Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

A SIMPLE SQUARE

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Thata hosts one of my very favorite blogs. She is SOOOO creative and is a prolific crocheter, despite having a family and job outside the home. She recently posted a ‘simple’ square of her own design. This square is so pretty and gives me many ideas to use it. Here’s the square:

thata-simple-square.jpg

With this single square as a motif, you could make a shawl, a bedspread, a tablecloth, a sweater or blouse, or a scarf. I love both its simplicity and its flexibility.

Thata is a fine example of a true crochet artist. I have been thinking a lot lately about the difference between ‘art’ and ‘craft’. One difference might be that a crafts person will take a pattern and make a lovely item using it. An artist will create his or her own design or use an existing pattern design as a jumping off place – a point of inspiration – to create something unique. I think Thata is an artist. There are plenty of other crochet artists out there. I like to think I’m one of them – but that’s based mostly on the fact that I use a pattern as a suggestion of how to create something rather than as a document written in stone. I’m more of a crafter than a crochet artist.

Comments

  1. Dear JD,

    Thank you so much for all your kindness and supportif words to me… I really appreciate it. You’re a great crocheter mam and have kindhearted to see others talents. I learn much from you too.

    Hugs,
    thata

  2. In the Sept. 06 issue of CROCHET! there is a pattern for crocheted heirloom baby blanket. It is a truly unique, personalized item with family history information crocheted into it. My grandmothers, address of home where I grew up, my siblings, my pets’ name, and a lot more family tree info is crocheted into this. My nephew has it and is the process of making it a wall hanging to pass to his son.

  3. Dorothy,
    Do you have a picture of this heirloom that we can post here? Would love to share your heirloom with everyone.
    jd

Have you read?

Book Review: Granny Square Along by Lori Holt

If you love colourful granny squares, vintage-inspired crochet and anything designed by Lori Holt, the new Granny Square Along Crochet Book deserves a spot on your wish list.

This is Lori Holt’s first crochet book, inspired by the granny squares her grandmother taught her to make. Inside are 13 creative granny square crochet projects, all presented in Lori’s wonderfully cheerful, scrappy style. Expect plenty of colourful cushions, bags, blankets and useful accessories that make the most of those little squares we can never resist making.

The spiral-bound format is a practical touch because the book should sit flat beside you while you crochet. Partial crochet diagrams are also included alongside the written instructions.

This book is best for confident beginners and intermediate crocheters. You should already understand basic crochet stitches, including chains, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet and slip stitches.

Most projects use Lori Holt’s #2-weight Chunky Thread with a 3.5 mm crochet hook, although some designs worked with two strands require a 4.5 mm hook.

What I love most is the book’s nostalgic, collected-over-time look. It is colourful without being garish and scrappy without looking as though every leftover yarn ball was thrown at it in a moment of desperation. The finished projects have that cozy handmade charm Lori Holt does so well.

The book is expected to ship in September 2026. The current reservation requires a $1.50 non-refundable fee, with the remaining preorder price charged when the book ships.

You can reserve the Granny Square Along Crochet Book by Lori Holt here.

If this book inspires you to keep experimenting, take a look at our 15 unusual granny square crochet patterns and these 20 other ways to use granny squares.