When I was a little girl, I always looked forward to visits from my grandmother. People rarely flew in those days -- going to see your grandkids meant taking a long road trip! My grandmother didn't drive, so she contented herself with crochet projects while Grandpa drove. Grandma made afghans and slippers and crocheted pretty edges on washcloths. She always made her granddaughters ponchos with matching hats. My cousin Sonia had this exquisite pale complexion, with rosy cheeks and a pink lips, and very dark hair, so Grandma always made her a bright pink poncho that emphasized her pretty coloring. I had yellow hair, and brown eyes and freckles, and Grandma always made me a blue poncho, because she thought blonde hair looked pretty with blue outfits. When I find old afghans and stacks of granny squares in thrift stores, I am always thinking about ways to up-cycle them. Do you do that? After seeing the many hours that my grandmother put into her crochet projects, I can't bear to see these colorful squares discarded. I thought I would round up some of the best granny square projects from around the web for inspiration. If you find an afghan in a thrift store, you can always just use it as an afghan! Isn't this afghan from My Cakies, pretty? This Etsy store sells vintage crochet patterns. How about whipping up a cute little bikini from leftover bits? Another Etsy store sell boot cuffs made from granny squares! Magd van der Vloed I smile every time I see this granny square trophy! These granny square upholstered stools are from Wood Wool Stool. Go retro, with a flounce sleeved granny square cardigan! How about whipping up some tiny bird houses, like these from Anthropologie? Sonja Cay Wood used an old afghan to recover the seats in her car! This Etsy shop up-cycles vintage afghans into pillows! Another Etsy shop makes these beautiful bags with granny squares. All four fun projects shown above were from the Sannaochsania blog. I found these sweet slippers at Purl Bee. You can always whip up a little purse! Or make a fun garland, like this one from Homemade at My Place. Are you inspired to look at old afghans and orphan granny squares differently?
