Not Your Grandma's Granny Square

Nope, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you.

Yes, that's The Lord of the Rings star, Cate Blanchett, rocking a crocheted granny-square dress on the Hollywood red carpet.  

It's official--Grandma's beloved squares have hit celebrity wardrobes, jewelry boxes, beaches, restaurants, and even your garage.

Never in my wildest dreams would there have been a granny-square cocktail dress. It simply never entered my evening-wear checklist. And even a yarn diva like me never thought of wading in a swimsuit designed like the one below or dining in a restaurant outfitted with granny squares. But that doesn't mean we crafty types aren't open to fresh ideas. I can now see myself crocheting a two-piece, high-neck halter dress.

So just what is a granny square? Back in the day, these adorable creations found their way into afghans, pillows, skirts and vests, among other things. Almost every person on the planet has seen them but doesn't necessarily know how they're made.

According to Wikipedia, "A granny square is a piece of square fabric produced in crochet by working in rounds from the center outward. Granny squares are traditionally handmade. They resemble coarse lace."

Before and After the New Millennium

Granny squares may not have graced the Hollywood red carpet before the new millennium, but they're not new to the hippie-chick fashion scene. Skirts, vests and coats such as the garment seen below were popular in the 1970s.

We all know what goes around in the fashion world always comes around again with a new flavor. And "sassy" is often the word to describe these new takes on old favorites.

Shepherd's Pie and Lemonade, Please

Imagine stepping into a restaurant to get a bite to eat and being greeted by granny squares from wall to wall and floor to ceiling!

I hope shepherd's pie and lemonade made from scratch are on the menu. They would definitely complement the homey feeling evoked by the decor. 

New Uses for Granny Squares

Have a seat on my granny-square chair.

Such a chair is not so extraordinary when one recognizes that the granny square epitomizes homespun warmth and comfort (as a bonus, it also leads to thoughts of apple pie). When you think about it, it makes a kind of sense to integrate this traditional pattern into the household landscape. The crocheted curtain below would make a great room divider, to give another example.

But let's not be afraid to color outside the lines as well, into a brave new world of creative possibilities. Fasten your seat belts, because this new home for the famous granny square has four wheels! The most eye-grabbing vehicle on the highway possesses unquestionable style and spunk. Not exactly your grandpop's Chevy!

Since we're sporting around in our hip new ride, we might as well visit some art exhibits. Can you picture the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art in New York City or Museum of Fine Arts in Boston covered with colorful fabric squares? Perhaps not, but just behold the Craft and Folk Art Museum, located smack in the heart of the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles. We can't miss the only gallery known to be decked out with granny squares!

Courtesy of Park Labrea News Beverly Press

The original exterior--red brick walls and white chimneys--always afforded a design contrast to the Miracle Mile's otherwise modern architecture. The contrast widened by way of the fifteen thousand granny squares then used to cover the edifice, the influences of Paul Klee and Andy Warhol flaunted proudly. Very innovative (and time-consuming, no doubt)!

The CAFAM's granny-square makeover is the result of a call for crocheted squares that went from local to global. The handmade pieces were contributed by Yarn Bombing Los Angeles (YBLA), an organization devoted to assimilating fiber arts into public spaces, as well as 49 other individuals from across the United States and 25 more internationally. Be sure to check out the web page for the project. And here you can see some of the hard-working participants striking a pose for the camera.

Finally, let's take our favorite traditional pattern to the oven and enjoy delicious granny-square cookies with a glass of milk.

In what innovative ways have you used the celebrated granny square?

Craft the Next Generation . . . and See What Fun Is Spun!

They say, Shape the Next Generation...I say Craft the Next Generation and See the Cool they Create, along with the Fun. Listen...they're primed and ready to learn.  

(Above photo - Coverup crochetedpatternstotry.blogspot.hu)

(Scarf - Lion Brand)

Plant the seed, water it with your time and watch these craft-astic buds bloom.  I dare you.  They'll surprise you. No, you won't need to bribe them with the latest video game.  They're quick studies. If they can navigate an iPad at two, study online at four and build a website by eight--they can work a knitting/crochet needle.  Not a problem! 

FROM THE WOMB TO THE WEB

In fact, they practically emerged from the womb, grabbing for a cell phone and Starbucks smoothie.   Okay, not exactly... but the photo on the left sure is cute. 

Instead of starting your youngster with knitting a yawn-producing block or crocheting another boring circle--why not turn that knitted square into a cell phone case? Transform that ho-hum circle into a mod flower by attaching a few smaller crocheted circles. In no time, they'll be sporting a new cell phone case and cool flower to hot glue on their shorts or headband.   

           
 (baby with cell phone)

(The Odyssey Online)

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SUMMERTIME…

Stays in the Summertime.  Take it from me, our new generation whiz kids will want to use these cool knitting/crocheting  skills all year round to creat iPad covers, headbands, jewelry, yarn extensions for the hair, and the list goes on to almost infinity.  

(Scarf)

YEP, BOYS ARE ALLOWED

Not to worry mothers of sons... your boys can chill at the party too. Some of our best crafters are rocking it from Mars.

Once your young knitter/crocheter master the basics, don't wait too long to introduce them to the exotics--alternative fibers.  Oh, yeah...there's nothing like them.


ALTERNATIVE FIBERS ADD PIZZAZZ 
AND A HELPING HAND

It's great to switch things up with something unique.  Alternative "fibers" like tee-shirt yarn, sari ribbon, and plarn (recycled plastic bag yarn) all are great knitting/crocheting materials, creating
eye-catching texture to a project.  Upcycled and recycled materials, help the planet thrive, which make them especially appealing to our green conscious adolescents and parents.

(Groovy Green Livin)

ETHICALLY PRODUCED YARN

Yarn Yarn

Suppliers like, U.S. online shop, Darn Good Yarn and UK's Yarn Yarn, a unique art yarn and fibre shop offer these ethically produced silk yarns and recycled silk waste from rural India and Nepal.  Both sell sari silk ribbon, sari silk yarn, banana yarn, organic hemp, organic nettle yarn, etc.,

All have been hand-spun and dyed by women's co-operatives and small scale businesses in rural India and Nepal.  Profits from these sales improve the lives of these artisans and their families.

(Purses)

(tee-shirt headband)

Tee-Shirt Yarn

Yes, Sasha... you can crochet a headband using tee-shirt yarn.  It's the latest trend that's sticking around.  It does the heart good knowing that our crafts have morphed from other products.  Who says clothing and household goods like plastic only live once? 

PLARN AKA PLASTIC BAG YARN

(Water Bottle Bag - Plarn)

HOW TO START YOUR CHILD 

KNITTING/CROCHETING

Maggie Rags suggests starting your little ones with finger knitting, so they don't get frustrated when they drop the needles. After finger knitting is mastered, move on to a knitting noddy or a crochet hook.   

THE WALDORF SCHOOL'S 

KNITTING PROGRAM

The Waldorf School uses knitting as a learning tool, introducing natural fibers, improving math skills and developing spacial recognition.  

It also uses a rhyme to help children remember what to do:

In through the front door

Around the back

Out through the window

And off jumps jack.

KNITTING NEEDLES

Begin with a size 10, bamboo needles.

And if they're not allergic to it, wool is a good fiber to start with.

Don't worry about dropped stitches.  Maggie's Rags suggests making up a story or a game about dropped stitches, so they don't give up when it happens.

(Summertime Barbie)

SEVEN TIPS FOR TEACHING A CHILD TO KNIT OR CROCHET FROM LION BRAND

(Ravelry for Knitting-Crocheting)

1.   Use a big table to work on, and work with five or less.  (IMHO - If you have five, have two teachers.)

2.  Start with simple, solid-color yarn and large durable tools.  

3.  Teaching a craft is like teaching a new language.  Explain what each term means.

4.  Teach them to start, rip back and start over again.  Beginners often forget how they started by the time they finish a project.

5. Let kids be creative with what they learned.  Offer different colored yarn and let them decide when to switch.

6.  Show them you are proud of their work, and they will be proud too.

7.  Stay positive and make the lesson about how fun crafting can be.

FROM THE FIRST TUESDAY-THIRD WEDNESDAY KNITTING & CROCHETING CLUB

Yarn Bombed Bench by First Tuesday-Third Wednesday
 Knitting and Crocheting Club

WE'VE BEEN BUSY!

It's Summertime... and we're thrilled to be going strong in our third summer.  In our three years of operation, we've knitted blocks for compassion afghans, hats and headbands for the Shriner's Hospital for Children and change purses, wash cloths wrapped in toiletries for our Women in Transition Project for Fresh Start and yarn bombed the above bench in front of Elkins Park Library.

Linda shares her beautiful crocheted scarf for her son.

Katie shows her playful side in front of the camera, and her creative side in this unique crocheted blanket.

SCENES FROM INSIDE OUR CRAFT ROOM

Katie teaches a tween how to crochet.  Our Compassion Afghan is proudly displayed in the foreground.  This one was given to a very appreciative dialysis patient.

Karen, our master knitter/crocheter, wears her amazing tri-color shawl as she works on her latest project.

Cherie's beautiful granny-square afghan will be treasured for generations to come.

Joquina guides a young crocheter in her craft.

Audrey, Elyse and Teresa are hard at work.

Katie shows of her baby blanket.  Nice work!

Now it's your turn, what projects are you working on this summer?  Click the comment box and feel free to send pictures.  

Mahalo! (Thank you in Hawaiian)  

Have Yarn...Will Travel!

(About Home)

Can you knit/crochet on the plane, that is the question? The answer...on domestic flights...yes, you can.  Kristy Glass from Lion Brand suggests you load TSA's handy app and check what you can and can't bring on the plane.

Her recommendations for yarn travel, Lion Brand's 24-7 Cotton and Shawl in a ball.  (You knit a shawl from one ball of yarn.)  That's what I need.





Here are some more yarn travel tips from Knitting Expert Susan E. Weiss:

(Yarn Harlot)

• Pick a small project. Things like socks, a scarf, a hat or other small projects make more sense in the limited space.

• Use circular needles. This is a great tip for your own sanity and for the sake of the people around you. If you are using circular needles, you can't drop a needle and send it rolling down the cabin. Circular needles also tend to need a smaller range of motion in which to work, so you'll elbow the person sitting next to you a lot less. It is recommended that your circular needle be no bigger than 31 inches in total length.

• Try plastic or bamboo needles. There's something completely nonthreatening about plastic needles. 

• Stick to small sizes. Technically there is no restriction on the size of knitting needles you take onto an airplane, but that doesn't mean that people haven't been asked to leave their knitting at home if the security officer perceives the needles as a threat. Your best bet is to stick to small- sized needles.

• Choose blunt objects. Knitting needles that don't look sharp are much more likely to easily pass through security. Scissors must be blunt as well, and the blades can be no longer than 4 inches/10 cm. 
•  Choose fast summer projects you can do on vacation, like these fruity trivets and pot holders.

 

Crochet Version 

Knit Version 

1.  Knit or Crochet Trivets and Pot Holders --How cute are these?  Take them with you to your summer barbeques and pool parties.  Cute and useful, what more could you want?  Made of Blue Sky Worsted Cotton from Purl SoHo, they're great thank you gifts your hosts will love.  

It's Prom Season! Time to .Knit One, Crochet Two...

(Pinterest)

It's Prom Season!  Even Barbie, her besties and her date (a dark-haired Ken) plan to take the night by storm in their yarn-crafted evening gowns and accessories. They've arrived in homespun style and ready to party because it's 2016!

"Every woman should have a purse of her own."  

Susan B. Anthony

(from left to right - Cynthia, Audrey and Jackie)

Audrey, Jacqueline, Cynthia… the Women of Fresh Start

But before we venture into our handcrafted prom journey,  the First Tuesday-Third Wednesday Knitting & Crocheting Club want to thank Audrey, Jacqueline, Cynthia and Helen for their warm welcome and kindness during our visit.   

Our knitting/crocheting club based at the Glenside and Elkins Libraries decided, last year, to knit/crochet petite purses, (change purses) and washcloths wrapped in travel size toiletries and presented as mini gift baskets for women in transition.

We picked Fresh Start Now, Inc., Women's Forensic Housing Program  located at 3023 Frankford Ave., in Philadelphia,  because this great program empowers women to rebuild their lives with strength and determination in a supportive and safe environment. 

When Alice and I arrived, Jacqueline and Cynthia were cleaning the kitchen, which looked spotless.   I love kitchens and would enjoy cooking in this one.  It's apparent, they take care of this home and each other.   Audrey,  who oversees the housing program, was also a former resident, so you can see that paying- it-forward is a key component here.

Jaqueline told us that she arrived at Fresh Start without any clothes other than what she wore.   And Cynthia shared that she didn't have any shoes when she first passed through their doors.  According to Audrey, it's common for the women to arrive without any clothes or shoes other than what they arrived wearing.  Therefore, they' re in desperate need of clothes and personal hygiene products.  

Their daily responsibilities involve caring for the home, developing job skills, preparing for the job market, taking parenting classes etc.,   They're provided with supportive services to help them achieve their program goals and ultimately live positive, independent lives.  

If you want to find out more about the Fresh Start program, contact Audrey at:   215 634-8150.  They welcome all donations:  money, food, clothing, toiletries, beauty products, household cleaning products, etc.,  

Despite the liquid sunshine, this was a very special day for me and Alice.   First Tuesday-Third Wednesday Knitting Crocheting Club wish you success in this new, positive chapter in your lives. 

IT'S PROM SEASON!  TIME TO KNIT ONE, 

CROCHET TWO...  

Okay, so your prom night happened a bunch of yesterdays ago, but that doesn't stop you from feeling excited and downright giddy for the young knitter in your group, embarking on her maiden junior/senior prom in a few days or weeks.

Or maybe it's your daughter, granddaughter, niece or neighbor next door, crossing this important high school rites-of-passage.  You'll still have time to whip up an elegant or whimsical headpiece like the ones below...no pressure.

And yes, our young ladies may even make an entrance styling in a eye-catching kitted fascinator.  Fancy!

Prom Hair Accessory

Prom Head Band

Let's not forget the fellas... your son, grandson, nephew...neighbor's boy from down the street.  This rose crocheted boutonniere gives Rico Suave elegance to any After Dark Tuxedo.

(Crocheted Boutonniere Lion Brand Pattern)

Let's continue our handcrafted prom journey with the ever-so-popular shawl... or shawlette.  Knit or crochet, either way adds to the beauty of our headliner--the prom gown.

The Shawlette

(Crochet Shawlette - Lion Brand Pattern)

The above shawlette is for the Easy 2 Crocheter.

Crochet Wrap

Lion Brand Pattern - Crochet Wrap

(Knit Picks - Pattern)

Evening Bags

A hand-crafted evening bag adds a unique touch to a prom ensemble, not to mention, it's practical.  Where are you going to put your lipstick, gum, keys and cell?

(Crocheted Evening Clutch - Lion Brand Pattern)

This would look great with a black and red prom gown.

Though our above Chevron evening bag (in the photo above) was created by a talented manufacturer, an advanced crafted could re-create a knit or crochet version adding their own touches.  Are you up for the challenge?

Bead Knitting

Prom Dress

It may be too late to create a prom dress for this month, but where there's a will there's a way, especially if you have a handy knitting machine.

Jewelry

This is beautiful.  I would wear this for a wedding vow renewal in peach.  Love it!  (My wedding colors were pink and peach almost 24 years ago...hmm, maybe next year.)

And finally, here's a beautiful necklace that should be a quick turnaround.  If she's artsy and love to stand out, this tee shirt yarn necklace may fit the bill.

Tee-Shirt Yarn Necklace

Crochet Wire Earrings

Crochet Lace Necklace

(Dysfunctional Designs)

Tell us about your handcrafted prom adventures.  

Happy Crocheting and Knitting!