INTRODUCTION

In the early 2000s I had an idea about bringing the granny square out of the 1970s, updating it, and creating new and interesting projects with all the new and fabulous yarns that we have today. I was full of enthusiasm for my idea and worked hard on a proposal, only to have it rejected as “passé.” I filed away the proposal and went on to other things. I met Creative Publishing international and after doing about ten books for them, my editor asked if I had any new ideas. I answered, very tongue in cheek, “I’m out of ideas, unless you want a ten-year-old proposal that has already been rejected once.” Linda Neubauer replied, “Let me see it,” and The Granny Square Book was born. The book has been very successful, thanks to CPi for believing in my idea and turning it into such a beautiful book; and to all of you, my faithful readers. Not long afterward, a second book, Granny Square Flowers, “bloomed.” It’s hard to believe, but crocheters’ love of the granny square has survived and continues to thrive.

Granny square blankets are a perennial favorite. They can be crocheted to fit any décor, and they make heartwarming gifts. In this book I’ll show you how any single square can be used to crochet several blankets with totally different looks. Changing color schemes, yarn types, and arrangements of the squares are only the beginning. Distinctive borders and edge finishes multiply the possibilities. A wide range of yarns and fibers have been used for the blankets, which demonstrates how wonderfully versatile the granny square can be. For every blanket, the specific brands and colors are listed in case you want to make your blanket exactly like mine. I have used everything from baby weight to bulky yarns to create really interesting looks.

Getting the exact gauge is not absolutely necessary for a blanket, and you can change yarn weight and hooks to create your own look; just be aware that the finished size of each blanket will be different if you make these changes, and you may also need different amounts of yarn.

I hope that you enjoy this book and have fun adding your own special touches to make each blanket your own.