Well hello my lovelies, so good to have your company today. Yes, especially today as I am almost popping my socks off with excitement and need desperately to share it with someone who gets it. Husband is most certainly not one of those people, he does try I think, but he isn't very convincing. He indulges me in the same way that you would indulge an over excited child who is a teensy bit irritating with their over excitement.
So what am I going on about, shall I come to the point? Well last night just after I had finally settled Little B to sleep, I took up my hook and yarn in an attempt to work through a design idea that had popped into my head whilst I was milk tankering. It was a design for a square that I've been pondering over for a few weeks now, even though it was all quite vague up until last night. Yes, last night, the Vague Idea suddenly went POP!! And there it was, all very clear and exciting and inspiring and no longer vague at all. Ahhh, it was a great moment!
Do you remember when I wrote this post a few weeks ago and I showed you the Wagon Wheel square that I'd made from a pattern in the oh-so-dated granny square book? Well...I really wanted to try and design my own version of this kind of square. I felt sure that with a little effort I could do it, could make a granny circle fit neatly within a granny square. I wanted my version to be a bit denser too, without so many holes and gaps as the one in the book. But more than anything, I wanted to design a square that would be simple to make. I wanted to create an easy pattern to work but one which would still have great visual impact and loads of possibility for colour-play.
And do you know what?
I think I've managed it!!!! I've really gone and done it!!!!!!
Yay for me!!!!
I can't tell you how excited I am about this new design. Yes I am, really, really, really, really, really pleased with it. Really I am! Jeez, I was sooooooooooo excited last night I could hardly get to sleep, my mind was buzzing and quite honestly if I didn't have a needy seven week old baby to care for, I think I would've sat up all night and made dozens of these squares just for the absolute pleasure of it.
So what do you think?? Do you like them?? Oh I do hope so, please tell me you like them?!
The above photo shows the Wagon Wheel square from the book on the left, and on the right is my own "Granny Wheel" square. See how mine is less spokey and holey? I also got rid of the rather irritating 4th round of chain-loops which I didn't much care for in the wagon wheel.
And here is a reminder of the delightfully frightful Hostess Apron which is the inspiration for my next blanket. I'm going to be joining my Granny Wheel squares into rows and linking them with stripes. But in blankety format of course. And in beeeaaauuutiful colours too.
I tell you, I am waaaaaaay beyond excited about all this (hmmm can you tell?) I am fizzing and popping and bursting to get started, but I am still deliberating on which yarn to go for. Can't rush that decision cos it's so important to get it right. Plus I'm also still working slowly but surely on my little zigzaggy StashBuster blankie......but soon it'll be time.
Yes, soon it'll be time for a New Blanket to begin.
Oh Happy DAys!!!!!!!!
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ps Will I be sharing this pattern? Why Yes of course! I do intend to make a full tutorial for my new Granny Wheel square, but not for a little while yet. I'll keep you posted xx
Edited to add :: thank you all so very VERY much for your wonderful and enthusiastic response to my sock-popping hooky excitement! I'm really pleased you like my new creation and I can't wait to get my greedy mitts on a new yarn stash and begin churning these out. It's going to be huge fun, I can just tell :o) xx
((thank you )) again, you lot are the best xx
Lucy, how you have the energy to do this and care for a 7 week old baby, is beyond me!!! But I love love love your version of the granny wheel! I can't wait for the pattern!!! In the meantime I'm enjoying your summer flower granny square.
Posted by: Leigh Ann | February 27, 2010 at 01:18 PM
Love your blog, love all your patterns, would love to have also the heart pattern. your crotchet is amazing, beautiful colours.
Posted by: Julie | February 27, 2010 at 05:03 AM
Lucy,
Love the new square, very creative. Can't wait for your tutorial!
Tanya
Posted by: Tanya | February 26, 2010 at 11:11 PM
Hello Lucy
Can you tell me if you have a tutorial for a basic granny square as I am new to crocheting and am struggling to do the bobble stitch on the summer garden squares.
Thank you very much.
Sue
Posted by: Sue Marples | February 26, 2010 at 09:41 PM
I LOVE the Granny Wheel. I can't wait for your tutorial. Definitely better with less holes! You're amazing!
Posted by: Charisse | February 26, 2010 at 08:42 PM
Hi Lucy!
This is a great square! As soon as my 3-year old saw it, she insisted on having one too. In the same colours please, Mommy:) So I winged it, but I'm looking forward to comparing what I muddled together with your tutorial:)
All the best,
a.
Posted by: Andrea | February 26, 2010 at 07:42 PM
what a beautiful granny!!!!
Posted by: crealinetje | February 26, 2010 at 11:54 AM
I share your excitment over your new square! It is beautiful and I can't wait to see the tutorial. I get so much pleasure from reading your blog. Thank you so much, Hugs across the world to you from Australia Chris
Posted by: Chris Anthony | February 26, 2010 at 07:59 AM
like these Granny squares ... i love ur blog very colorful and all flowers wow......
keep it up ... thanks for sharing
Posted by: Diya | February 26, 2010 at 01:18 AM
liked your new granny so much I winged the pattern from the photo and made myself a new potholder
It is posted on my Ravelry site Poopug also on flicker in the attic24 inspired group.
Posted by: The cramped hand | February 25, 2010 at 10:25 PM
I love it, that Granny Wheel Square!
Here in Sweden we have "Olympic-"hat"-fever (or is it a cap?). If you have seen anything from the Olympic games, where the Swedes have been competing, you might seen the crocheted "hat" all Swedes have. Well, here it has become a really "hit" and the yarn in blue, yellow, white and black have sold out in all the stores. A funny thing!
Have a wonderful weekend, Lucy!!!
Love from Anna xxx
Posted by: Anna-Karin, Sweden | February 25, 2010 at 08:12 PM
Thirty years ago I used to crochet a lot. Over the years it got less and less, till none. But then I found you got inspired. (Thanks!) So, a couple weeks ago I looked though my old stash, played around awhile, and now am having yarn fun again! However, my husband complains that afghans with holes (like he sees in mine now) aren't warm enough, and color play is one of life's delights. So, I'll look forward to your pattern (and for that, thanks again).
Posted by: LeAynne | February 25, 2010 at 07:42 PM
Crikey! How do you ever find time to read all these comments AND write another blog?!
Just thought I'd post that I'm having a nice cuppa with some freshly made Attic tiffin whilst my LO naps ... I LOVE that recipe ... whipped up in 10 mins this morning ... left to chill / set whilst we did our library/baby stuff ... bliss!
Thank you once again
Looking forward to you next posting :-)
Emma x
ps topped up on baking supplies whilst out today - Holland & Barret have dried cranberries on offer :-)
Posted by: Emma - Dotty Mays | February 25, 2010 at 02:26 PM
How lovely! I like yours MUCH better than the original. I think I said on amamzing.blogspot.com how I love the Old Things but prefer to take them and make them fresher and newer. You're an EXPERT at that! Love it as always! (Esp. those flowers! *fawns*)
Posted by: AMZi | February 25, 2010 at 01:57 PM
I am also new to crocheting and have been enjoying your blog. I had to laugh when I read this post as I too had just gotten the same book out of the library this week!! So far away but on the same wave length!
Becky
Posted by: Becky M | February 25, 2010 at 01:54 PM
Hi Lucy
I stumbled on your blog by accident and it has become my favourite time of day - to peep in and see what you are up to. I'm a mother of 3 (very)youngsters and this is MY space. I am busy making your "Granny's flower patch" cushion. Its for my sister - she is 7 months pregnant.Your honesty has been inspirational - thank you! Regards, Liezl
PS:Please,please, please can you post your pattern for the heart (on Heartfelt thanks)
Posted by: Liezl | February 25, 2010 at 01:52 PM
The colours are wonderful and I do like your version of the granny square.
Posted by: Paula | February 25, 2010 at 01:48 PM
Those squares are fantastic! xx
Posted by: Alex Mason | February 25, 2010 at 01:29 PM
I love this and your version is way better than the original! I haven't crocheted in ages but your enthusiasm may cause me to dig out the hooks :). The colors on your blog and lovely conversation keep me coming back!
Posted by: Katy S | February 25, 2010 at 12:50 PM
How I LOVE reading your blogg - you are so full of enthusiasm that it spurs me on - I love the new square you have just designed and would like to have a try of it when you do the tutorial, what a breath of fresh air you are. Barbara P
Posted by: Barbara P | February 25, 2010 at 11:57 AM
I'm sorry, I normally love your stuff, but this time I prefer the original design. I have been inspired by this colourful blanket on Handmaid Liset's blog
http://handmaidliset.blogspot.com/2010/01/name.html
- check it out, everyone! - and have found a similar free pattern here:
http://web.archive.org/web/20061128015625/http://members.aol.com/SAG55/wwheel.html
Liset's blanket has each square in its own colour - like you're doing with your little stash-busting squares. But each to their own - good luck with your own granny circles!
Posted by: Cazza of North Queensland, Australia | February 25, 2010 at 10:49 AM
Next time I go home to visit my Mum, I am going to take the lovely Granny Square Quilt and tuck it in my valise - and see if she misses it! She would tuck me in at night and I can still feel the weight and the comfort of that embrace.
Lovely work here, Debra sent me from Life-scapes.
pve
Posted by: pve | February 25, 2010 at 09:29 AM
I really like your version of the new wagon wheel. I'll look forward to the tutorial!
Laura T
Posted by: Laura Tawney | February 25, 2010 at 04:34 AM
I am sooooo inspired by your fabulous skills and colorful life! I just finsihed your granny square blankie for my sister who lives in Barbados. I know "Why a blanket in Barbados?" It does get cool there (for them) and it was just so full of life. Thank you for sharing not only your gift of crochet, but your life at home, as a mother of 4 girls I can well appreciate all you do!
Posted by: Donna | February 25, 2010 at 04:29 AM
I love it! Your's is much prettier than the wagon wheel - I sat and stared at it and thought "OK, I think I know how she did that..." but I'm very much looking forward to the pattern of course. I'd never looked at your comment link before today- so many other people simply LOVE your blog too! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Ruth | February 25, 2010 at 03:51 AM