Do you love your Granny?

I was recently invited by Valerie at Agrarian Artisan to join the ever present debate on the crochet Granny Square – do you love them? Or hate them?

The Granny Square first saw its heyday back in the 1970’s. Thanks to my Nan, I was the proud wearer of all things granny including waistcoats and poncho’s, and according to my Mum, most of the residents of Orford (Warrington) were the height of fashion in their granny square waistcoats, thanks to my Nan who could whip one up as quick as a flash.

 

Thankfully, the Granny has moved on to bigger and better things. Now more popular than ever, there are many contemporary designs that feature the Granny in all it’s glory. From blankets and cushion, to bunting and bags, the Granny has taken on a new lease of life helped along by the myriad of beautiful yarns that can turn a plain old Granny into something amazing.

 

Julie at little cotton rabbits has the knack of choosing the most perfect colour schemes for her gorgeous blankets.
 

 

You can see more of Julie's  amazing work here: http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/my_weblog/

This Dolce and Gabanna bag retailed at around £900 last year – isn’t it gorgeous (not the price tag!!). I’m pretty sure I could whip up something similar for a lot less.

 

 

So I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that I sit in the “Love” Granny camp, although I have to admit I’m not one for rainbow colours; I much prefer more subdued shades. My current Granny project is a Debbie Bliss Aran Tweed Blanket in shades of green, cream and lilacs. It’s been a work in progress for about 18 months and so far I only have 20 squares. I need to get a move on before they yarn is no longer available!!!

I'd love to hear your views on the Granny Square and if you'd love to make one but can't crochet, then you can come along to my next "Learn to Crochet" course at Sandbach High School (Cheshire) in September and I'll show you how to make one. Details can be found here http://lynnesknits.weebly.com/classes.html

When I ask what people want to get out of my course, the most popular answer is "to crochet a granny square". After the end of the 5 weeks I'm pleased to say that my pupils can crochet a lot more than a granny square and they are usually more than delighted with their new found skills.

Alternatively, Heather at Little Tin bird has a great tutorial here http://www.littletinbird.co.uk/basic-granny-square-pattern/

So go on and crochet a granny, the possibilities are endless, rewarding and inspriring.

Happy Crafting, Lynne x