Gramma just loves Granny Squares

Whe I think of granny squares I remember sitting on my Grandmothers living room floor laying out what seems to be hundreds of square my Great Gram had made. Each one edged in black and different. She would spend her time making this little squares from leftover yarn and stashing them away until there was enough to finsih an afghan.

I do not have the patience for all the connecting, and have yet to master a better way. But, I do love the granny square. I have come across afew new patterns that let me granny square away without all the connecting.

Here is a bsic granny square pattern I found. They get to be addictive, you can't make just one!

Granny Squares
Granny squares can be worked at any gauge.
If you're crocheting a granny square as part of a pattern, match the gauge mentioned in the pattern as closely as possible. Otherwise, you can work your granny squares at whatever gauge you like.
Choosing Materials:

Granny squares can be worked with any yarn plus a crochet hook of appropriate size. Check the label on the yarn you plan to use; the correct crochet hook will be specified. Use that as a starting point, but feel free to make adjustments as needed.
Choosing Colors and Fibers:

Granny squares can be a single color or multicolored. Any combination of colors can be used. There are infinite possible variations.

If you work with multiple yarns, the fiber contents should be the same, or compatible, so that the finished project will wear evenly with repeated washing and use.

For example, do not combine cotton and acrylic in the same granny square. The cotton and the acrylic will wear differently. Acrylic is typically shrink-resistant, but cotton can shrink significantly when washed. Using these fibers together could result in a project that looks fine before washing, but distorts during the washing process.

Pay attention to care instructions, and make sure that all fibers used in the same project can be cleaned using consistent methods. For example, do not use "Hand wash only" yarns in the same granny square with "Dry clean only" yarns.

Abbreviations:

ch = chain, chs = chains, st = stitch, sts= stitches, sl st = slip stitch, dc = double crochet

http://crochet.about.com/od/learntocrochet/ss/Crochet_Granny_Square.htm

I listed the new items on Grammas Gifts on Etsy this morning, I am curious to see how many other people have a fondness for Granny Squares also. The next set I am doing will be a 6 month size hat and sweater with a matching blanket. That would make a great baby shower gift.

Grouch Day

  It is finally Friday....this week has gone so slow.  All of the orders for Green Bay Packer hats have been made and sent, bread was baked, the charter school board meeting was attended and now FRIDAY.  My husband says I   ( shoot myself in the foot ) by making plans for the day.  That may be true. Last night I had what I thought was a great plan.  Get up early, get the kids off to school and then QUICKLY get the housecleaning done and work on new hats.  Get some photos taken and posted on Etsy before the weekend.    Sounds like a do-able plan.  Not so much.
  When I woke this morning I found a grandson and friend asleep on my living room floor. They had been out late.  So much for early cleaning in there. My daughter back in bed, not much help there and one granddaughter who because she attended the school boad meeting was allowed to go into school two hours late.   The internet was not working, so no uploading pictures for the Etsy listings. ughhhh    
                                    So much for plans. 
      It is now a little past eleven now and I finally have the living room done and the internet is back up and running. Grandson and his friend are awake and now playing video games.....in the living room. The daughter who was going to be so helpful has awaken and run to town to the bank and wherever else.  Granddaughter taken to school. So much for help.
    I need a new plan, I used to think it would sound selfish to others but here goes.  I need some me time. Time to get my things done and maybe just catch my breath. I tend to take on many things and with eleven people in the house at any given time, I just need time to be me.. not Gramma, or wife, or MOM  but ME.
   After my plan going south quickly I find myself getting crabby or GROUCHY and then the whole day seems to go bad. Someone suggested I find something I like to do and set a timer and just take that time for me. The family will get along just fine on their own for that time and I will feel some accomplishment and stress released.  Right now as I am typing this three dogs are chasing around the dining room and barking, all in good fun but oh the noise. Two big boys are quietly playing video games and I have put on a second pot of coffee as a treat for myself.  I am going to get out some pattern books, take a look and find some new fun things to do before conquering the kitchen. This is against everything I was trained for. What if someone drops by and I am sitting reading patterns and my kitchen isnt clean?  Hopefully no one comes because as much as I would lik to say WHO CARES, I would be devastated. Old habits die hard and things taught as a child come back to get me every so often.  But, if I wait until everything that should be done is done, will I ever get to find a pattern of make a hat?  Good question, right now I feel like NO.  So, as I get off this computer and sneak off for coffee and pattern searching PLEASE do not come knock on my door, I would be horrified. But, I need a few minutes for me.

Have a Nice Day  from Grouochy Me