On the hook: Granny Circle Placemats

The last few months have been crazy full of events and activities, many of which I hope to actually write about someday soon. Now that I’ve finished or am finishing several major projects, I’ve realized that it’s time to unwind with some simplicity; suddenly, I feel like getting back to basics. Keith has been asking me for a long time to teach him some drawing skills. But when was the last time I practiced — I mean really practiced — drawing? Too long. Years and years. And cooking?! Some good, simple, basic cooking? I don’t even want to think about it.

Lately, I’ve been noticing lots of crochet projects based on the simple granny square. I think, for most crocheters, the granny square holds a special place in the heart. It was one of the first patterns I learned when my mom taught me to crochet. When I picked the craft back up several years ago, I ignored the granny in favor of cleaner, more delicate and modern patterns. But with the right yarn and color palette, the classic crochet motif  can be elevated from crafty kitsch to an artful juxtaposition of sweet nostalgia and modern aesthetics. And that suits me just fine.

1. covered stool with hezlein, 2. 72 Granny Squares später, 3. granny square christmas stockings, 4. Kissen Granny Squares, 5. Ice-Cream and Noodle, 6. granny square afghan, 7. Wristlet with granny square embellishment, 8. Granny square, 9. Granny Square Chair

So when I saw the tutorial for Granny Circle Placemats on The Purl Bee blog last week, I knew that the timing was right. Simple. Useful. And I was just thinking about buying circle placemats the other day! Now I’ll just make them.

I’ve been keeping Project Spectrum in the back of my mind as I plan personal projects, so I decided to accent my placemats with green. Even though I won’t finish a full set before the end of June (I’ll be lucky to finish one placemat!), it’s a fun, easy project to use up some green and white stash yarn and help me get back to basics.