100 Colorful Granny Squares to Crochet / Book Review & Giveaway

100 Colorful Granny Squares to Crochet by Leonie Morgan
St. Martin's Griffin
March 19, 2013; 128 Pages

The timeless granny square has adorned sofas, armchairs, and bedspreads for generations. In this latest addition to our popular Knit & Crochet series, we feature a treasury of squares that are quick to make and sure to stand out—from tried-and-true vintage favorites to contemporary designs. Author Leonie Morgan uses her amazing eye for color to add a new and appealing twist to the perennially-popular granny square, presenting us with a fabulous collection of squares featuring delightful and vivid color combinations that are perfect for a new era of crocheters.

The book teaches you everything you need to crochet beautiful granny squares—from the basics to embellishment techniques that will really make your work pop. The possibilities for square designs are endless, with an in-depth overview for how to successfully mix and match colors, plus step-by-step instructions for a variety of embellishments including tapestry and surface crochet, cross-stitch, and appliqué. With all this technical and professional know-how, crocheters will be inspired to get adventurous with their colorways and decorations for an array of projects from heirloom afghans, to quick cushions, to baby blankets, and more!

Now you, too, can create a granny square showpiece that can transcend the ages and add a fantastic burst of color to any household. (from Amazon.com)

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Granny Squares.  They're timeless. Classic. A simple design that transcends all styles. They are both old fashioned and modern finding a welcome spot in most any home.  You decide what the style will be.  Will you make something using the classic pattern and your stash of scraps? Or will you push the design envelope and and use unexpected techniques like cross stitch and surface crochet with your hand dyed yarn? No matter what you choose the granny square is one of the most versatile crochet elements you can make.

It's hard to believe that I made my first granny square a little over a year ago.  In that time I've learned so much about them. (Check out my series The Granny Square Project, the links are in the sidebar.) And just when it seems like there couldn't possibly be something fresh and different a new book arrives on my doorstep!  The folks at St. Martin's sent me the latest in their crochet/knitting series to review and share with you. 100 Colorful Granny Squares to Crochet is bright, cheerful and overflowing with great ideas.

As I've come to expect with the books in this series, the photography is terrific presenting clear, consistent shots of each design.  The patterns are accurate, easy to follow and are accompanied by charts/diagrams.  This makes any questionable instructions easily understandable.  I find myself volleying back and forth between the words and diagrams.  Because of using both I'm certain that my chart reading skills have really improved.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a number of squares using cross stitch, surface crochet, applique elements (including beads and ribbons) and embroidery to create beautiful and interesting designs.  There are also squares that use color in a technique that is basically the crochet equivalent to intarsia knitting.  The two hearts that I made show a few of these.  They were challenging, but fun to make.  The challenge being in using new techniques.  I've never done any cross stitch before, so it took me some time to get the feel of it.  I'm quite taken with the look and am glad to have it in my crochet toolbox!

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Another nice feature of this book is the inclusion of yarn requirements to make various size throws using each square.  I've never seen that before and can imagine it being helpful in planning a project.  In addition to the squares there are a handful of projects scattered throughout.  Since this is primarily a book of squares it makes sense that it's not saturated with projects.  There's a bit about designing your own as well as a section devoted to edging and border patterns.  Of course these are all in addition to overviews of tools & techniques, joining & blocking and caring for your projects.

Can you tell that this one is a hit with me?  I'm flipping through it to see if I missed anything important, and to see if there's anything that I don't like about it. The only thing that could potentially be improved is the binding.  This is a paperback and the pages have a tendency to flip closed while you're using it.  A spiral binding would take care of that, but it's hardly a deal breaker! I'm sure over time and from use the pages will relax and stay open more easily.

Now let's get to the good stuff!  That's right, the giveaway!  This time I have something special in store for you.  Not only am I giving away a copy of the book (thanks St. Martin's!), I've collected a few other goodies that I think you're really going to like.  First there is the rosewood crochet hook from Boye.  It's a US size H/ 5.00 mm.  I have a few of these myself and they get better every time I use them.  Plus, I love the warm feel of the wood.  Next is this adorable pair of scissors.  The cast filigree design makes them lovely addition to your kit.  They're sturdy and sharp with a slightly round tip that won't poke into things should you decide to carry them with you.  And finally, a one of a kind set of handmade stitch markers.  They have the lobster claw head that you need for crochet, and their size makes them easy to manage but not overwhelming on delicate work. They're from our soon to be open Etsy shop - Nirvana Designs.  For now though, the only way to get them is to win them!  The drawing is easy to enter, and the Rafflecopter gives you lots of options for multiple entries.  I do have to limit this one to residents of the US only (sorry!), but I promise there will be more that are open to everyone coming soon!

Along with a copy of the book - look at what you can win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Well folks, that's all for now.  I hope you enjoy the review and that you take a few minutes to enter the drawing.  I'm excited to have such a wonderful prize package for you.  All you need is your favorite yarn and you'll be ready to make granny square magic!  The contest ends at midnight on Wednesday, May 29 and you can even come back and enter everyday if you want!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!