The Humble Granny Square revisited…

The Humble Granny Square is back… most people who crochet will know The Granny Square, it’s been around forever, or so it seems & perhaps this alone may be why it is so often overlooked, or relegated to the boring basket.

However, recently I’ve been noticing a resurgence of the Granny Square in all its shapes & sizes & it’s made me think…. although I’ve gained reams of experience & moved on to more challenging projects over the years, I can’t help but be mindful of how much I owe to the good ol’ Granny Square… they are how I learnt to crochet & where my crochet journey really began so many moons ago &, I suspect, this applies to almost everyone who loves to crochet – after all, we all had to start somewhere & the humble Granny Square made with loving care is a beautiful thing.

Who hasn’t dug out that old granny square rug on a chilly winter’s evening, wrapped themselves in its wooly warmth for a night in front of TV? Have a look behind the scenes while watching your favorite sitcom, there’s most probably a brightly coloured rug thrown randomly over a chair to add that homely touch.

So, what’s so great about this little gem?

 

  • they are super easy to make
  • they are a great way to use up all those odds & ends in your yarn stash
  • you can use any yarn you like & work with any size hook you’re comfortable with
  • you can make your squares using a single colour, harmonies, contrasts, mono tones or be as random as your heart desires
  • you can make your square any size you want & join them as you wish to make a blanket, bunny rug, vest, scarf, jacket, slippers, handbag… gosh, the list is far too long to name them all
  • or you can just keep going around & around adding new colours (or not) at will
  • they are possibly the best way for learners to gain speed & understanding, with the bonus of having a lovely handmade item at the end of it
  • &, once you’ve mastered this easy one it may lead you on to try others… there are hundreds

If you are new to crochet (or perhaps just want a refresher) & would like to give the Granny Square a go you’ll find, what I hope are easy to follow instructions on, ‘The Humble Granny Square’ page of Crochet tips & Tricks – enjoy

Crochet Tips & tricks update… decreasing~increasing~shaping

I must say it took a bit of brain teasing putting these techniques for decreasing, increasing & shaping in crochet into words… but, hopefully the instructions & drawings are clear & easy to understand… moreover, they help to make your crocheting life just that little bit easier…..

~ Decreasing ~ Increasing ~ Shaping in crochet ~

just discovered – The Clone Stitch….

Ok… so it’s been around for donkey’s ages (re: Irish Crochet) but I’ve only just discovered this amazing little stitch & have been incorporating it into my freeform work – although traditionally worked in cotton thread, I’ve been experimenting with different yarns & hook sizes & the results are fabulous – you’ll find the instructions on Novel stitches if you’d like to give it a go … experiment & have fun….

Crochet Tips & Tricks update….

just finished this new page adding to the Crochet Tips & tricks collection with what I trust is useful & helpful information for bringing  in new yarn & joining crochet fabric, squares & motifs & hopefully enhancing both your tradition & freeform work – enjoy….

How to make an easy Crochet Cord

Crochet Cord: make this decorative cord using any yarn of your choice, each will create an individual look – fingering, metallic, ribbon, chunky or even try using 2 or more threads together – the cord can be incorporated into your freeform work, used as a handle strap or sewn on as binding to created a beautiful edging – experiment with different size hooks & yarns…. you’ll be delighted with the results

You will find the instructions here on Novel Stitches Page