Patriotic Granny Ripple

I posted about making this afghan, but never got around to posting the finished picture. I made this for my Mom's new house. I liked it enough that I'm working on one in fall colors for my house. I may actually make a Christmas one to use up some Christmas yarn I was given in a swap, too.

This pattern comes from an out of print leaflet I picked up from American School of Needlework, Booklet 14, called Afghan Favorites Grannies and Ripples. I find once I establish the original granny ripple, the pattern is pretty easy to follow.

The fall one I am working on now is helping me use up a stash of fall colors that I have had around way too long. It makes a great stash busting project.

Most of my time I spend making toys. I don't make lots of afghans. Part of my challenge is I love the beauty of the square patterns, but I lack the patience to ensure the squares will fit and to sew them all together. I prefer patterns like this that allow me to crochet in one piece, even if I do have to weave in all the ends when I finish.

Crocheting by Genre

Lately I realized I have been crocheting in specific genres and I find it hard to break out of my pattern. I was working on toys and then had a need to make a baby blanket. Before I knew it I was working on blankets and have not been able to get back to making toys. I have a doll dress almost finished and several Easter projects that need to be done. However, instead I am working on my second afghan project that I do not need until Christmas.

By the end of the week I will need to force myself to finish those Easter projects if I want to be able to mail them out in time. I have birthday projects that also need to be completed. It is hard to fight against the urge to create certain projects. It is time to get back into toy and doll mode.

Granny Square Baby Ball

I wanted to experiment with granny squares and I need baby toys for Christmas. I started with the goal of making blocks. My first attempt created a toy ball. I am still working out the kinks to get square corners, but I really liked the festive colors and a ball is a customary toy for kids.

What I want to do is make a series of different colored blocks that would work for various holidays to add to the child’s supply. For instance, I am working on some squares now with fall colors and will experiment with a different method of getting them joined to maintain a square. I was thinking perhaps some Halloween and eventually Christmas colors again would make for some fun toys and decorations.

For my first step into the world of grannies I was not too disappointed.

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