Thursday, June 24, 2010

Res Completa: Giant Granny Square

Finally, at long last, I have entered the world of the crochet. I have dreamed of this moment since the cat ate those coasters I finally made after several tries, moments after completing the last round; since realizing the hat I had been laboring over was a wonky, lopsided mess; since failing not once, not twice, but thrice to get past the third round of this granny square pattern. Here it is: a successful crochet project. My heart sings.

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Pattern: Granny Square, from the Purl Bee
Yarn: madelinetosh tosh sock (the orange), Dale of Norway Baby Ull (the dark grey), Jaeger Matchmaker Merino 4-ply (the light purple at the end), and various bits of Koigu KPM (the rest of it)
Hook: Size F, 3.75mm
Start to Finish: May 16 - June 5, 2010

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There are so many gorgeous versions of this pattern, with the original Giant Granny Square, by Joelle Hoverson of Purl Soho, leading them all. I had actually attempted this project last year, soon after the first one one appeared on the Purl Bee, but it ended in disaster. And then it took three more tries this time around before I got it right. It always started out ok, but somehow kept getting all ripply and huge after the third round. I ripped out, I tried different hook (ack! I keep writing "needle"!) sizes, but nothing ever worked. Then finally, one day, I LOOKED AT THE PATTERN. Ah. I was half double crocheting into every single space twice, rather than just once, then twice at the spaces in the corners. So reading a pattern is actually helpful! Who knew?!

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For the edging, I chained three, then joined the stitch into the space between the half double crochets (my apologies for having no idea what I'm talking about here...I'm just making up terminology as I go). It adds a feminine touch, I think, and adding it used up all but, like, 1 yard of my purple yarn. Sweet.

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I am so happy with how this turned out and hope it is just the beginning of a long and happy relationship with crochet. I'm sure the knitting will understand.

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27 comments:

Jodi said...

Oh, it's awesome! The colors remind me of Van Gogh.

I really like the edging, too -- delicate, but not frilly. I'll have to give that a try.

Crochet is so perfect for when you want to relax, isn't it?

Melissa said...

Awesome! I like the color choices, particularly the golden yellow. I wish I had patience for such a big crochet project.

Julie said...

It's so amazing!! I love the orange touches, the colours are wonderful. I'm so impressed by your corcheting skills!!

April said...

Beautiful blanket. I love the pastel palette.

I almost learned to crochet to make a blanket like this but my mom gave me she had made before I could. :)

Brigid said...

It's beautiful! Are you sure it's your first crochet project?? I contemplate crochet from time to time, and then go back to my knitting where I feel safe and comfortable!

Ms. Kimba said...

beautiful! I am a crocheter and a knitter and I too have a Granny square on the hook. Once you do it once, its sooo soo easy. I'm doing mine in my very own handspun of assorted natural colors. I'm not exactly going by a pattern though as I've made too many of these suckers over the years.

I'm glad to see you stepped into the world of being bi....knitter/crocheter...we like it all!

jennifer said...

Great colour choices! And congratulations on pushing on and completing it! I feel inspired.

saraq said...

wonderful colors! you're a clever crocheter, now I wait for your spectacular new project!
xxx Sara

barefootrooster said...

oooh, i love that happy orange. what a lovely, unexpected color combination! and go you. crochet is on my list of things to learn how to do!

Jacey said...

Crochet is something I've been wanting to learn, and your finished blanket is inspiring! The orange is especially awesome.

ZuzanaK said...

What a lovely blanket! We actually just got our new couches (like 2 hours ago) and I've been looking online for some matching blanket.

Anonymous said...

I love one-big-square granny afghans (and have made a couple myself, all in gapless single crochet. I was going for that mod pop-art look). What really has me gobsmacked, however, is your cream rug and furniture. Recipe for disaster in our house full of canine, feline, and human slobs.
-- Gretchen

Kristen said...

Glorious! I keep meaning to make a giant granny square, but I get distracted from crochet and wander off to knit. I love yours!

Teresa said...

Congrats on the newfound relationship! It's a beautiful project.
I too have been rather frustrated by our friend Crochet in the past. I think, if I were ever to pick up the hook any time soon, it would be for this project.
I love your colour combinations! Fab :)

knottygnome said...

i love your color combo. welcome to the world of crochet!

knittinginatree said...

Great work! I'm learning the basics of crochet and you've inspired me to keep on trying.

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

Your heart should sing!!! They do say the 3rd time's a charm :)

Gorgeous yarn choice/color combo and *love* the chain border you added. Nice. Very nice ~ enjoy!

Aline said...

It is so beautiful! I love your colour combo. Brings back fond memories of my best friend and I making these for our first apartment. Smile.

orata said...

Wow! I love the color combination you chose.

Aesderina said...

I love the colours you chose! They are so nice, make me think of fireplaces, musicals, cozy nights and autumn.

Anonymous said...

Your designing skills have translated beautifully to crochet. Best lookin' granny square I've ever seen - normally I'm not a fan, but you've pulled them into the 21st century.
Chloe

the Lady said...

Fun Fun - crochet is like my favorite fling, I like to visit every once in awhile for a quick and dirty good time.

Julie said...

You rock, Hilary! Love the unusual color choices for your crochet maiden voyage. You must be so proud!

Unknown said...

Good job! I´m looking forward to your future projects!

ColorSlut said...

FANTASTIC. I'm working on my own large granny square right now as well.

Tif said...

gorgeous! ihaven't had a try with crochet...but all of these granny squares make it so tempting!

Lolly said...

Just love those orange bits! Lovely work, Hilary. You never cease to amaze me :)