A Year Long Granny Square Obsession

A Year Long Granny Square Obsession

As 2024 has come to an end, it's a time for reflection and looking back on my creative journey...while also looking forward to the year ahead. As you might know from my occasional newsletters, the entire year I have been working on designing projects for my new (and super exciting) book, which is still in the process of being published but is set to launch very soon. I can't wait to tell you all about it!  

In just a bit of my spare time while writing the book, I found a new obsession with making granny squares and spinning my own yarn using different tools (various drop spindles, spinning wheels, and an e-spinner). I had no idea what I would do with a bunch of 30g yarn samples when I was spinning them for "100 days of spindle spinning" challenge...but I thought something "granny square-ish" would make a great project. In addition, I decided to spin some indigo Corriedale yarn on my Ashford e-spinner, so I could use it as an accent color for joining colorful granny squares. I really enjoy this little speedy toy as it helps me to make consistent yarn much faster.   

Spinning Yarn with a Drop Spindle and Ashford E-Spinner



Crocheting from my own handspun yarn is something so special and magical. I have been enjoying every stitch while working on my granny square project!


Crocheting Granny Square Cardigan from Handspun Yarn


Well, here it is...my colorful granny cardi that took about 6 months from start to finish and turned out absolutely fantastic!!

Dolman Sleeve Granny Square Cardigan


A couple of years ago I created my very first handspun cardigan (which you can check out HERE) and I ended up with a lot of extra yarn. I also had plenty of granny squares left from the project above. So, I knitted another gray jacket and used my leftover granny squares for the hood and sleeves...which received so much love on our social media channels!!

Knit Jacket With Crochet Granny Square Accents


Needless to say, I still had leftovers...but not to worry, I enjoyed using up the remaining granny squares and handspun yarn scraps to make a whole-awesome lap blanket for Maurice, so he could snuggle up with Walter when I crochet. 


Crochet Granny Square Blanket from Handspun Yarn


I was not thinking about patterns...I was just having a blast with my granny squares!! Although, following your positive responses and pattern requests on social media, I couldn't resist writing up instructions for you. I simply decided to combine two of my recent projects into one crochet design. Thus, good news...my new Dolman Hoodie pattern is coming soon!!

For this pattern, I used hand dyed sock yarn by Arcane Fibre Works — Autumn Drive (main color / squares) and Berroco Ultra Wool Fine — Fig (contrasting color / edging). You can make it with or without a hood and based on your desired ease (from XS to 4XL). For the hooded version I am wearing in M/L size, I used 4 skeins of the main color and 3 skeins of contrasting color.  


Dolman Sleeve Granny Square Cardigan Pattern by IraRott
Dolman Sleeve Granny Square Cardigan Pattern by IraRott
Dolman Sleeve Granny Square Cardigan Pattern by IraRott

The pattern is written row-by-row (as are all of my patterns) and it includes crochet diagrams for those who like visual references + pictures for special stitches and techniques. You will be joining motifs as you go while working the final round with contrasting color, but you can use any other techniques if you wish. Check out this article on how to Join-as-You-Go


While each row/rnd starts with ch-3 in the pattern, you can opt for using chainless dc instead. This will help you create invisible joins when working in the round and your turning edges will look nicer when working in rows. Video tutorial is available HERE.   

I hope you will enjoy making this Dolman Hoodie as much as I did. Let's rock it together on social media and Ravelry.

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2 comments

Hi Tami, yes you can…just need to add an extra buttonhole.

Ira

Beautiful colors! I like my sweaters and cardis a bit longer. Can an extra row or two of grannys be added in the middle to lengthen it out and then adjust the stitches needed for ribbing?

Tami Cowles

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