As 2024 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on my creative journey, looking back at everything this year held while also feeling excited for what’s ahead. If you follow my newsletters, you already know that I spent most of the year working on designs for my new (and very exciting!) book. It’s still in the publishing process, but the launch is just around the corner, and I can’t wait to share all the details with you.
In the tiny pockets of spare time I had while writing, I fell head‑over‑heels into a new obsession: granny squares and spinning my own yarn. I experimented with all kinds of tools (drop spindles, spinning wheels, and my e‑spinner), creating dozens of 30 g yarn samples during the “100 Days of Spindle Spinning” challenge. I had no idea what they would become, but I knew something “granny square‑ish” was in my future.
To tie everything together, I spun some indigo Corriedale on my Ashford e‑spinner to use as an accent color for joining the squares. That little machine is such a joy - fast, consistent, and perfect for this kind of project.
Crocheting With Handspun Magic
There is something truly magical about crocheting with your own handspun yarn. Every stitch feels personal. Every color shift tells a story. Working on this granny square project has been pure joy.
And here it is... my colorful granny cardi, a six‑month labor of love that turned out absolutely fantastic.
One Project Leads to Another… and Another
A couple of years ago, I made my very first handspun cardigan (you can see it HERE), and I ended up with plenty of leftover yarn. I also had extra granny squares from the cardigan above. So, I knitted a gray jacket and used the leftover squares for the hood and sleeves. It received so much love on social media.
And yes… I still had leftovers.
But that’s the beauty of granny squares - they never go to waste. I used the remaining squares and scraps of handspun to make a cozy lap blanket for Maurice, perfect for snuggling with Walter while I crochet.
By Popular Demand… A New Pattern!
I wasn’t planning to write a pattern... I was simply having fun. But after so many of you asked for instructions, I couldn’t resist. I combined elements from two of my recent projects into one design, and I’m thrilled to announce that my new Dolman Hoodie is now available in the pattern shop.
For this design, I used 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 choose your preferred ease from XS to 4XL. For the hooded M/L version I’m wearing, I used 4 skeins of the main color and 3 skeins of the contrasting color.
Pattern Details
The pattern is written row‑by‑row, just like all my designs, and includes:
- Crochet diagrams
- Step‑by‑step photos for special stitches
- Join-as-You-Go instructions for the final round
- Tips for alternative joining methods
While each row/round begins with ch‑3, you can absolutely use a chainless dc instead for smoother edges and invisible joins. A video tutorial is available HERE.
Let’s Make 2025 a Granny Square Year
I hope you enjoy making this Dolman Hoodie as much as I enjoyed creating it. Let’s rock our granny square makes together on social media and Ravelry.
2 comments
Hi Tami, yes you can…just need to add an extra buttonhole.
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?