4 Granny Pillow

Does anything beat the classic granny square? They are simple and versatile.

This pillow is the same front and back, 4 large granny's joined in a large square. 

I used 8 colours of Lori Holts Chunky Thread.

3.5 mm hook

Make or by a pillow insert the same size as your finished pieces. This one is 14 x 14 inch

Im not going to explain how to make a granny square as there are are thousands of tutorials already out there, hopefully you know how to make one, if not please have a look on youtube :)

These are as follows:

First row:

Chain 5, join. 3 dc, ch 2. repeat three more times. 

Second row and following rows:

Three double crochet (dc), 1 chain (ch) for the sides, three dc, ch 2 , 3 dc for the corners. 

 

Once you have 7 rows finished of each of the 4 front squares, use the join as you go method and white to join the 4 squares together. 

Make the back the same way

Join the sides:

With good sides facing out, start anywhere and stitch the following into both sides to "sew" them together:

1sc, 1hdc, 1 dc, 1hdc, 1sc in a chain space, chain 1 and repeat. 

For the center joins add one extra dc

For the corners add 2 extra dcs

When you have 3 sides crocheted together, insert the pillow and continue, trapping the pillow inside. 

Use colours that make you happy :D

Join as you go to connect the squares for the front and back

 

Keep Busy Basket

Keep Busy Basket

This is what I call my keep busy basket. Sometimes it has a crochet project, other times a knitting one. When one finishes another starts. This is the basket I keep a simple project in that doesn't need a lot of instruction, can be kept at hand and worked on in a spare minute here and there and I dont expect to have done quickly. I can work on it while waiting for the kettle, enjoying the garden or watching something.

There are a few rules I follow when prepping and working on one.

Rule 1: Make it look like you will finish it. 

For crochet: Turn your large skeins into smaller balls. Keep the rest in a drawer somewhere and when you need more, get some

For Knitting: Keep one or two skeins in the basket, like above, store the rest somewhere and get it when needed. 

I find this helps to keep it from looking overwhelming

Rule 2: Keep supplies handy

I use a little pin cushion with a pocket for crochet. Needle, little scissors and hook at the ready. 

Rule 3: Keep it organized. 

When I am doing granny squares for example I keep a little tin that keeps all my little first rounds contained. 

Rule 4: Make progress visible

When I'm making a granny square blanket for example, I start with a few squares done, that way I can see my goal. 

Other tips:

When crocheting: Always sew in your ends when you have finished the row/colour. Waiting to the end and seeing days worth of work sewing ends in makes you want to toss it aside and leave it forever in a bin. Make it part of the process to finish the row/round and your project will complete itself as you go.

 Knitting: do as above as long as its a project you don't need to block. 

Finishing time: I don't set one.. I just keep it handy to keep my hands busy and productive. 

Only have 1 on the go at a time :)

Just when you think you have no time to create.. you have just found some :D

Happy Crafting!