ONE MONTH to Join My Granny Square Blanket (a vlog)

Come along with me as I crochet together the granny squares I've been making since 2018! I'm sharing IT ALL - excitement, lessons, and mistakes. My BIG GOAL for 2023 is to use or donate all of my scrap yarns and mini-skeins in the first six months of the year! This video is part four of the plan: The Granny Square Blanket. Watch the first three parts below! #scrapfree2023
| THE BLANKET |
Granny Square Project Page: www.ravelry.co...
Joining Tutorial: • How to Crochet the Con...
Border Tutorial: • Keep Your Crochet Bord...
Scrappy Granny Pattern: www.ravelry.co...
Fixing Granny Square (YT short): • Repairing my broken #g...
| #scrapfree2023 JOURNEY |
Part 1 - Getting Organized: • FINALLY Taming My Over...
Part 2 - My Project Plans: • My Scrappy Project Pla...
Part 3 - Scrappy Pattern Ideas: • 10 Scrappy Project Ide...
Part 4 (this video!): • ONE MONTH to Join My G...
| OTHER HELPFUL LINKS |
Granny Square Sweatshirt: bit.ly/3SxQWCs
Moonglow Yarn Co: moonglowyarnco...
Winder and Swift: www.fiberartis...
Crochet Yarn Cozy: www.ravelry.co...
Color Catchers: amzn.to/3EJ7UI9
Susan Bates Finishing Tool: amzn.to/3EJ8vJQ
Yarn Scale: amzn.to/40qv53s
My Project Pages: www.ravelry.co...
The Podcast: bit.ly/LoveinS...
| SUPPORT LOVE IN STITCHES |
Love in Stitches Merch: love-in-stitch...
Ravelry Store: www.ravelry.co...
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/s...
Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com...
Yarnable Sign Up (affiliate link): lddy.no/tqe5
| SOCIAL + LINKS |
Instagram: / knittynatty
Ravelry Projects: www.ravelry.co...
Website: knittynatty.com/
Membership: loveinstitches...
As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@tvvistedstitches5470]

Working on seaming all the double folded hems on my oversized cardigan....you said "I think I'm gonna have to get a pillow" and I practically threw my project to grab the pillow beside me! So much more comfortable!

[@satsumamoon]

Do the tubular bind off or cast on instead. It can be done on as many rows as you like . No sewing .

[@DawnBurn]

Toaster makes the vlog. His refusal to get off the squares in the beginning, his constant companionship and his 'I DID WAIT 1 SECOND MOM."

[@percyh7249]

What a beautiful blanket!! The orchid purply-pink yarn you selected for the outer border brings it all together so well. I've only just started crocheting and finally learned to make a granny square. This is making me want to make one in every color yarn I have, because I love this mosaic-y, colorful look. Thank you for taking us on this journey! :)

[@rebeccamcdonald5030]

The side eye from Toaster after you stole his squares! 🤣

[@danisbookshelf3167]

My dog would have 100 percent run off with the granny squares instead of curling up on them 😂 Your blanket turned out amazing!!

[@stephenpisarcik5828]

CONGRATULATIONS, Natalie 🎉🧶🤡🧶🤩🧶👏🧶🤗🧶 Joining just 5 granny squares each day! Tremendous variety of yarn 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨 Glad you shared the journey with us all! Go 96 Squares 🩷💚🩵💙🩶. Therese Pisarcik

[@AMFibers]

The magic rings! This is why the hill that I will die on is "crocheting over your ends is not secure!" But especially with a magic ring. I pull my magic rings all the way closed and then weave in my ends three different ways. And I split the yarn when weaving in ends. With crochet, the stitches are so big they hide the split yarn and then I know nothing is coming undone.

[@annehayward3506]

Beautiful blanket, love the joining colour and the border is beautiful. Such a shame the centres came undone, I’ve never had this happen. I tend to thread my tail back into the centre and go around 4/5 times to anchor. So pleased you were able to fix it. Stay safe love and hugs xx

[@carolynallan5555]

I love Toaster 💕

[@jamiecee4960]

That is such a pretty blanket. My Cat claimed the second blanket that I ever made. lol. Aww the dog to use some of the blanket. Too cute.

[@sharonvanpelt6005]

Your blanket is absolutely gorgeous.. I really appreciate the start to finish episode including what happened with a few of the centers. You’ve inspired me to start my own granny square blanket (using your granny square tutorial) and I will definitely make sure to double weave my ends on the magic ring. Thank you so much for sharing this whole process.

[@chickadeeacres3864]

Omg I was more upset than you about the magic circles loosening! 😱 So glad you were able to remedy things. I’m old school and learned to chain 3 and close to make the centre. I’m also in the process of making 100 granny squares and I think I tried the magic circle on one square. I guess I'll find out in the wash! 😂

[@MaryIannacone]

I love the blanket! It’s beautiful 😍. I’m making a granny square blanket but it’s just one big square!! It’s fun too!

[@gabilove3149]

Oh my gosh! This made me finally understand the people who don't trust magic circles! Watching you repair was such a good lesson and the blanket turned out beautiful!!!

[@lobster_paws]

Any time my dog sits on my projects I call it “pulling a toaster” cause of your dog XD

[@ciannacoleman5125]

Thank you so much for showing your magic loop mistake! I made a temperature blanket 2 years ago in C2C (my first was just one huge granny square which made ends easy). Unfortunately after about 3 washes half my color change ends started coming apart! I still haven't finished fixing it because I was so discouraged (& embarrassed as it was a gift). I definitely learned how NOT to weave in ends but you have encouraged me to finish fixing it!

[@user-tq2ko3st1h]

hello my name is melinda i am from North Carolina and i love your work

[@Liljaygam]

i like your blanket and i am learning too

[@annalequesne4580]

So glad to have found your channel and this video… I’m brand new to crocheting & am learning from you tube videos having knitted and sewed all my life. I’m making lots and lots of granny squares in various colours with the aim of making them into a blanket for my mother. Your video has given me so many ideas as well as pointed me in a good direction for eventually making my squares up. I’m loving learning a new craft and crochet is def easier on my arthritic fingers than knitting. Your blanket looks amazing and I’m looking forward to watching lots more of your videos in the future. From Anna in Dorset UK x

[@MarinaMandarinaWoolyWorld]

Thank you! Gave me a lot of inspiration ❤

[@scottishbookworm8506]

Love how this turned out and good on you for persevering especially after having to repair. I've crocheted for a number of years and I winced when I watched you put it in the washing machine. I put my work inside a pillow case or duvet cover when I wash it because I think the damage happens when it catches on the drum.

[@debt8632]

I've used Hooked by Robin's tutorial too. Its great!

[@tinahooper3470]

Hi! I love Toaster, he's such a good boy that you can't get mad at him. Don't worry about the sounds he makes on your vlogs, he's too cute. 🐶 Also, you said you have extra squares. Maybe you'd like to make a pillow sham with them? I never knew using fingering yarn would make such lovely blankets. I'm glad you show those oops/oh no moments. Life isn't perfect and you handle it very well. Stay safe.

[@kristinahill3708]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us!! Love your finished blanket.

[@CasualKnitter]

What a journey Nataly! Thank you for showing me how to mend such unexpected surprises, I would have given up at that point and cried and watching you I learned a very important lesson on mending and resilience !

[@eeeveryyt]

For the first day of school I wanted to wear all my granny Square projects because I just finished a top

[@CrystalMendoza05]

Those magic circle ends lock the beast when you weave the ends in at least 3 times in opposing directions through the yarn strands. It’s definitely a labor of love but gorgeous if you can master the technique. Beautiful blanket❤️

[@needlenutz10]

It's beautiful. Congrats. I like to schedule small goals too. Ie, 5 squares a day. Just another suggestion on the threads withdrawing, consider locking the thread ends by reversing the direction of weaving in ends back on itself by going over a single or split thread, then following the same or similar path back. I did the same thing and this really helped me.

[@orapronobis2149]

Looks like you had a bit of help there with Toaster. Great view of the laying out of the squares and taking photos’. You are so organized in the labeling. In quilting, it is recommended to do the exact thing. I had taken a quilting class and it covered several months. With only 5 students we were so lucky to go to the instructor's home that was tucked away in the woods near the town! She had a huge frame-style section of the home and a balcony that was built just for that. We laid our squares out and had the most fun. But the home is so amazing. I love the connecting yarn it is lovely and neutral (Cotton wood breeze) for a sweater. I think I may have to hop on her site. The border color is Wow!

[@jeancolley8908]

Those magic rings just don't hold up super great. Really glad you were able to fix them! I always do chain starts to my projects, after a baby blanket for my cousin fell apart after two washes

[@lavendercottagefibrearts]

I gasped out loud when you said Oh no, oh no!! Thankfully it was easily fixed!

[@sereathabracely920]

I really enjoyed watching the process. You have a lovely afghan! 🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

[@andrealouis-visser4973]

When I weave in ends from the magic circle, I reverse direction at least once. That creates a good tension that is not apt to pull out. Your magic circles should be pretty easy to fix. Good luck! ❤❤❤ p.s. good work! I love it!!!

[@SAP64]

Your boarder colours work perfectly with each other and the rest of the granny squares. I think one more round of pink would look really good and match the two rows that are around each square. So glad you were able to repair the centres.

[@rhiannoncameron7165]

I LOVE your dog and how gentle you are with him 🥰 really enjoyed this video and how it wasn’t a rush to get finished, I always feel bad about my knitting and crochet skills because I’m slow and other people make things so much faster but it doesn’t have to be a race and just done for enjoyment 😊

[@massukka]

I find it best to go back and forth with the yarn, leaving one loop at the turn to hold the yarn. Undoing that even on purpose can be tricky, never had problems with washing. :)

[@kristinbrown5683]

I really love your blanket. It came out beautiful. I am sorry for what happened after washing it, but….but it was so great to see how you fixed it. Truly. I’m pretty sure I would have put it the bag and shoved it in a closet, not realizing it was fixable. Now if something goes a little wrong, I know I will investigate the situation and not just panic. I also feel like I won’t stop until I complete it. My husband always says, “Right or wrong, just do something.” I now know I will just do something. Even if the problem and the fix is noticeable, I will just do something. So much effort needs a resolution and it needs to be completed. I’m so happy your resolution is not noticeable. Great job! Thank you for giving me confidence to see a problem project to completion, even if my ending doesn’t turn out as perfect as yours did. Remove the fear! It is what it is.😃

[@deborahhuss9579]

Congratulations Natalie! The blanket turned out beautiful. I love how you break down a large project so it isn't so daunting and gets done. Great video!

[@MJay77-u9z]

The Wild orchid is beautiful. I love the blanket. I'm so glad it was fixable!!

[@kathypeduzzi6764]

Beautiful, I found the best way to wash my knitted blankets is to put them in a zippered pillowcase, that way there not getting knocked around so much and weaved in ends stay put.

[@kendenta2207]

Good morning New York. Respectively texting Natalie, I am going to offer my thought on the blanket border in what I would do. The wild orchid color is perfect. Any lighter pink would drown it out and deminish in it's content. Ok. For myself, a 2 inch border of the last color chosen is what I prefer. A one to three color border seems skimpy and lost. When the blanket is covered on the person, like you said from waist to over the tootsies and your scanning your beautiful work, the eye sees a color around the border and just gets lost in it's charm. Eyeing the two inch border stands out immense and bold. You notice it every time your using it. It encircles all the work beautifully. From a distance you see the wild orchid. But from the skein? Up close Holy gee Wow look at that color. You don't see that wow pop of color that way in a small border. Ok. Enough. It's just an alternate way in how I think. Take care. Enjoy the sunshine 😘 Ken

[@deborahpreston6673]

You could use those other squares and make a blanket for Toaster

[@carollundergan837]

The blanket is stunning!! I'm doing a granny blanket right now (96 squares as well in buiky yarn) and I was searching high and low for a pretty join technique - this came just in time!! Can't wait to be finished with my squares so I can try the join and border!

[@playfulsunshine2994]

I took 24 days make a grannysquare bag with 8 squares but this is just impressive

[@sarametts2023]

Just a little hack, the the boppi breastfeed pillow. I pump and crochet and my body gets tired. I used my boppi one day and now I use it every time I crochet.

[@asaldanapr]

That turned out beautifully even if you didn’t do the thicker border which I would have liked better. It looks like a more organized crazy quilt which I love along with Boho style.

[@ronnetteharvey2002]

The close up was surprising. The textures and colors were beautiful.

[@wendyklein321]

Love your positivity and of course Toaster!! I admire your creative skills! 😁

[@grettastephens1583]

I wish I had done this on my last granny square blanket. I had a gazillion ends.

[@luannehovey1546]

Thanks for sharing the process. I am starting one now and will use all your tips and tricks. Mine will be baby size but needs to be strong because it will be machine watched over and over. Yours is beautiful ❤

[@definitelyynotlivv]

@TLYarnCrafts needs to see this!!!!

[@conniewatson1659]

Your Blanket is glorious,. So pretty,.. I love the colors and the border.... It brings your colors out.. Awesome 👍 work ... Happy Knitting... 💕🌺🧶♥️👍🥰😁

[@jennifer_beaulieu]

Hi Natalie, what an unfortunate surprise with those ends that came undone. When I weave in ends on crochet, I always make sure to go in different directions. So for example, if I were weaving an end in a circle clockwise, then I would change direction by bring the end *over* one of the strands of the actual stitches (I do this on the backside), and then back underneath and start going back counterclockwise. Then after a bit I do this one more time, by bring the end over one of the strands of the actual stitches again before going back underneath clockwise again. I hope that makes sense.

[@fiddliedee01]

Your blanket is really beautiful. 😍When securing yarn after a magic circle, I like to go around fully in one direction then miss a stitch and go around fully in the other direction then miss a stitch and go around fully in the other direction, I also use a pointed yarn needle so it splits the yarn which holds it more secure.

[@katpraeuner9794]

I do this with any project. I've never used the magic loop but I have knitted and crocheted a lot of afghans and I learned pretty quick that you need to go in different directions to keep the ends from coming apart. I've never had an issue with any of my afghans that I know of.

[@kristydaniel3355]

I go up and down through stitches not just the bottoms of them. I also after weaving in the end put it on top of a foam block and take a felting needle and stab the last inch of where I weaved in my end. Not enough to where you can see it or feel that it is felted but enough that it will hold.

[@yvettepritchard3983]

Hook by Robin great

[@suzettegaybba-vanzyl6484]

Love your sweater. Dear dear Toaster. Your a great supervisor and mascot Love the joining technique. And joining year so beautiful Day 15 love love the blanket Love the pop colour

[@katehosford2657]

Gorgeous blanket. I admire your tenacity for hanging in there and fixing the places that didn’t hold through the wash. I love Toaster.! Love your podcast! You give me a happy place to hang out and watch you make lovely objects while I work on my sock knitting projects! I wish you lots of love and joy! 💕Katie from Maine

[@wynonacarroll4362]

The blanket is beautiful. I’m glad you were able to mend it. Lovely!

[@satinleader00]

When it comes to magic ring, I always crochet over the tail and the magic ring to create a double ring. That way when you pull it tight it's double secure already and then when you weave in the end it becomes even more secure. I'm sorry you had to go through the struggle and stress of your middle coming undone.

[@satinleader00]

And you want to pull the magic ring tight when you use it. It's meant to close up tight and hold your stitches in a small circle

[@janknitall3018]

Thanks for keeping it real and showing that mistakes happen, Its part of the process. Your crochette blankets are beautiful!

[@beautifulbabygirl85]

Thank you for sharing your process on putting this together. It turned out lovely. Toaster seems to love it just as much!

[@GrammieWilliams]

Your blanket is beautiful, great job, love the colors...

[@jennyvonderruhr5403]

What a journey! I was on the edge of my seat when you were saying “ oh no!”! I was thinking, “ what??! What??!” My stomach sank for you! LOL! But so glad you stayed calm and methodically and patiently were able to fix it! A win indeed!

[@melissaemery8686]

Wow. It looks great. I would have cried when the center came undone. Glad you were able to repair and finish it.

[@kristydaniel3355]

If you keep your ends longer and weave them in the stiches not just the bottoms of them they will hold better. You can also felt the last bit of the end after weaving to make sure it stays.

[@samscatsandcrochet]

If you used a really sharp needle for the centers it should prevent the magic rings from coming undone. I've had the same thing happen with my earlier granny squares.

[@Carla-ns8rx]

to secure the yarn in the magic circle you can go in the opposite direction with your yarn. ( clockwise and counterclockwise ?) that way the yarn doesnt slide

[@marta_makes]

Wow, what a journey! Congratulations!

[@ladyinredyarn-yvonne1942]

JOB WELL DONE ✅ I love it… thank you 4 keeping everything in-sewing up the unraveled bits 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@lizurquhart4105]

Love how your blanket come together. The continuous join is a great idea. Beautiful blanket to share with Toaster. I just but together a baby sized granny blanket with 12 very large squares.

[@kayeclouston3493]

Well done it looks great. Congratulations💜💜💜

[@caylarivera2804]

Gorgeous blanket! I love the look of a bunch of random colors in a granny square pattern. Thanks for showing the process of reparing the unraveled bits. Very helpful to know not to weave in a magic ring like that, I have always felt like using a small knot on superwash wool, or any yarn that doesn't felt is really helpful when weaving in the centers. Sometimes I even do the chain 4 method instead of magic ring, just cause it feels more secure to me.

[@nancyborgeson440]

Toaster needs his own blanket! Maybe use some of your extra blocks and add a few….

[@poodlegirl55]

Super cute. I like to make the continuous Granny with my scraps and just add them on whenever I have some so I don't have a basket of scraps laying around. I have made 5 and there is always someone waiting for the next one.

[@brittanymorris943]

Robin is amazing! I have done her tight join as you go with solid granny squares and she’s a blessing!

[@aim7128]

absolutely love this blanket

[@rebeka5233]

It does look like a thick border outline! 😮

[@carlajewett1091]

Well done, Nat! Now, I think I hear the Toaster man barking for his new blanket. Better get crackin’.

[@txsunshinecowgirl]

what a beautiful blanket, great job, i would like to advise that weaving in the ends properly is crucial to granny square blankets, i know some say just crochet over the end and cut, all that will do is make your hard work come undone, the centers need to weaved in through out the work, leave long tails so you can do just that, anyway thanks for a great video

[@KnittyNatty]

I know this now!! Couldn’t agree more! Had to learn the hard way 😅

[@stherrien3333]

It looks SO good!!!

[@bethpaschal7859]

Loved it Natalie! Thanks for sharing all of the work and the reality of issues you worked through. Beautiful!

[@jessicahuwer781]

❤

[@laerke112]

I haven't knitted colorwork before, and was kinda scared. It seemed difficult but when I saw your version of the cape gingham last podcast, I knew I needed them. I am now half way through the foot and it's so much easier than I expected it to be. Thank you for showing me the pattern. I love your videos

[@Lauraamelia2]

He actually waited… for just a second 😂 28:41

[@QueensYarnBoutique]

Beautiful blanket Natalie. Love the pink border! 💗

[@marysharp6366]

I have followed Hooked by Robin on my 275 squares with the continuous join she makes everything so simple. She makes every thing so clear.

[@carollee188]

I love your blanket so much. I think I stopped breathing for a minute when you found the holes. This is my worst fear I am a knotter in knit and crochet

[@mariatorres3171]

Beautiful and I so appreciate the time you took to capture this entire process in video. Thank you 💕💕💕💕

[@GHFan1978]

What a great job looks amazing. Need to get my hooks out and start on a blanket with my left overs.

[@tanyab78]

It turned out so good! And I’m glad you were able to repair your squares after the wash!

[@saltified2439]

Your blanket looks beautiful!

[@elainebye9090]

The blanket is sooo beautiful. Well done!

[@kathyphillips3473]

Your blanket turned out absolutely beautiful,,, you have so inspired me to start one. 😃👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@lgbinkley]

Love this video and your blanket is beautiful. I want to make granny squares now❤

[@TheWanderingPurl]

Bravo!!! It is absolutely stunning and you made your goal with time to spare!

[@TheSablelou]

Thank you so much for taking us on this journey! Way to go!

[@Irishwoman004]

What a journey but you have taught me so much in this video. If I had seen those holes I wouldn’t have understood what happened but now I know and how to prevent it. Beautiful blanket by the way…I will definitely hope to create one someday. In my first week of learning to crochet! X

[@maryanncasale87]

Thank you so much, Natalie! You have inspired me to make a granny square blanket. So far…two granny squares done! A lot more to go! Your blanket is beautiful! 😍

[@mphailey1]

I love it! So pretty! Xoxo

[@electladynanci]

Hi! This is Nanci from Miguels group. I just wanted to say your blanket is beautiful! At 58 squares you literally had enough for a lap blanket. Me? My cats would've been all over it! Keep up the awesome work.

[@aliceDarts]

I usually sew the blocks together. Crocheting the blocks together makes me so scares that the joining holes will get bigger and fall apart. I love your courage and your blanket!