Granny Square Making and 4 Free Crochet Patterns

As many of you know, I just love to crochet. One of the most simple and beautiful things to make, in my opinion, are Granny Squares (or as my teen just called them Granny 'Patches' lol).  There are so many types of squares you can make from the very simple basic square to the more involved designs that 'patched' together can make the most beautiful blankets and projects. 

My friends over at A Child's Dream were so sweet and generous and sent me my very own care package of goodies after I worked on their Handwork Basket Giveaway (be sure to enter!). These products really are so beautiful. I prefer natural fibers and the vibrant colors of this 100% wool yarn they offer are so hard to find. It is so soft and does not feel like wool at all. I also just love their Brittney birch hooks. For those of you who are used to the metal crochet hooks typically found in craft stores, you have to give these a try. Use coupon code ACORN10 for any of your purchases through the end of the month to receive a 10% discount created just for us. 

Many of the students in our Beginning Crochet Course have really mastered the craft. It would be a natural step for them to start experimenting with Granny Squares next and I hope to share these patterns below with them as well. If you have always wanted to learn how to crochet, please join us. It is an ongoing five week ecourse that you can do at your own pace including emails, written and video tutorials. One of the most valuable parts of the course is our private support group where we all share and help one another. You can stay in that group as long as you wish even long after you complete the course.

I've been making these squares a little each day. I love idea of making a nice pillow or even a bag out of them. I may cut some pretty flowers out of the wool felt they send along and see if I can add them to the center of my squares or make some pretty hair clips like I used to offer in our Etsy shop. 

For those of you who already know how to crochet, below are some really wonderful squares to try out for free. 

Daisy Granny Square

    

Primavera Flower Granny Square

Owl Granny Square

Retts Granny Square

I would love to see what you make! 

Beginner Crochet Five Week ECourse

Beginner Crochet with Instructor, Jennifer Tan

Only $34.95 for ALL 5 Weeks!

Learn how to crochet a variety of projects with one hook through a 5 week online course at Little Acorn Learning. Beginners and those who know a bit of crochet are welcome! Taught by fiber artist Jennifer Tan of Syrendell, this 5 week course includes step by step directions, tips and inspiration in words, pictures and video each week. 

Work at your own pace from home! 

What You Will Learn In This Course: 

1.  Basics of crochet, history, supplies, making a washcloth
2.  Three new stitches, making an afghan
4.  Basics of Tunisian crochet, history, supplies, making a scarf
5.  Two new Tunisian stitches, making a “knit-look” toy ball

Supplies You Will Need For Your Course:

1.     One size I or J or K crochet hook (we recommend wood for all hooks)
2.  One size L or M straight (no cable) Tunisian crochet hook
3.  6-10 skeins of yarn in different colors, worsted weight (or bulky weight if you want a chunkier look on any of the projects). Light to medium colors, only.  No multi-color skeins.  Wool is best, or a wool blend for 8 of the skeins.  If allergic to wool, alpaca, silk or acrylic blends are fine.  For the washcloth, 1-2 skeins of cotton yarn.  These skeins will get you started on the projects in the course.  

Jennifer Tan, MA is a fiber artist, professional flutist, aromatherapist and educational consultant who leads workshops for parents in the areas of Waldorf curriculum, homeschooling and handwork. Jennifer has 14 years of experience as a public school teacher, school principal and university professor. She has homeschooled her own three children in a Waldorf-inspired environment. Jennifer enjoys leading teleseminars, writing eBooks and sharing her love of yarn with others!  She may be reached through her website http://www.syrendell.com, blog www.syrendell.blogspot.com, or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/syrendell.