As a part of The Happy Book Mail-Around, on each Friday that the book is on the adventure, everyone’s invited to share what made them happy this week. It might be a happy list or a happy moment. You can share it on your blog or maybe with our Vimeo group. Let’s spread some happy!
This week, one of the things I got a ton of joy from is crocheting. On my birthday in December, I got it into my head that I wanted to learn to crochet. More than that, I wanted to learn to crochet granny squares. I bought a whole bunch of on-sale yarn to learn with and found one crochet hook I had from who knows where. Many online videos later, I’m starting to get the hang of it! The picture above is the current state of my first-ever crochet creation.
It’s funny because granny squares themselves don’t particularly scream “Jamie Style” but it’s astonishing just how well the crocheting of them does.
Why Crocheting Granny Squares Makes Me Happy
- With every one I make I get a little bit better and I can see my progress.
- I love that feeling that at one point there was nothing and now there is something.
- I love the sense of “I made that!”
- Because the squares are small, it’s super portable. Crocheting granny squares was so helpful when we spent all night in the hospital when Justin was sick.
- I find the repetitive, routine activity relaxing and meditative.
- It’s kind of magical watching the dancing crochet hook turn yarn into colourful squares.
- I love the idea of making blankets that will surround my loved ones with coziness.
- With every single one I feel like I’ve accomplished something. For my blanket, I’ve made 140 squares, so that’s 140 “Yay”s. That’s 140 celebrations!
What made you happy this week?
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Jamie that is awesome! Great job. I love the color pattern. You are right, crocheting or even knitting is really a meditative act. It makes you focus on one thing. When I knit I like to repeat a mantra or a prayer over my work. I say it with each stitch or row, depending and it really calms my mind. It will become addictive! Keep it up!
Those are many of the reasons I love crocheting and knitting, too! I’m glad that you have discovered this joy.
You’ve inspired me! My Memere made all of my sisters and I afghans of granny squares and it gave her many hours of joy and I love how they look.. and I do love repetitive tasks that lead to an end result, and pretty quickly! Baskets of squares…
Welcome to the club! I find granny squares to be so soothing, but recently have become obsessed with ripple blankets and have two on the hook at the moment. There are some great things you can do with granny squares besides blankets, too. So glad you have found this happy place!
I used to crochet when I was a little girl and embroider. As I got older I seemed less able to do it and now I can barely sew on a button!!
I was talking today with a friend about how sometimes sitting and doing a repetitive, yet creative craft - especially sitting around a table with friends - can be incredibly soothing! A happy spot! Enjoy!
How inspiring! I’ve been wanting to learn to knit, and also to quilt, as I have lots of scraps of my kiddos’ old clothes that I intend to one day make quilts out of…. thanks for the dose of creative juice!
I may just have to choose one of these projects and get started!
Fantastic! I just decided last week that I wanted to learn to crochet granny squares to make a blanket like my Great-Grandmother made for me.
Could you add a link to this post to the online videos you found most helpful? I’m still floundering a bit! I’d be so grateful.
Thanks!
You make me want to learn to crochet sooooo much! Your blanket looks so warm and cozy! I love it!
Way to go Jamie! I can’t believe how great your crocheting is going in such a short time. What a treasure that is!
Warm and cozy indeed.
I used to crochet all the time - I’d sit with my young children and crochet while we satched TV. Then I went back to work and the crocheting stopped. My youngest noticed “Where’s the blankets?”
I still have projects to finish! You have inspired me to get back to them and finish them. Now there are grandkids to make afghans for!
I love your work of art. I too love crochet and am totally inspired by you to get my needle out. Now where is it? Bravo for taking on a new activity and finding such happiness in it.
Gorgeous colors, Jamie! They’re definitely what I’d picture for you. Love how you’ve broken down so many reasons why this crocheting is so satisfying. I love the portability. Was learning how to knit small things (which I loved to do if I was travelling and spending time in airports, etc) and then knitting needles were banned. But I be a crochet hook would be fine. Hmmmm.
It’s a twitter blanket!
I am waiting on some yarn to arrive to do something quite similar, thank you for the inspiration. I missed out on both groups of The Happy Book RR, so I got my own copy and am enjoying playing with it.
Saw the word Crochet at the bottom of your screen and just had to check to see what it was about. I have crocheted ever since a little girl some 60 years ago. I have made many doiles and afghans. I still have the one that I made ripple pattern for my son who is 39 now. It still looks like new..they wash and wear like iron. Your granny squares look really great. I too think the granny squares are fun. Great reminder. I’ve been watching Knit and Crochet Now on TV and they have some great easy patterns. ~hugs~ and thanks again for sharing.