In Praise of: Grannies

And so today we crack a champagne bottle over the helm of a new category: In Praise Of.  (I realize you are all clutching those bottles tightly to you right now, and champagne empties will be more widely available in a couple of days- this is a metaphoric cracking.  I don't think the notebook could take it.)  Let's start with something that's been burning up my web-world (and stash yarn) lately- the  nostalgic, simple, and completely satisfying to make Granny Square.

These squares were born from the instructions in Simple Crochet by Erika Knight.  I plan to join them as the book instructs by finishing each square with a border and then whipstitching them together.  Good thing it's a small blanket, because I have so little patience for such seaming.

The first couple of people who saw my color scheme, which I deemed "kitchy and nostalgic," said, "Oh, it's a Redskins blanket!"  I don't think I hid my dismay well.  There might have been some gasping and swooning and application of cold compresses.  They'll see- they'll ALL SEE when I add that chocolate brown border.  RIGHT? 

For these squares I'm using Rowan Handknit DK cotton.  I have a rather considerable collection.  This of course did not stop me from gathering up a few skeins of discontinued colors on discount the other day.  Which purchase is totally justified because:

1. I will make so many awesome, awesome crocheted items with it and

2. My Legendary Stash is quickly being eaten up by Giant Granny Square Blankets. 

Really, there's a net loss of string in this house.  Check it out:

This is G.Biv.

...and this is Roy.

After crocheting their multi-hued cousin (Rav link), I couldn't stop myself, and divided all the odds and ends of my stash wool into piles by color family and went for it on two new Giant Grannies.  It's embarrassingly pleasing to me to sit on the couch and alternate between the two while watching old X-Files episodes.  Chuckling to myself.  You know how it is.

Of course, Grannies don't have to be square.  (Mine's soft and round- I like her that way.  Tip your waitress.)  You can find patterns for these (star, circle, and flower) and for free in the sidebar on The Royal Sisters.

For those of you feeling the pull of the granny- come join the Ravelry group!  The granny is a fantastic way to learn crochet.  Ms. Bestitched picked it up in just one lesson from Ms. Monsteryarn.  One hook, one motion, one glorious sparkling disco-infused hotline to the 70's.

And for those of you for whom granny squares inspire nothing but horror as you recall the 70's and the decisions -sartorial, pharmaceutical, musical, and aesthetic- that you and your parents may have made then, I am sorry.  But come on.  It's not as if I'm macrame-ing owls over here. 

(I don't need to.  My Mom has already offered me HERS.  Swoon.)

Comments

[Annika]

Oh my gosh, your Granny (the human one) is SO CUTE.

[Bertha]

I've already committed to a Babette rather than a giant granny, but you all have totally convinced me to make a granny Babette rather than the normal one. I can't wait to get started!

[Daphne]

What I don't get is why Erika has you crochet such lovely squares then forces you to whip-stitch them together, when one of my favoritist things ever about crochet is joining knitted or crocheted squares and blanket edges with it. I even made a video about it because it's so awesomely fast, including ripping it out. Most recent crocheted border/edging: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/crankyisgood/frances-nursing-shawl

Love having you back on the blog, my dear.

[Kirsten]

Yay for grannies! (Both soft & round kind as well as square!)

I guess it's 70's nostalgia all the way for me. I have very fond memories of that decade despite my "sartorial, pharmaceutical, musical, and aesthetic" choices of that time.

[jess]

I haven't been tempted by crochet, until now! Oh dear.

I enjoy your blog, glad to have you back:)

[caro]

So, I was going to say, "I will not fall down the granny hole" but that sounds pervy, so I will not fall down the granny square hole.
I CANNOT fall down the granny square hole.
I cannot fall down the granny square hole.
I cannot fall down the granny square hole....

[Ruth]

Oh, I'm totally with you. All I need to do is GET STARTED, which is difficult for me these days, as I am finding it easier to ponder possibilities and spin my wheels.

[mintyfresh]

how long til you're subscribed to Crochet Today? :)

lots of afghans. in fact, the next special issue is *all afghans*.

i'm not a giant granny square blanket girl myself, but i'm itching to get yarn for a crocheted blanket already.

[Emilee]

I love the look of granny squares. They're classic for a reason, right?

[Ellen Bloom]

Granny Squares are the building blocks to fashion! Welcome to the club!

[Patty]

Ugh, I've been resisting for sooooooo long. But you're pushing hard! Happy New Year!

[Silverilix]

Gotta tell you G. Biv and Roy are making me want to crochet... guess I whould learn. They are awesome, and made me chuckle too.

[Silverilix]

I should also check over my spelling before posting a comment.... lol