Yeah, I said it! I love granny squares and with a granny square there is almost nothing you can not do! People sometimes say, ‘This isn’t your grandmother’s crochet.’ I know what they mean by that. They are trying to get at the idea that crochet is fresh, hip, and fun. But who said that grannies aren’t all of those things? I think it depends upon the person! Let’s talk about grannies!

My grandmother was a really interesting and cool person for all of her years. She was someone who, while keeping her foundation firmly implanted, kept moving forward, learning, growing, and changing with the times. I learned perseverance from her and she served as a strong role model. Through her example I know that we never have to stop changing, and never have to stop growing.
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On this eleventh photo round up, we have a special treat! A Crochet Spot super fan, Emma, has a bunch of crochet photos to share with us all! I can’t believe all the different patterns she has used. I love her tweaks to the patterns, making each item her very own. Feel free to click on the photos or the links to see the original patterns. Don’t forget you can share your photos too! If you’d like to be included in a future roundup feel free to submit your crochet pictures.
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Travel has been on my mind lately as it’s the summer up here in the Northern hemisphere and I have personally had occasion to board a flight or two recently. For me it is second nature to take crochet virtually everywhere I go, but I think it’s worth it to outline a few basic points about airport crochet. Crochet is an ideal craft to take with you while traveling by air. Nowadays it is pretty easy to pack and get the basic tools through security. While traveling in the airport and on the plane, crochet provides a welcome sense of relaxation while productively passing the time.
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This project is a classic. Loved by beginners and seasoned crocheters alike, this swath of crocheted fabric is used over and over again. It is loved and appreciated. It offers comfort and cleanliness. It gives us a chance to test our skills. It helps our gauge swatches find life in various rooms in the home. The most elegant, essential crochet project ever? It’s the crocheted washcloth.

I don’t know if you’ve ever thought of a washcloth this way, but bear with me for a moment, because I think I have a pretty good case.
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Photo Modified from (c) Ayaka Darkly. License

Fine art is art developed primarily for aesthetics, distinguishing it from applied art that also has to serve some practical function. (Source)

What is Craft?
A craft is a pastime or a profession that requires some particular kind of skilled work. (Source)
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The kids are out of school and it’s undeniably summer up here in the northern hemisphere! That means it’s time for some favorite summer activities like gardening, camping, and cooking out! Summer is so much fun that sometimes we let crochet fall to the wayside because we’re busy with different things to do. However, we here at Crochet Spot are fully in favor of summer crochet, and Rachel’s even got some tasty patterns to keep your hook working whether it is on the front porch while sipping a sweet tea, by the pool in the summer sun, or even relaxing in the air-conditioned comfort of your living room.

The neat thing is that a lot of them correspond to some favorite summer pastimes! And they’re also doubly delicious because (yum) they’re food!! Nom nom nom!
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Right, so… When I started crocheting in 2008 or so, I began by reading one of the best ever crochet books ever, Debbie Stoller’s Stitch N’ Bitch Crochet, the Happy Hooker. It continues to be a mainstay of the crochet community and perhaps the most comprehensive “all-in-one” crochet manual out there. But that’s besides the point. In the introduction, Stoller brought voice to something weird that was out there in the yarn crafting conversation, as well as the crafting community at large – a serious division between crochet and knitting.
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I’m here to tell you it is okay. Good crocheters sometimes make ugly things! I’m not talking about things that are so ugly they’re cute. Because as creative people, that would be something we would have meant to do. I’m also not talking about “ugly pretty,” which is a term most often used on America’s Next Top Model. The way it would translate into crochet might be the captivating effect of when you bring two garish yarn colors together and they look so interesting together that you love the outcome. But I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about crochet ughs!
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I don’t know about you, but I had a great time during the Spring into Summer Crochet Along (CAL)! It’s been four weeks of crocheting, filled with a bunch of quick summer and spring themed patterns. As I mentioned at the beginning of the CAL, there is suppose to be a winner, but I’ve decided to choose a winner for each week of the CAL instead! Why have 1 winner, when you can have 4?
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OMG I totes love totes. (Scroll down for translation.)

Crochet totes are everything! (Photo source: flickr (c) Dan Zen License)

I know, right!?

Translation: “My goodness, I am entirely fond of tote bags. Don’t you agree?”

I may sound a little giddy, but I don’t mind admitting that I do feel quite enthusiastic about crocheted totes. They’re so useful and so easy to make! I love a quick project and a good tote is definitely worth the return on investment.
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