I couldn't do it. I didn't rip the black borders off the small grannies. After all, they have been with me for a long while, like since 3 years ago (gasp) and when I lay them out on the floor, they do have their own kind of appeal. So I started joining them together and I'll see what I'll get out of them. Maybe a mini-afghan, a mat, a cushion, a bag or I could even frame it up.
But there is something else that I have scarificed for the big, white granny squares. It is the stripey Picovoli that I started back in November 2005 which is looking so small my husband thought it is for JY and hence has been marinating in the wip pile.
So presenting some Picovoli squares. At least there will be something to remember the foregone sweater by.
The right tool really makes the work a lot more enjoyable. I'm using this crochet hook from Clover (size 6/0) which is like the Soft Touch hook but has a wooden/bamboo handle instead of plastic ones. They are so light and smooth making the crochet much easier. This set of hook is a wonderful gift from my friend who got it from Japan.
The play of colours and a good tool, now you see why I can't stop hooking. More square photos to come when I get to lay them out on the bed this weekend.
Check out this beautiful scarf, not exactly granny square but rather, motif crochet.
The wip.
The FO.
amazing how the right (and nice) tools make the job easier and much more pleasant! the squares are so pretty - the black ones would make a great pillow!
Posted by: stacey | Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 11:37 PM
May I come by and help you making those yummy granny square. I am drooling here looking all your nice pic.
Posted by: Lily | Friday, March 16, 2007 at 12:09 AM
I really like the black granny squares and glad you saved them. How about a small purse with granny squares on one side? I hear they're becoming all the rage right now.
Posted by: mary | Friday, March 16, 2007 at 12:33 AM
I think that the black squares would make a great throw pillow. Great work on the whites squares as well. I always thought granny squares were so outdates, but you proved me wrong. makes me want to take out my hooks. also, is there a pattern for that scarf???
Posted by: irina | Friday, March 16, 2007 at 01:11 AM
In the current issue of craft they use black edged grannys for a handbag. Here is the link for the project http://craftzine.com/02/
Posted by: kate | Friday, March 16, 2007 at 02:26 AM
I've never been a crocheter but your pics and links may change my mind!
Posted by: tiennie | Friday, March 16, 2007 at 06:01 AM
For the black edged granny squares, you can make them for a shawl. It is will be very beautiful that I have made one before.
Posted by: handknit168 | Friday, March 16, 2007 at 11:17 AM
The picovoli squares are looking very pretty, it's great to have a found a new life for the yarn
Posted by: erin | Friday, March 16, 2007 at 01:23 PM
Such pretty squares made with beautifully crafted tools!
=:8
Posted by: somebunnyslove | Friday, March 16, 2007 at 01:27 PM
i love your box of crochet needles!! mine are just lying everywhere in the room!! ^_^
Posted by: momo | Friday, March 16, 2007 at 04:50 PM
Oh, the picovoli squares are so pretty!
Posted by: yuvee | Friday, March 16, 2007 at 07:38 PM
Where is the pattern for these little lovies! Beautiful choice of colors whether it be a sweater or afghan.
Posted by: Michelle | Friday, March 16, 2007 at 10:38 PM
I think the black edged squares would make a lovely bag.
Posted by: anna | Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 01:24 AM
wow, that ishi blog is GOLD!
I'd learn to crochet just to make that scarf...and a totoro stuffie ^_^
Posted by: steeah | Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 02:38 AM
ps. any ideas on a translator? would google translate work?
I'd love to read - even in broken english- what she's up to.
Posted by: steeah | Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 02:40 AM
The granny squares look great, and I like the new ones too. They look fantastic, and I cant believe your hubby thought the sweater was for your daughter. How funny!
Posted by: Sue | Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 11:04 AM
The Picovoli squares looks so perfect! Those crochet hooks are beautiful. Lucky you.
Posted by: Oiyi | Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 12:58 PM
I am just thinking how fun it's to make those oclorful squares!
I haven't seen these crochet needles with bamboo crochet,they look so cool!
I have a set of the plastic ones but I can tell that yours must have that special touch!
Posted by: mimi | Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 02:20 PM
I love the picovoli granny squares. Just the thing for spring!
Posted by: diana | Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 10:13 AM
Black border granny squares are lovely. I really like the crochet hook set you have too. It's a great way to keep them.
Posted by: lauray | Monday, March 19, 2007 at 11:26 AM
these squares are so cute ! I made some for a bag when I was a teenager... what a shame I did not keep it !
Posted by: mary | Wednesday, April 04, 2007 at 03:05 AM
Great work! Where did you get those fab hooks!?
Posted by: BklynVonne | Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 01:17 AM
I succumbed to the granny-bug a while back but haven't dared show them yet, as they are still quite wonky. Yours are so beautifully neat!
Posted by: Jeanne | Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 07:00 PM