Granny Got Framed

I'm experiencing one of those times in my life when I want to put an end to certain things (habits, relationships, projects, True Blood, etc) and start something new. I can do that easily — a trait that is not always charming, but sometimes just needs to be done for the better good of my (and sometimes 'your') well-being. And trust me, when I'm over something, it shows —I don't have a strong stomach for sugary sweet facades.  After all, I am a former cholita who now checks out counted cross-stitch books at the library.

It pains me to admit this, but I'm so over this granny square blanket! It seems like I've been crocheting it for a year — but it's only been eleven months. I know I'll love it once it's completed, but right now I'm sort of sick of seeing it. I'm at the point where if I don't finish the white borders, join 'em together and frame it with a gorgeous edging by the end of next week, I will end up shoving it, undone, in a locked drawer and throwing away the key! And once it's spread out on the bed looking all pretty, I'm making a break from crocheting.

There are needlework crafts I want to immerse myself in and to go at them with the same abandon as when I was learning to knit n' crochet! I definitely know I need some distance from crochet so I can come back to it later in the year with bright eyes. The color theory I learn with these new crafts will complement my crocheting.  And I do have an awesome new ripple pattern for when it's time! I've kicked around the idea of doing the same with knitting, but since it's The Year of Fair Isle, I think I'll keep it going.

As I write this post, I'm thinking of how freakin' glad that I am bringing crafty back into my life. Was a while there when I was craftless and it made me feel pretty crappy. It might sound a bit crazy, but I keep finding myself feeling excited about something—and realizing it's because I'm going to be learning a new craft soon! And these will be projects with a lil' quicker start-to-finish time, which also means a lot more new content here on the blog! I believe it's going to be a lot of fun — so I hope you stick around!

Comments

[Ronnie]

While I can't give up on crochet since I can't knit to save my soul...I can understand the project that you just don't want to see any longer, but have to finish just to move on to something else!

[Christine]

I've made one granny square afghan in my life and that's exactly why. By the time I got all the squares made, I had zero desire to put it together. No, give me a project which at the end, is finished, no sewing in strands or sewing together a billion squares.
I have to say I really like the colors in this one. Oh heck, I always like what you put together! It'll look great on the bed or sofa or reading chair!

[BellaKarma]

Ronnie: Yes! And I always dream up these BIG crochet and knit ideas -- which is why I'm moving on to something more with a faster turn-around time, just so I can "ooh and ah" over 'em quicker. ;)

Christine: Thank you! The granny square blanket will cover a full-size bed! I'm all hyped on joining 'em, ever since I found out how easy it is (in fact, if I had known that, I wouldn't have stalled all this time, lol)! As for sewing in strands, that's why I'm always trying to beg people to crochet OVER the strands as you go! I LOVE it -- and the strands have never poked out, even through multiple washings! :)

[Nicky]

I'm big on the big projects too then I get bored or just "over" them. I heard there's a group on Ravelry where people would take your unfinished projects and complete them for you. If you're on Rav, maybe you could have someone in the group finish GSB. The colours are so pretty together, it would be nice if it gets done.

I'm with you on the helpfulness of having craft in one's life. I've been dealing with a lot of life and feel it's time to incorporate some craft to maintain sanity.

Just as long as those awesome recipes of yours are considered "craft" ... I'll be around. Cheers.

[BellaKarma]

Hi Nicky ~ Thanks for the info! I've come up with a new idea for the granny squares, so I'm glad I held off from joining 'em all together! :)

Ah, yes, I need to get back to being crafty in the kitchen.

:)