THE MAKER'S JOURNEY
The Granny Squares That Started It All
When I was learning the basics of crochet, I wanted a small project that would let me practice without committing to something bigger. That search led me to granny squares—and to thirteen colorful little pieces that would stay with me for years.
Today, they remind me of the struggle, hope, and wonder of those early stitches, and of a creative journey I never knew I was beginning.
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After tackling my first set of stitches (SC, HDC, and DC), I searched YouTube for something I could make without truly committing to a project, to continue strengthening the basics. Lo and behold, I discovered the granny square, a small square full of wonder and intrigue. There were a million to choose from, everything from flowers and skulls to cats, and some that were just beautiful design work. I picked a pretty simple design, grabbed some Red Heart Super Saver yarn, and got to crocheting.
It’s been three years since I made those 13 squares. I never did much with them, nor did I have any idea I’d still be crocheting when I found them recently. When I look at them, I see the struggle, the hope, and the mystery I felt as I stitched away at them. I recall having to learn a treble crochet stitch, and the fascination that I could create something so beautiful without knowing much more than entry-level crochet.
While I haven’t started the final project for these beautiful squares, I do have one in mind that will put these babies in their final resting place: somewhere I’ll be able to look at and remember the magical journey crochet has taken me on and how thankful I am for it.
