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Crochet Pattern Indecision

10/24/2014

4 Comments

 
Bright granny Squares
Do you have trouble deciding on big projects? Once you decide do you second guess your decision?  I have wildly grand ambitions, and I know what I like when I see someone else’s work, yet somehow I get lost when I'm trying to do my own thing. My blanket project is the perfect example of this condition.  I have been in love with the Groovyghan since the first time I saw it, but when it came time for me to make my own I just couldn't do it. (You can read about in Tale of the Groovyghan.)

Realizing I need a new plan I did what I always do and hit the books. 100 Colorful Ripple Stitches to Crochet seemed to hold the answer - or at least offered a place to start!   It’s almost overwhelming looking through all those designs.  The smallest change to a stitch pattern can alter the entire look.  Introduce color and you add another layer of options to the project!  Talk about confusing!! I have a box of 9 bright colors of yarn - how am I ever going to decide what pattern to use?!
Three crochet ripple patterns
After much flipping back and forth I narrowed it done to these three.
Before committing to an entire blanket I wanted to make sure that I 1) enjoyed working the pattern and 2) was happy with the density and body of the fabric. After narrowing it down to these three choices I decided on Roman Blinds.  Using just one color I made a good sized swatch. It passed the first test. I could imagine spending hours with it. The second test was a moderate success. It was a little stiff, but looked like it would be nice and warm.
Random Stripe Color GeneratorThis is my random pattern!
Next I had to decide what to do with all those colors.  Creating a striping pattern is not easy! It takes a lot of effort to come up with a design that is visually appealing. Again the options are vast! The only thing I knew for sure was I didn't want to repeat colors in the same order. When I was writing the Granny Square Project I came across the Random Stripe Generator.  It's free and super cool.  You select the colors that you're using, enter the total number of rows and viola the program generates an image and a list. If you want to see another option, just refresh the page. It lets you see how colors work together and how incredibly different something can look depending on what color goes where.  I really encourage you to check it out. Even if you don't need it now, it's a terrific resource that will come in handy someday - plus it's fun to play with!  Of course you know it took forever for me to decide on the perfect sequence!  I started with 10, narrowed it down to 3 and finally made my choice. Yeah, it's that way for everything!

Alright, now I've got the stitch pattern and the color pattern. I'm ready to make myself the most awesome blanket ever! I worked 3 rows and knew I made a mistake. I am not in love. Not only am I having reservations about the colors and the drape of the fabric, I don't know how I'm going to put a border on the ripple without it being a major pain - and I really want a border! What am I going to do?!? Honestly I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever turn all this yarn into a blanket.  I know it has the potential to be spectacular, but I can't quite get it together.  

I'm not ready to give up. I poked around on the internet seeing what Pinterest and Ravelry had to offer. I kept gravitating to granny squares and granny stripes. Since I know that I will never complete a full sized blanket of squares I decided that maybe I should try a basic straight granny stripe. I spent so much time deciding on the random color pattern maybe the simplicity of this classic design is what I need.  With 9 bright hues a complicated stitch pattern might get lost and the whole thing could easily end up looking like "eeeww" instead of "aaaahhh"!

The decision made (again!) I devoted quite a few hours to getting started. The crochet work is truly effortless making it excellent for night time and when I'm concentrating on important things like what is going to happen next on Sons of Anarchy!  Of course after just a few rows I started to second guess (again!) my decisions about the color pattern and working singles rows of color instead of 2 rows of each for a stripier stripe. Aargh!!

Granny Stripe Blanket
I finally decided on a traditional granny stripe to show off all those terrific colors! This is the one - I know it!
This is my problem.  This indecision that thwarts my progress on big projects. It is one of the reasons that I stick with the small stuff.  I struggle to have faith in my choices and the patience to let things come together.  I think it's my inner child.  That part of me that wants to be done NOW! This is when I have to remind myself why I crochet. I like making things with yarn, and it is as much about doing as it is about the finished product. Maybe even more.

Writing today's post has helped me to remember some other important things about crochet. Things  like:
  • It's okay to change your mind.
  • If you are going to take on a big project be sure that working on it makes you happy.  Don't commit to hundreds of rows of Back Post Double Crochet if the stitch still feels awkward - even after you get the hang of it!
  • Relax and enjoy the time spent making.
  • Don't be so critical!!  Whatever this turns out to be it's going to be great because: 
    a) you did it!
    b) you love the colors!
    c) you love the yarn!
    d) there is no wrong when you're making art (yes, I think crochet is art)!
Of course it's an entirely different story if you're working under contract or have to meet someone elses guidelines!  But if you're not, don't let the fun and joy of your favorite activity get lost!

I'm ready. I've finished 23 rows. I don't know what it will look like when it's done, but that's okay. It will be as unique as I am and just as warm and snuggly!

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

Crochet Granny Skull Pattern

10/15/2014

62 Comments

 
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Welcome my little lovelies!

I've got a Halloween present for you! That's right, it's a free pattern for this ghoulishly gorgeous Granny Skull Square!  Last year when I posted the pattern and photo tutorial for the skull motif I had no idea how popular it was going to be.  Without any question it is by far the most visited post on my blog.  Who knew there were so many fans of macabre crochet!  I suppose it shouldn't surprise me that much. In stores there are skulls on everything from little girl clothes to shower curtains and kitchen accessories!

The feedback for the skull motif has been tremendously positive (thanks so much!). Other than a little confusion about making the eyes (work those stitches around the chain - not into it!) the question that I am most frequently asked is, "do you have a square pattern?" Now I can happily answer Yes - I sure do!

If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook or any of those other social media worlds, you know that it took a few tries to create a pattern that was good enough for you guys.  I feel pretty confident that this one will do the trick.  I wanted to make sure it was a universal size that will work with traditional granny squares.  That way you can have more options for mixing and matching your designs.

So there you have it! Just click on the button below for a downloadable PDF. The pattern will also be available (for free!) on Ravelry and I'll include a link in my sidebar.  If you have any questions or something about the pattern is confusing, please let me know.  I did the editing myself and mistakes are certainly possible!

I hope that you enjoy the Granny Skull. I'd love to see your finished squares.  Please feel free to share them on my Facebook page or tag me on Instagram (I'm RobinBrz).  You can also use the hashtags #crochetskull, #crochetnirvana, #robinbrz.
Granny Skull PDF
Skull Motif PDF
Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!
62 Comments

Tale of the Groovyghan

9/28/2014

4 Comments

 
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My Groovyghan efforts.
The yarn box of shame!The yarn box / table.
Hi there,

I miss blogging. I don't know what happened. All that time ago it started out as a way to keep track of my crochet and other crafty adventures.  I never stuck to a strict schedule - it rubs against my creative side in a rough, chafing kind of way.  But I did post way more often than I do now.  The focus shifted too.  It stopped being about me and started being about you.  Don't misunderstand - I love you and I love sharing new books and giving things away. I just want to do more than that.  So what's the problem?  See here's where it gets muddy, because I'm not sure what the problem is. Part of it is wanting every post to be interesting and done to the best of my ability. I get hung up on the little details.  Another piece is time management and yet another is my desire to make things instead of writing about making things!! Oh and of course there is that part that is my family, my work and all the other things (that don't involve yarn} I want and need to do each day!!

So where does that leave me? Well, I haven't completely  decided.  I do know I want to keep blogging.  Like all of my creative endeavors, the blog is meant to be fun and to ebb and flow with me. Instead of worrying about what comes next, how about I tell you about this afghan/throw I'm trying to make?

Ever since I saw the Groovyghan by Tracy St.John I wanted to make one. Out of cotton. In lots of bright colors. This has been my dream project for at least 2 years. Eventually I got the funds together for the yarn. I had my pattern and hook ready when it arrived and anxiously jumped right in. After making two of each square I knew I was in trouble. I like making squares - but I don't LOVE it. And I despise sewing them together. CRAP! I knew going in that it would be a challenge, but my confidence was pumped up on psychedelic rainbows! The brilliant colors and promise of comfy, cotton snuggling would see me through! Want to know what happened next? I put that nice big box of yarn right in front of my chair in the living room, threw a towel over it and I've been using it as a table ever since!! I don't know if I'm relieved or embarrassed by this admission, but there it is. Everyday it is a reminder of my thwarted grand ambition.  I've tried a few times to get another square going, but I can't muster the enthusiasm. As much as I admire the Groovyghan and would love to have one of my own, it's clear that is not going to happen.

Now what am I going to do with the big box of yarn?

Happily I may have discovered the answer.  I'll tell you about it soon!!

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!

4 Comments

One Square Three Ways

6/14/2013

9 Comments

 
Granny Square Collage

Does Size Matter?

Granny in Thread
Granny in DK
Granny in Worsted
It's an age old question, and in crochet (as in many other hobbies - wink, wink) the answer is YES!

How much it matters (I'm talking about crochet now) is quite surprising.  I don't make a lot of things that have to fit - so for most of my work I get by without making a gauge swatch.  Should I do it more often? - probably, but when you're making things like shawls, hats and mitts there's really no need.

There have been times, where in order to have something come out the way the pattern says it will, I've taken the time to swatch.  Certainly it can save anguish in the long run, as nothing is more aggravating than spending countless hours on a garment only to find it doesn't fit (you, the person you're making it for, or anyone you'd even consider giving it to).  Plus it helps you get to know the pattern you're going to be using.  Let's face it, some patterns look good on paper, but when you spend some time with them you find out that you don't like them nearly as much as you thought you would.

If you're a swatcher (occasionally or otherwise), you've experienced the impact that hook size has.  It's generally not dramatic, but when worked over a number of rows you can see how much a difference it makes.

So what happens when you change hook size and yarn thickness?  Well obviously you're going to get pieces that are different sizes.  What's surprising is how significantly different the sizes are.

Take a look at these squares.  I'm making a throw with this pattern and was trying to decide what kind of yarn to use.  It calls for dk/sport acrylic,  but I was leaning toward worsted cotton.  I made one of each.  I liked the way the cotton felt, but the baby soft  acrylic had more stitch definition.  If I used the cotton, I wouldn't have to make as many squares, but in the end I decided on the dk/sport. 
I had no idea that there would be such a big variance in the size of the squares.  Two inches is a lot, especially if you consider that there's only .75mm difference in the hook sizes.  I'm not sure how much thicker the worsted yarn is, but I imagine it's 1mm or less.  I'm a nerd at heart, and I'm partial to math and the role that it plays in crochet.  That means that I had to see what would happen if I made the same square out of thread!  This time I knew that the difference would be much greater, but how much?  As you can see it's half the size of the dk/sport square.  Now my love of math is elementary, so figuring out what yarn thickness, coupled with which hook size produces stitches that will make squares of what size is way beyond me.  What I do know is size matters.  And the only way to definitively know how big (or little) your square is going to be is to grab your supplies and get hooking!

I hope that you enjoyed my little foray into size, swatching and squares!  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!
9 Comments

4kcbwday2 - A Mascot Project

4/23/2013

3 Comments

 
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Day Two: A Mascot Project
Your task today is to either think of or research a project that embodies the house/animal you selected. It could be a knitting or crochet pattern – either of the animal itself or something that makes you think of the qualities of that house. Alternatively it could be a type or colour of yarn, or a single button. Whatever you choose, decide upon a project and blog about how and why it relates to your house/creature. You do not have to make this project!

As soon as I finished reading today's task the idea of creating a project that contains both knit and crochet techniques came to mind.  Specifically, a sampler blanket.  Being the Bee that I am, I'm always excited to start something new.  The thrill of each new cast on or starting chain must be how the bee feels when he lands on a flower and prepares to sample the nectar for the first time. Ahhh, the anticipation.  How will it taste?  Will I like it?  How long will it take before I've had my fill and I'm ready to move on?  What's on the horizon?  Is that something I might like?  Will that one be better than this one?    I don't think there is anything that better exemplifies the desire to try new things than a blanket made of blocks showcasing examples of knit and crochet stitches.

With so many places on the internet to find patterns I figured that it would be a snap to find just the right one.  After all, there are lots of people who do both with equal skill and enthusiasm.  So I did what any modern girl would do.  I created a Pinboard and set to tracking down my ideal project.
Turns out it's not as easy as I thought.  My first stop was Ravelry.  When I searched "Knit and Crochet Combination Patterns" I was rewarded with 7 results. The one afghan it contains is actually a knit sampler with crochet edging. Hmmm.... Not quite what I'm looking for.  I tried a variety of different searches with very disappointing results.

Time for Google.  This lead me to Crochet Pattern Central and Knitting Pattern Central, websites that I've had good luck with in the past.  Here's a funny thing.  Both sites have a tab at the top for Knit & Crochet Combo Patterns.  The one on the knit page links to a blank page while the one on the crochet page links to a moderate size list. Anyway, I was once again disappointed with the results.  While the patterns do employ both techniques most of the ones I looked at were knit projects with crochet trim, and I didn't find any "sampler" patterns.

After wondering aimlessly through a variety of blogs and websites I decided that perhaps the only way to get what I'm after is to come up with my own.  By searching for knit or crochet "sampler" patterns I was rewarded with a much larger selection.  I'm sure a lovely blanket could be created by combining my favorites from this group.  Somewhere along the line I did find one combo pattern.  It's the blue sampler afghan from Red Heart. 

There remains one afghan that has been on my radar for some time.  It's the Groovyghan by Tracy St.John.  This eye popping burst of colors, shapes and lines simply captivates me.  I love the way that Tracy uses so many different crochet techniques.  By combining horizontal and vertical lines with circles and squares there's so much movement and energy I can't help but smile every time I see it!
Of all the patterns that I've seen, the Groovyghan is the one that most appeals to the Bee in me.  There's so much going on that it may be one project that I could create from start to finish without working on anything else!  It also seems to welcome the addition or substitution of knitting where there has only been crocheting. I'm longing to make a cotton blanket and I can already see my version of this one waiting on the back of the recliner when I snuggle down on Sunday nights to watch my favorite Mad Men!

There you have it friends!  Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.  Be sure to come back tomorrow and see what I come up with for Day 3.  For more posts on Day 2 of Blog Week, type 4KCBWDAY2 into the search engine of your choice or click here.

Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
3 Comments

5 Reasons to Join a CAL 

10/31/2012

8 Comments

 
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Greetings Friends and Welcome!  I hope this Halloween finds all of you enjoying more treats than tricks!  Mother Nature is doing her best to keep us on our toes.  We were fortunate here in north central Massachusetts to be spared from the brutality of hurricane Sandy.  It was wet and windy, but nothing like our neighbors to the south had to endure.  Our wishes and prayers for all of you who were affected for a quick and safe recovery.

Do any of you journal?  I've kept a journal of some sort since I was a teenager.  Over the years I've used all kinds: spiral notebooks, composition books (a fave), special books with fancy covers and decorated paper, day planners and even locking diaries.  The content has changed as often as the books.  It's been poetry and short stories, ramblings of the unrequited love every young girl feels, a record of my pregnancy, and often just a catch all for how my day has been. 

Recently my journals are including more crafting and art leading me towards mixed media journaling. I've never been able to get into scrap booking, but the idea of including tactile bits and pieces of my day along with words and drawings (or doodling!) is really appealing.  My new interest is reflected in my reading materials this week. Raw Art Journaling, The Journal Junkies Workshop, Artist's Journal Workshop and the Sketchbook Challenge all have something to offer. Lessons on technique and suggestions for entries are the most helpful as I find new ways to express the creative spirit inside me.

I'm also using my journal to plan and record the progress of my projects.  It's really different from the things I write here or the information on a Rav project page.  It's less formal and gives me the opportunity to be messy and make mistakes!  It can also be very solitary and private.  Quite the opposite of what you'll find should you decide to join a CAL!

5 Reasons to Join a CAL (or the a-long of your choice!)

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Crochet-a-long, knit-a-long, quilt-a-long, read-a-long, craft-a-long: what ever kind of a-long it is, there are plenty of reasons to considering joining.
Here are my top 5:
  1. You get the benefit of the expertise of the person running the group - often the pattern designer or an experienced crafter with lots of hands on knowledge.
  2. You meet new people who you already have something in common with!  This means new blogs to read, new inspiration, and new friends.
  3. As a group you solve pattern problems and clarify instructions when someone asks, "What does it mean when the pattern says..."
  4. You can find and share modifications that help ensure the project fits your own style or makes accommodations for sizing or materials.
  5. It's like having your very own cheer leading squad! There is a great sense of being part of a team and you get lots of encouragement.
There are other reasons too.  They are great for blogging about.  Sometimes there are prizes. If you loose your motivation you can always count on the group to get you going again.  Timelines (if there are any) help keep you focused.  Did I mention all the friends you'll make? If you don't have a crochet or knitting club in your area, joining an a-long is like being a member of a virtual club.

Currently I'm participating in two CALs.  Both are being hosted by talented, creative women who I've come to know through their blogs.  Denise from Voie de Vie has recently published her first ebook of patterns titled Accessories: Autumne 2012.  I was lucky enough to win a copy, so of course when Denise announced a JAL (join-a-long) I had to jump right in!  Her Ravelry group is here, and you'll find all the information to get a copy of her book or to join us making one of the lovely projects she's designed.  I'm making the Slouching Towards Tassels hat in a rich red wool (that's it in the picture with my journal and books).

Marie from Underground Crafter is not only a great writer (she is the queen of interviews and (craft) book reviews), she is also an experienced teacher.  Her talents shine in The Ripple Mania CAL which actually feels more like a (free!) class than a CAL.  Each week Marie is providing us with a detailed lesson. What's great is how much information there is, and how easy it is to use.  So far we've learned about choosing colors and the basics of the ripple.  The flexibility of this CAL is fantastic, because we get to pick what we want to make and what  technique we want to use.  If your interested in this crochet technique you definitely should come over and take a look.  You'll find everything right here at her Ravelry group.

When I decided to join Marie's CAL I didn't know what I was going to make, I only knew that I wanted to use the yarn that I had leftover from the Granny Square Project.  Searching patterns on Ravelry I found this -

Inspiration for my Ripple Mania Project - The Groovyghan!

Source: ravelry.com via RobinBrz on Pinterest

Source: ravelry.com via RobinBrz on Pinterest

Is this totally awesome? I think that this might be the perfect use for all of those squares that I made while I was learning about granny, don't you?  I've been struggling to come up with something to do with them, and the Groovyghan seems to be ideal!  I haven't got it all figured out yet, but I'm on my way!

Wednesday is a busy day and there's always lots to see.  I'm joining these lovely ladies and all the other talented crafters who share their projects.  Stop by for a dose of inspiration, you won't be disappointed!
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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!

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Today's post is the final for Blogtoberfest 2012. Wow!!
It's not too late to visit other participating bloggers.  Click the graphic and see what you've been missing!
Also, keep watch for my summary of the event - coming soon!!

And just because...

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This picture was taken by our 16 year old son Seth.  Why am I including it?  Because he loves photography, this is the first picture that he's ever had published, and most importantly because I'm a proud momma!  Yes, it's only our local paper, but everyone has to start somewhere!!
No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.
Ansel Adams
8 Comments

The Granny Square Project - Part I

8/6/2012

34 Comments

 

Born of Necessity, Raised to an Icon

The Granny Square.  For many of us the name elicits memories of colorful afghans and outrageous fashions that helped define the 70s. But who is she and where did she come from?  To understand we need to take a look at the history of crochet to find where granny fits in.

A Crochet Timeline

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Early Centuries: Man creates handwork for practical purposes using materials like strands of woven fiber, cords or strips of cloth. Hunters and fishermen make knotted fishnets, openwork cooking utensils, knotted game bags and animal traps. Handwork is expanded to include decorations for ceremonial costumes, religious rites, celebrations, marriages and funerals.

1500s:  European royalty and the wealthy lavish themselves in lace made with a needle and/or bobbin.

Some believe that in Italy Nuns are doing a form of crochet called “nun’s work” or “nun’s lace” making textiles for the church.

1700s:   It is accepted by many that crochet developed from a type of Chinese needlework; an ancient form of embroidery that reached Europe in the 1700s and became known as Tambour. By the end of the 1700s Tambour evolves into what the French call “crochet in the air”.  (“Croche” is Middle French for hook).

Early 1800s:         Crochet becomes “the poor man’s lace” and experiences a surge in popularity thanks to Mlle. Riego de la Branchardiere who turns old style needle and bobbin patterns into crochet patterns. In 1824 the first pattern is published and Mlle. de la Branchardiere joins in publishing many pattern books making them available to legions of women. One of her books, Knitting, Crochet and Netting with 12 Illustrations originally published in 1846 is available today as a free e-book, as is The Ladies Work-Book.

1845-1850:          Irish workers (men, women and children) are organized into crochet cooperatives during the potato famine making fine lace for the wealthy.  They rely on the earnings to survive and emigrate from Ireland.

1845-1859:          Two million Irish immigrate to America (four million by 1890) bringing with them their vast experience with crochet.  American women who are already adept at spinning, weaving, knitting and quilting add crochet to their repertoire.

1897:     A pattern called “Patchwork Square” is printed in Weldon’s Practical Needlework, published by The Weldon Company of London. The description indicates that it is good way to use up scrap and leftover bits of yarn which can then be sewn together into an afghan, rug or baby blanket.  A look at the picture shows what we know today as the Traditional Granny Square!!

It is my belief that creative women were already making grannies, but this has come to be accepted (by many) as the first time we see the pattern in print.

Up to this time we see many patterns for lace accents, lamp mats and shades, doilies, antimacassars and even bird cage covers! But, crochet is changing, and it’s no longer just the poor man’s lace. As we enter the 1900s – 1930 we see women crocheting afghans, slumber rugs, travel rugs, sleigh rugs, tea cozies and water bottle covers, as well as the now standard dishcloths and potholders. In The Handbook of Wool Knitting and Crochet (also available as a free e-book), originally published in 1918 you'll find a well rounded selection of these patterns.

Following the stock market crash in 1929 and the resulting economic depression, resources and goods are limited and women are forced to find new and creative ways to meet the needs of their families. Old and worn sweaters are ripped apart and the yarn is steamed for reuse. Every bit of fiber is saved, and it is here that we see the matriarch (Granny) leading the way and turning the otherwise useless bit and scraps into squares to be stitched together making blankets and other necessary items for her family.  We don’t know who coined the name Granny Square, but we do know that what was once made out of necessity is made today because of its timeless versatility and style.

Granny becomes an Icon?

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The granny square has come so far that you can find them in the Smithsonian Museum, in the afghan that graced the back of the couch on the sit-com Rosanne (1988 – 1997). They can even be found in high fashion making their way down the catwalks as designers Henry Holland and Christopher Kane made them the focal point of their collections last year.

I venture to say that the granny square is an iconic symbol of crochet.  Most everyone (of a certain age) had a granny square afghan, or knew a family member or friend who did.  Ask anyone what crochet is and I bet they’ll think of a granny square – even if they don’t know what it’s called. I once had a knitter friend tell me that until she met me and saw all the things I made, when she thought of crochet she only thought of the granny square!

When I asked for your help in choosing my next project I had no idea what I was getting into! As I started looking at patterns I realized how diverse and plentiful they are. However, the history of crochet and in turn the granny is vague at best.  Through interviews, books and reputable websites I’ve created this timeline.  I’ve done my best to present accurate, factual information. Any mistakes or misinterpretations are mine.


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I hope that you enjoyed Part I of The Granny Square Project. A series that I'm working on as part of A Year of Projects over on Ravelry.


Now that I’ve taken a look at where granny comes from, I’m ready to see what she’s made of.  From the traditional pattern to the mulitlayered, the bobbled to the hexagon. Whatever stitch combinations you can imagine, someone has made it into a granny square! Please join me next week for Part II. Who knows what I’ll discover next!

Thanks for stopping by friends! Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Did you have a granny afghan on your couch? How about a vest or poncho? Was there a granny maker in your life? Do you know who gave granny her name or about her origin?  Please share your story with us in the comment section.

34 Comments

Searching for my Baby (blanket pattern!)

5/10/2012

3 Comments

 
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I have the yarn, I have the hooks, I have the time.  I don’t have the right pattern.  Here’s the scoop.  There is a young couple who come into the library almost everyday, and they are expecting their first child.  They’re kind of hippyish, artsy sort of kids and I’ve grown quite fond of them.  I don’t know much about them (except for what they like to read), but I do have a feeling that they can use some help getting ready for the baby. Because of their fondness for handmade arts and crafts (bags, jewelry, clothes etc.) I think that they would appreciate and use a baby blanket from their favorite crochet crazy librarian! (Thus making them “Crochet Worthy”!)

What I need is the right pattern.  Between Ravelry, the internet and my collection of books and magazines I have plenty to choose from.  That’s where it gets confusing.  There are so many choices that I never quite know what to do. And I feel like it’s always a bit of a crap shoot.  Of course, Rav does do a great job letting me see what others have done, but not everyone uses ratings and makes notes about their projects.  So I’m hoping to hear from you with some suggestions. 

Do you have a favorite “go to” pattern that you use for baby blankets?  Should it even be a blanket?  Is there something else you think might be more useful?  Looking back,  I have all of the blankets that were given to me when my son was born (more than 16 years ago), but I don’t have any of the little hats, sweaters or buntings. As cute as they were they all stopped fitting pretty quickly! 

Anyway, my requirements are minimal.  It needs to be a crochet. I have 8.5 oz./761 yds. of Bernat Baby Soft Sport in Baby Pastel Ombre (that's right isn't it?), and 10.5 oz. / 1077 yds in White.  I’d like whatever it is to be simple enough that it won’t take forever, but maybe look like it did?!? 

What do you think?  I’d sure appreciate links to anything that you think fits the bill.  Since this is going to be my next project (along with all the others that live in wip land!) we’ll all be able to watch what happens. Thanks for helping out. 

Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
3 Comments

Wip Wed - Granny and the Cardigan

5/9/2012

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The Chevron Lace Cardigan
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Come join the fun!
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Big & Little Granny Throw
Wow Wednesday already!  This week I’ve been thinking a lot about balance.  About how important it is to have the appropriate balance of everything in life.  Work – Play, Sleep – Activity, Money – Bills, Being with People – Being Alone, you get the idea. If I start to get to heavy toward one thing I can feel my scales tipping and I get a little wobbly.  When that happens I know it’s time to evaluate what’s going on and get things back into perspective. This hasn’t always been easy, but the older that I get the more important it is for me to have the peace and joy that being in balance gives to my life.  I realized that I have been spending way too much time on the computer and not enough time crocheting.  Now mind you I do both of these things for my own pleasure.  I have no deadlines looming or bosses to please, it’s all for me.  I find that the computer has a way of eating up the hours leaving me with a headache and the feeling that I haven’t accomplished anything really worth while!  So for the rest of the week I’m really going pay attention to how I’m spending my time and how it makes me feel.  And then of course make some changes!

Now about those crochet projects!  This week I’m working on the Big and Little Granny Throw and the Chevron Lace Cardigan.  So where am I at?  The B&L is almost done. (Haven’t we heard this before?)  I have one more big square to make, hooray! Then I have to whip stitch the littles into bigs and all of them into 2 rows!  As long as I keep my focus I should have this done by next Friday. It’s a bummer that the weather is warm now and we won’t actually use it, but it will look good on the back of the couch! 

Now the cardigan is another story.  I’m a beginner at sweaters.  With only two under my belt getting the fit right has been a challenge.  And even though this is a top down construction I set the sleeves too low. Twice.  The second time I was almost done with the body and after trying it on again I decided that it just wasn’t right.  It was hard, but ultimately I want this to be perfect. (well, you know!)  I want to wear it and I know if the fit is only so-so it’ll just end up sitting in the wardrobe.  Plus I really love the way the yarn looks and feels! (It’s Caron Naturals Spa is Soft Sunshine)  So even though I’m basically back to the beginning I’ve learned from my mistakes and I should move quickly once I re-set those sleeves. I did have to give myself a break from it for a few weeks.  I just couldn’t take starting over again right away! But now I’m looking forward to having a light-weight little cardi to wear over my summer dresses and I’m ready to roll!  There you have it, another Wip Wednesday. Be sure to check out other great projects at Tami’s Amis!

Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

3 Comments

WiP Wed - Big n' Little Grannie Throw

5/2/2012

4 Comments

 
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I hope I'm not to late to share my Wednesday project!  I've been working on this throw for what seem like forever!  But I only have 3 big squares left.  Then sew two rows together.  Then put the border on.  Come to think of it, I might still be working on it next Wednesday! But that's okay because I love it and I know it will be done soon enough!  In fact I'm going to work on it right now!

Until next time,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!
4 Comments
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