, Heartfelt Quilt for My Grandmother

In the midst of working on No. 2 I found myself needing a break from all those 3.5″ squares. One day, inspiration struck: my grandmother (yes, the one who gave me her sewing machine!) was moving to a new home and would be leaving behind most of her belongings. I thought a handmade quilt would not only keep her warm but also provide a comforting touch of family and support in her new space.

Having already tackled triangles and squares, I decided it was time to learn one of the most foundational quilt blocks: the half square triangle. For those unfamiliar, it’s a straightforward technique: take two squares, put them right sides together, sew two 1/4” seams from the center line corner to corner, then cut between those seams. Voila! You have two half square triangles.

The beauty of the half square triangle is its simplicity, and I was able to complete the quilt top in just one day! I chose fabric that matched the color scheme of my grandmother’s new bedroom, opting for a vintage floral feel to complement her style. For the quilting, I wanted something straightforward yet decorative, so I selected a built-in decorative stitch on my sewing machine. This stitch added texture and a bit of extra flair to an otherwise basic quilt pattern.

The result was a cozy, beautiful quilt that my grandmother absolutely loves. She proudly displays it on the edge of her bed and thanks me for it nearly every time I see her. This project reminded me of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something with your hands, especially when it brings comfort and happiness to someone you love.