One corner of my work in progress giant granny square
Wow – it’s been quite a couple of weeks here and thanks to problems behind the scenes I am completely behind in blogging about any of it. There’s a whole list of posts in my head that need writing up, but I’ve also had to move my blog over from one hosting platform to another, so I’m having to learn about a whole new interface to be able to do so. So, what to do at a time like this? Reach for the crochet and stick my head in the sand of course! If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen my giant crochet granny square in progress, but I don’t think it’s made an appearance here on the blog before.
I started work on this whilst pregnant with Master C and without realising the significance I started in blue and grey. Little was I to know that Little Miss C was going to be getting a brother. Once Master C arrived it was put to one side for a while, especially as I came to terms with my Dad’s death coming so close to Master C’s arrival. Over the last year I’ve picked up the crochet hook again though and this has become my go to project for when I find I have a spare five or ten minutes, or whilst say watching LMC’s swimming lessons. The big advantage of crochet over knitting is that you can just pick it up and put it down when ever you want and you don’t need to worry about counting stitches – very useful when you have two small children to look after at the same time!
My initial plan was to just grow it for as long as I wanted to and to only use leftover yarn that I already owned. This plan started well and I’m really loving how the rounds of colour have been building up over time based on what I could find leftover from a previous project. After a while though the square became too big for the remnants I could find at home and I have to admit to having started to buy cheap balls of 100% acrylic from various pound shop type places. I figure that this blanket will end up on Master C’s bed, meaning that it will need to go in the washing machine every now and again, so being machine washable will be a huge benefit.
My crochet skills are somewhat limited to granny squares so there’s a slight fear as to what I should do when I eventually decide that this blanket is big enough. I’ve plenty of books to teach me how to do a border on it, but I’m a tad nervous if I’m totally honest. There’s also the subject of blocking – again not one of my strong points. Comparing it in size to the blanket I finished knitting after LMC was born, I need at least another two rounds on it to make it a similar size. So, maybe time to get brave about the next steps whilst I crochet round it a couple more times.
I used to crochet squares when I was little. My mom made a big blanket out of all the little squares ….. I think she may still have it!!! Crocheting is awesome x
I also have a pile of squares that I have been meaning to make into something for LMC. Maybe when I’ve finished this one I’ll actually manage to finish that one too!
I have NO PATIENCE for this so you have my total respect for even the smallest granny square! I wish I could make all kinds of fabulous crocheted things. My grandma was very handy with anything needly–knitting, crochet, needlepoint, sewing machine, etc etc. I still have a wonderful blanket she made for me, probably 30 years ago. Keep it up Mrs C, this is a fabulous project! x
Thanks Michelle – I’ve still got one that my Gran made for me, crochet around a knitted square in the middle, and I love it so much and love the fact that it reminds me of her. I hope my kids will treasure the blankets I’ve made for them in a similar way.
I’m in awe of your crocheting skilz.
Love all the colours too.
Congrats on the blog move. x
Thank you!
I am so in awe of your skills – I’ve tried my hand at crochet more times that I care to mention and have failed miserably every time!
I think the only thing that helped me master it Jayne was going on a one day course – until then I just couldn’t get my head around it at all.
Splosh had one when he was little and loved his blue blanket, I made a replacement for him when he went off to uni and now I’m making one for Bernard. I hope that having something made from home will help stave off the worst of the homesickness when she’s away! I love your square and I can only do granny squares too – I’m much better with 2 needles!
I have to admit that I do prefer knitting, but it’s just so much harder to do with two very small kids about!
I am hopeless at knitting or crochet but I do love a bit of cross stitch
Funny you should say that as I actually picked up some cross stitch yesterday for the first time in AGES. Look out for a post about it soon!
Oh well done you! I could never crochet i have two left hands!
Honestly – it’s not as difficult as it looks!
What a great way to create something beautiful and have a way to relax too, when there’s a lot going on in your life.
What a gorgeous blanket. I love long projects like this as it always feels to me like all the days and events that passed in the making of it get magically woven into the blanket too. They get a bit heavy to cart around though 😉 It will be a lovely keepsake for Master C x
Yes – it’s getting a bit warm to sit under it at the side of the swimming pool now!
wow how fab. I treasure a cross stitch wadded blanket my late nan made for chloe. Even when ill now they all want the blanket for snuggling on the sofa.
I love the new look Penny. And this crocheting is lovely – reminds me of my Nan – still going strong at 97. she used to crochet us dresses as little girls – I bet you could do some lovely tops. The blanket is fab and good luck with the rest of it. Each colour must have a little story to it? x
Respect to you, I have no talent for things like this and pure envy of those who do! x
Thank you x
I have always always wanted to crochet but I can’t get the knack of it… the blanket is lovely you clever thing you. 🙂
Thank you x
Love the colours Penny and the skills! Crochet is something I pick up in times of need too, it is very soothing. Hope your blog issues smooth over too – when kids are small any kind of stress is exhausting. Sorry to hear about your Dad, losing a parent at this stage in your life is incredibly tough. My mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer when I was pregnant with Mr G. I feel like I had to grieve for myself and my children who were too small to at that time. Anyway, lovely crochet my dear xxx
Completely understand what you mean there Penny – the feeling of loss for myself was one thing, but that for Master C who met my dad but will never remember him was overwhelming. xxx
Lovely! Well done talented you 🙂 those crocheted blankets take me right back to my childhood, I really love them. Like the new header too – good luck getting the blog fully sorted x
Thank you – I too just love the old-fashioned vintage feel of crochet blankets too.
Oh I share your mutual love of the granny square, as that is my project too. The thing I’m nervous about is joining them, as I just keep making them. I’m sure I will eventually but its a skill I’m scared of at the moment. Its going to be a fab addition to your sons room x
I have a huge pile of granny squares in shades of pink for my daughter and I’m just not at all sure how to start joining them together without making a complete pigs ear of it!