Since 2012 when I started Little Dove Crochet I have accumulated a lot of yarn scraps (small balls of yarn left over from full balls) When I say a lot, I really do mean a lot! I was very productive over the many years I was making to order so I got through a lot of yarn which resulted in lots of scraps. I just kept shoving them in bags over the years not really knowing what I was going to do with them but knowing that one day I would do something with them!
Fast forward to 2022 and I finally decided to make a start on my long awaited scrappy project. It had to be granny squares......just three rounds each in totally random colours, it wasn't going to be a quick project but one that I could easily pick and put down in between other things and not have to really think on too much. I'm not going to list all the colours I used for this one, it's not a Little Dove Combo as such as the whole point of a scrappy blanket is it's randomness but I used around 50 different colours and they were all DK weight 100% acrylic yarn.
I made many of my scrappy grannies at the Craft and Chat evening I go to twice a month. I love going to Craft and Chat! Working from home means I'm on my own a lot in the daytime and although I consider myself introverted and I like my own company it is really nice to spend a few hours with like minded people crafting the evening away :) My basket of scraps was a nice portable project, perfect for taking along with me and many a scrappy granny was made over the last year whilst sipping tea, eating cake and chatting! I highly recommend joining a craft group if you have one locally...or if not why not start your own!
I didn't really know at the start how big I wanted to make it but I knew I wanted it to be a really nice sofa throw size so I just kept adding squares until it looked about right. I ended up making 266 squares (14 x 19) and once the border was added it's come out at almost single bed size!
If you'd like to know how to make a granny square the Little Dove way you can find my video tutorial on my You Tube channel here
Little Dove Crochet - You Tube
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I joined my squares with Scheepjes Colour Crafter in Barneveld using the continuous join as you go method and in true Little Dove style I made no record of how much I used but at a rough guess it was probably around 4 - 5 balls. You can find a video tutorial for this joining method on my You Tube channel.
Just a simple border as is my usual preference, I often use just DC and HDC on my borders and like to change things up a bit by working in back loops on some rounds to add a little interest. The edging is bobble shell by Attic24.
I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed making this blanket and I've called this one Dolly as it reminds me a bit of Dolly Mixtures! I'm kinda sad it is finished but fear not as I do still have lots and lots of scraps left and I have also got a scrappy sunburst blanket on the go too so I will be turning my attention to that one now this one is done.
If you are thinking of making a scrappy granny square blanket here are my top tips.....
- Never throw your scraps away!
- Use yarn with is the same weight and composition
- Sew your ends in after every ten squares made then it doesn't seem so overwhelming
- Don't be afraid to colour clash! Just avoid same or very close shades next to each other
- Learn continuous join as you go method, it makes joining quick and enjoyable
- and most of all.....enjoy the whole scrappy blanket process, ends and all
If you would like to know how to make a granny square the Little Dove way and learn the continuous join as you go method you can find my Avril Baby Blanket written pattern in my Etsy shop here
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Thank you and happy crocheting
Faye :)
