Wednesday, February 8, 2012

what i'm working on :: granny square afghan

I am so excited about my granny square afghan progress, even more so after I laid them all out to take these photos. I started making squares right at the end of January and have made 36 so far but I still have a really long way to go. Call me crazy, but Ivan and I decided it would look cool if I made this the same size as the duvet cover on our bed...our king sized bed. So, this is probably going to take me a long time to finish. I love crocheting granny squares (they were the first thing I learned to crochet) and making them all in different colours for this blanket is keeping it really fun for me.

I am really excited about making blankets at the moment. I like the idea that they may be passed on for generations through our family and my grandchildren and great grandchildren will have fun choosing their favourite square on this granny square blanket. I don't usually think about things like that but it just keeps popping into my head as I'm working on these squares.

Ok enough being sappy! In case you are wondering, I did finish my chevron afghan (on schedule too) but I will show you that another time. Probably when we finally do a home tour which I'm sure will be sometime next year because those kind of things seem to take forever to get around to ;)

What are you working on?

♥elycia

53 comments:

  1. Thats so cute! I'm really enjoying blankets at the moment too. I saw that kayla had thrifted some like the chevon pattern and was wondering who made them and their story.

    How are you going to attach your squares together? im undecided on my favourite method! love the colours

    Barnicles x

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  2. Looks gorgeous, Elycia! I'm about 3/4 through making a giant granny square blanket (as in it will look like one huge granny square when finished - you know what I mean?). I'm at that point where it's really tempting to start a different one.... I don't know what it is, but as soon as the finish line is in sight, I get really inspired with colours for the next one hahaha!
    I've got to ask - your chevron blanket - did you use a pattern for it?
    I'm dying to do one of those next!!
    Love the colour choices, by the way!
    Luvluv
    Sway xx

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  3. Oh I Love the colors!!!!

    I was obsessively working on a sunburst-granny square blanket for a while there (in white and brown)...until I realized I was so obsessed with the thing that I wasn't getting anything "really important" done. I have so much work to do and to get done (trying to finish school and starting my own business) that it was kind of getting in the way (I'm the queen on procrastination)

    I basically have all the squares finished...all I have to do is to block them and put them together. I put the blanket on hold though. That is going to be my reward when I finally get my homepage going :-D
    Ha!....can't wait...

    Some people buy shoes as rewards...I get to block a granny square blanket...I guess I really am pretty weird ....

    really really like your squares. I've already planned my new blanket too...it will be mostly white with different colors in the middle...similar to yours...but one square only two colored...

    I really am obsessed!!

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  4. It's looking so pretty! I love the colors!! If you two decide not to have kids you can just pass it on to me, I'll take good care of it! Promise!! :P

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  5. Love those color combinations! I'm currently working on a knit argyle cardigan, but I've been taking it pretty slow. I'd love to make a granny square afghan one day.

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  6. I'm absolutely loving the look so far. I'm working on a giant granny square blanket, I'm hoping to have it done by winter since it gets cold in my room. I haven't been able to pick up and work on it for a week now because of work *boo*

    Crocheting granny squares is my favorite too, I actually bought a granny square book. While the complicated ones are fun; there's something so relaxing about doing a basic square.

    http://lovesmodesty.blogspot.com

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  7. The colours are so bright, it's really beautiful! Can't wait to see the chvron one too :)

    As far as I'm concerned I'm working on a project I want to submit for an artistic contest... involving a giant origami :) It's so exciting, I really hope I can complete my submission but I only have 20 days left and I still don't know the material I should use :) For the moment I'm working on Photoshop visuals, it's fun but not easy!

    Have fun on your pretty blanket (I still wonder how you keep your cats from playing with your yarns ^^)

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  8. So beautiful Elycia! I need to get some of my new years resolutions ticked off and learn to crochet. I think I need a good old fashioned Nanna to teach me the ropes. Good luck with your afghan!

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  9. *Gasp* That is SO cute. I really love the colors you chose and the white you bordered everything with! It makes it so light and bright and happy. I'm more of a knitter, though I did one zig-zag crochet afghan. I'd really like to learn to do granny squares though! Not sure I'd take on something as big as a king size bed-spread! That's ambitious! :)
    - Mandi (www.lifeinbeta.com)

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  10. I so wish I could crochet! I love the look and I feel like its more versatile than knitting. Maybe I'll give it another try ^_^ Right now I'm just working on my photography, that will be an ongoing process for sure.

    xoxokat
    http://katkeepstrying.blogspot.com

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  11. im a blanket hoarder myself. last year i started 4 blankets: 8-bit zelda granny square, king-sized ripple, patchwork quilt, and a hexagon flower blanket. None of them are finished....sigh. I to love thinking about how my kids and grandkids will love, use and charish these blankets like I have with blankets from my grandma. Plus crochet is a great stress relief for me...the rhythm of a good pattern just lets me turn off and relax. If you need color inspiration or just want to play with colors might i recommend www.colourlovers.com - you can browse other peoples color way or make your own....its a lot of fun and has helped me choose colors for all sorts of projects!

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  12. love this! I am inspired to start granny squares with all the yarn scraps from other projects. there is nothing like the afghans i have from my grandmothers made of their scrap yarn!

    xxoo
    www.paperplanesandmaryjanes.com

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  13. I really want to learn how to make granny squares. I have a book and have learnt a few basics stitches so far, but it's just finding to time to sit down, concentrate and soak it all in. Your blanket is going to look amazing once it's done. I just love all the different bright colours. Love.
    I love talking and thinking about grandkids and my children to be in general, I cannot wait for all that. x

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  14. Oh this is lovely! I haven't crocheted in such a long time but this is so making me want to pick it up again. Lately I've been working on doodles of kitties for the reopening of my shop ;)

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  15. I totally need to learn how to make granny-squares. I've been seeing them around for ages but I just haven't had the time to learn something new like that lately! Oh well. his looks fabulous!

    xo
    http://kittysnooks.blogspot.com/

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  16. Awwe this makes me want to make one! I just feel like I wouldn't have the patients for it..

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  17. I need to learn to crochet so that i can do this! it'd look so pretty on my bed :) xo

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  18. ooh i love the granny square blanket! I think that will be my next project - I'm a new crochet-er and I'm working on a chevron blanket right now.

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  19. I was working on a granny square blancket too, but I never finished it... Then I decides to use the all my granny squares top make cowls for my shop :p but this year I definitely want to finish one, im moving to a new aparment with my guy(: so i tris time i wont surrender!
    Your blancket looks awesome so far ! (this thing kept autorrecting awesome for asesine ja)
    Have a lovely rest of the week !

    Carmila Ponycat

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  20. The colors you chose are wonderful! It's totally making me second guess the colors I used for the granny square blanket that I'm working on. I'm about...ooooh...maybe a fourth of the way done. Only I started like two years ago and it's just been hibernating in my closet. My granny squares are all pinks, reds, and yellows. But I think I want to add a purple border. Seriously though, why do I have crafter ADD? I started another blanket recently. It's just single stripes in dc in random colors. It looks really cool and it's using up all this yarn that's been sitting around forever.

    Woah, was this waaaaaaaay too much information, or what? I just really like talking about crocheting blankets.

    Bailey
    http://sweetblackmagic.blogspot.com/

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  22. My mum made a huuuuge granny square afghan last year, for her kingsize bed too!! It took her quite a long time but the thing really does look magical!

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  23. It's so pretty. I love the colors. Takes me back to sitting with my grandma as a child. (:

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  24. You're totally right about passing it down to future generations! The quilt we use at the beach (it's fabric, not knitted) has all sorts of fun squares of funky fabric and my grandma made it decades ago. I love picking out my favorite swatches and the idea that she made it for my mom!

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  25. This is so cute! I'd love to make something like this. Teach me!

    http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/

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  26. I'm learning to crochet right now and this is fantastic inspiration.
    I'm actually currently sitting wrapped up in a granny square quilt that my nan made for me when i was about 7years old. I'm in my first home and there are 3 of her quilts here. I know i'll never ever get rid!

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  27. How pretty! I love that all your squares are different. My favorite one is your purple and yellow color combo. Right now I'm designing some new knitting patterns for my shop and sewing my first pair of trousers.

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  28. it will be awesome when you finish it! you'll be so proud of it!

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  29. This is lovely! I must admit that I started one like this and never finished. I did make a huge granny square into a pillow cover. A blanket takes discipline and commitment. I am current crocheting a baby blanket as we speak and I a zipping thru it because she is due soon. The lovely Debbie Bliss yarn is quite lovely to work with so its easy. Congrats on this endeavor its coming out beautifully!

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  30. You move so fast with those! I started my granny square blanket last year and I'm not even close to completing it. I had to take a break and start my ripple blanket (not done either). I can't wait to see the finished granny square blanket of yours! :)

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  31. next time you are down (or next time we hang rather), can you teach me how to crochet? please oh please. i really want to...and would rather learn from a friend than a youtube video.

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  32. I love getting a chance to see other people's crocheted blankets! I have so many on the go, and one is finally all sewn together WITH the ends sewn in! Bahaha. This looks awesome! Can't wait to see it all finished!

    (Last night I had a dream that we hung out with Kaylah, haha! So weird! I need to stop looking at blogs before bed! ;))

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  33. Good for you! I stick to smaller things like Doctor Who scarves.

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  34. it's coming out amazing! I started a granny square blanket in mulitple different sizes two years ago when I taught myself how to crochet, but I then put myself back through school and the blanket was set aside. i just graduated (in december- woo hoo finally!!) and now find myself with free time. i am currently working on multiple projects. a really fun, modern blanket that i designed myself, another blanket from a really neat pattern i found online..and yes..i still need to get back to that granny square blanket. i never thought i would like making a big project either - i like instant gratification you have when you make things like scarfs..but i, like you, think about how amazing these vintage crochet blankets are and how awesome it is to be able to pass them down. while my mister and i are not going to have children - i love giving things away to people and having them be able to pass them down!

    ps i LOVE the chevron blanket! that may be another one to add to my list!

    http://veranellies.blogspot.com

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  35. That looks awesome! I'm working on a turquoise and green ripple afghan. I am loving making blankets, too! Probably because I just moved from NC to Minnesota!

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  36. such a cute quilt idea! i've never been a huge fan of granny squares but you're definitely changing my mind.

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  37. Well I'm currently working on a cute pair of crocheted leg warmers, a very tricky hat, and about three other hats :D I have a lot on my list but i love it! i love your blanket! cant wait to see it finished! :D

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  38. My absolute favorite style of afghan. Can't wait to see it completed. You've totally inspired me and I just might have to start one of my own.

    ♥ sécia
    www.petiteinsanities.blogspot.com

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  39. oh granny squares...i made one at the very end of last year, it was 90 squares and i finshed in a about a month and a half (well it was my winter break and i did hardly nothing else), first big project! oh my i got sick of doing them but it's so nice to do while watching TV or something. workin on wrist warmers but need to try a sweater soon
    :)

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  40. It looks very promissing, I love the color combo! King bed size.. that's a challenge!

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  41. You make me want to (finally) pick up my crochet hooks and learn to get my granny square on! Maybe this will be the year. Also, a king sized granny square afghan sounds magical!

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    1. I will have to teach you and Carly when I visit next time!

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  42. love it! I am working on a 52 week project of a granny square a week. When i am done there will be a blanket big enough for our bed, so excited! I know a great granny square joining technique that is way faster than stitching and also adds size to blanket. let me know if you wanna know how to do it:) love the white as a base color. I am using gray.

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    1. Oh what is it? I was planning on crocheting the squares together, is that it?

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  43. Oooh...your colors and grannies are looking awesome! I started a circle granny blanket last year (gulp) that I've been dying to finish up - lol. I'm a slowpoke! I crochet the squares together using a single crochet and it's crazy fast & easy... :) Have fun joining it all up - so fun!

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  44. I love making granny square blankets! I've since gotten bored of the same square pattern and started finding inspiration from painters. I've created a mondrian blanket and another inspired by monet. I plan on donating them to a nursing home in my town.

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  45. Your blanket is so cheerful yet creates a feeling of peace inside me. This blanket will make an amazing heirloom, I really want to make one too. I've just started to teach myself chrocheting and the first thing I made was a little cell phone pouch holder for my mom to wear around her neck as she had a fall recently and now has to wear a Tracfone SVC for seniors all the time so she can phone me if there's an emergency.The phone has larger buttons and letters on the screen.
    Each of my children want an afghan blanket for their rooms so once I am in full swing making squares I'm going to teach my girls, 12yrs & 14yrs to crochet too while they are watching t.v. at night with me.
    I think the art of crochet is being modernized and it certainly is being appreciated by the young generation as they enjoy the funky hats, scarves, bags etc especially with all the flowers and roses on.

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  46. Learning to knit is my #2 goal this year! (A split is #1 haha). These are my favorite blankets & I can't wait to see your final product!

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  47. Love this! I put this on my blog with a link to your blog. Beautiful!

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  48. Gorgeous colors. I'm a fan of granny afghans and yours is one of the prettiest I've seen on line. Could you let me know what yarn you used? And have you seen attic 24's joining-as-you-go technique for grannies? It makes life so much easier...

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    1. Hi Nancy!
      Thank you! Most of the colours are Loops and Threads brand acrylic yarn. There is some Red Heart I believe and probably a few miscellaneous other brands. I haven't seen that technique but I'm sewing mine together instead of crocheting because I like the way it looks.

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