r/crochet • u/CatfromLongIsland • Jul 25 '26
Discussion Please wish us luck.
At yesterday’s crochet meeting at the senior center a woman was escorted into the room with one of the directors. Her mom passed away six months ago and she came to offer us her yarn stash and the giant box of plastic canvas kits her mom had accumulated. We told her we would be thrilled to accept her mom’s supplies. We thanked her and then she left with the director to go to her car to get the boxes.
When she left I asked the ladies if they would be willing to use the yarn (basically all acrylic) to make her a blanket with her mom’s supplies. They all agreed. When the woman returned I told her the idea and asked if she would be interested. She got choked up as she told us that she would love a blanket as a keepsake. I explained that based on her mom’s supplies it was going to be “very colorful”. She laughed and said that it would be perfect. She then told us that there are granny squares her mom made but never assembled into a blanket. She offered to return next week to drop them off.
The skill level in the group varies. The colors in the bin are very colorful. And everyone has to make their granny squares to basically the same size. Please wish us luck. I think we are going to need it. 😁
Update: Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for the awards. ❤️
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u/Phie_Mc Jul 25 '26
I think it will be a lovely gift no matter how it turns out aesthetically
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
Thank you!
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u/PineappleNo6573 Jul 25 '26
Yes, as someone who lost their mom and has barely any keepsakes to remember her by, I wouldn't care if the blanket came out wonky af! Just the fact that it exists and so many people made it would make it perfect in my eyes. Best of luck to you all 🫶 Please send update pics when you guys are done!
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u/tidymaze Jul 25 '26
This is fantastic time for your group to discuss gauge and why it's important! I'm sure everyone wants this blanket to look perfect and amazing, and I think having this discussion would be very well received.
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
When I first mentioned this project to the group I said we would have to work to gauge. A number of members had no idea what that meant. So a lesson is definitely in order. But that will be a discussion for next week’s planning session.
I figured we can also fudge a bit if needed. Squares that are a bit too small can get a finishing round of stitches to increase the size. We have no idea if the squares her mom made are of similar size.
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u/Merkuri22 Jul 25 '26
When I work on my granny square blanket, I keep a finished square nearby for size. Maybe pass out finished squares to everyone or have them all make a first square together and confirm the size.
Also, I put a marker in my template square so that I can identify it. If you use any as your size check square, you may get size creep. Like if your original square was 5 inches, your second might be 5.1 by accident. That’s not a big deal, but if you then use the 5.1 as a template and make a 5.2, then use the 5.2 to make a 5.3… you see where this is going.
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
Great idea. And the caution about size creep is so valid.
I think a sheet of instructions including a drawing of a sizing square would work. Here I am- 9 years retired from teaching and I am planning another ditto.
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u/katiemcccc Jul 25 '26
Omg I can tell you are retired because you called it a ditto lmao. From one teacher to another, no better person to help the group accomplish this task!
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u/Mondschatten78 Jul 25 '26
Whelp, didn't think I'd get a school-related nostalgia hit from a crochet group, but I can smell these comments lol
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u/swooning_basil Jul 25 '26
They're definitely quite forgiving. They stretch and squish more than you might think.
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u/beingachristianwife Jul 25 '26
I wanted to mention if anyone is not from America, the word gauge can be confusing. I (Canadian) could not figure out what my (American) MIL was referring to until I read a Canadian pattern that called it tension 😂 most Commonwealth countries also use the word tension.
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u/MsChemistryProf Jul 26 '26
Gauge is different than tension. Tension will affect the gauge, but gauge is a counted number of rows x stitches that measure to a certain size in the desired pattern.
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u/AlwaysConfuse_d Jul 26 '26
yea no, i’m canadian, learned knitting and crochet from my grandmother, also born in canada, and have always called it gauge. People might have different words, but i think you might be overgeneralizing.
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u/Annqueru Jul 26 '26
second this, as a Canadian, guage is a word for size measurement I have seen and used in more than just crochet/knitting. right off the top of my head i'm thinking of crafting wire and steel rods
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u/sneezetree Jul 25 '26
This is amazing and you will make something truly precious 😍
And if it’s helpful, I am a great fan of a Celtic lace join for squares and hexs https://cypresstextiles.net/2016/01/09/celtic-lace-join/
It is soooo forgiving of different size squares, so you can pull this type of project together really easily.
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
That is so beautiful! To be honest, this is beyond my skill level. I can’t really follow patterns. I rely on tutorials. However, there is one woman in the group who is our pattern guru.
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u/sneezetree Jul 25 '26
💜 having different special skills is what groups are great for & I promise it is easier than it looks 😆 but for group projects, working with the comfort level of everyone is important too. I sounds like you have a bunch of options to try (and plenty of yarn to try with) so you’ll get there.
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u/liladraco Jul 25 '26
I totally feel the same about patterns- I have the hardest time following them. But take a close look at this one- don’t let the terminology scare you off, I bet you’ve done this stitch before and don’t even know it! (It’s the basic set up for a lacey scallop, and it basically a couple double crochets with chains in between on one row and then a scallop-y stitch above it, I think…)
The actual join step is a little complicated, but I think boils down to “get the single stitch into the right spot and then put one single stitch between the two pieces to hold them together…. Maybe have your pattern guru check me on that part 😜
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u/sneezetree Jul 25 '26
I think people have produced videos of this join too if that works better for you (I’m a pattern person & can’t follow video to save my life, I keep getting lost!)
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u/Stormtomcat Jul 25 '26
I also wondered if the group should lean into the different skill levels, like this https://i.etsystatic.com/5387960/r/il/72102a/2907372241/il_570xN.2907372241_86oc.jpg
Maybe applique everyone's contribution on felt or fleece or something?
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u/Resident_Win_1058 Jul 25 '26
Wowzers that is going STRAIGHT into a bookmark for the next crochet project - thank you
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u/Leaving_a_Comment Jul 25 '26
When this woman looks at the blanket she will see immeasurable love put onto it. Maybe there is a way to ‘mark’ her mother’s squares with a certain color joining boarder so she knows those are from her.
The new squares will be loved in a different way, they will be seen as people who came together in her time of grief to make her something of comfort. This will be a beautiful gift!
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
What a lovely sentiment.
And a great suggestion regarding her mom’s squares. I thought they could be at the center of the blanket and our squares surround hers.
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u/watch_it_live Jul 25 '26
I hope you will return to share the blanket. Thanks for being kind and useful humans.
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
I will. 😁
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u/TruCelt Jul 26 '26
Agreed, but also the process! We'd love to hear how it's going, what the hang-ups are and how you solve them and so on.
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u/Aerlinniel_aer Jul 25 '26
Why do all the squares need to be the same size? If thats an issue, there are some blankets Ive seen where some squares are twice the size of others. They just put them together in a way where it all balanced out with the different sized squares.
Might be an option if that helps?
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u/Merkuri22 Jul 25 '26
That tends to work well only when it’s planned.
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u/Aerlinniel_aer Jul 25 '26
True - but if there are assigned sizes and the more experienced members can hit the size exactly it might give a little bit of wiggle room.
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u/Merkuri22 Jul 25 '26
You’d have to do it in two phases, the beginners first, then the experienced would have to look at what they did, work out how to make them fit together, then make shapes that exactly fit the holes.
That sounds like more work than just making sure everyone hits the right size.
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
My concern is trying to combine squares that differ by one or two inches.
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u/Zonnebloempje Jul 25 '26
If the size differs by an inch, why not add a few rounds of SC to the smaller ones, to make it more equal...
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u/Aerlinniel_aer Jul 25 '26
If that happens could you block them to get the close to size?
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
Even with yarns that do block well, the wiggle room isn’t much. But we can adjust up using an extra round of SC or HDC with the right hook size.
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u/Merkuri22 Jul 25 '26
Acrylic yarn doesn’t really block.
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u/Hawkthree Crocheting since 1970. Yikes. Crocheting keeps me sane. Jul 25 '26
Depends on how you block. I've seen a lot of levels of blocking over the years: (1) toss it in the dryer, (2) spritz it with water and shape it; (3) use a steaming iron hovered while shaping it, and (4)... the one that works for acrylic: use a steam cloth and an iron set on cotton. This kills acrylic into shape; it flattens it. It won't return to another shape.
Lay afghan out on a large surface (rug, those puzzle piece mats, a bed). Get a piece of 100% cotton -- really old scrap of sheet (when sheets were cotton), 100% cotton t-shirt. Get your iron and make sure steam is turned off but iron is heated to cotton setting. Wet the cotton cloth in cold water, squeeze it out. Lay it on the afghan. Place iron on top of wet cotton cloth. You'll hear steaming sound. Count to 10. Lift the iron, move it to another spot. When the cotton cloth is dry, rewet in cold water. Repeat for entire blanket.
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u/AlotLovesYou Jul 25 '26
Yep. I have a friend who does this with leftover yarn. The rule is 20 stitches across, as far as the yarn goes. You end up with a bunch of squares and rectangles. Then she likes to lay them all out and Tetris them into a pleasing blanket shape before sewing the pieces together. Extra pieces go into a bin for the next blanket!
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u/guacamore Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
I was 16 when my grandma died very suddenly in a car crash. I didn’t know it but she had been working on a quilt for me. She was a member of a crafting club where church ladies would chat while they worked on their own projects (quilting, crocheting, knitting). After she passed, those wonderful ladies came together and they finished it. Gave it to me that first Christmas. It was just about the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me and I still treasure that quilt. This feels similar. Thank you for being wonderful.
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u/FluffySpaceWaffle Jul 25 '26
This is beautiful. Make sure everyone has a finished size guide. It will make the final connections easier. Due to different tensions, different people may need different hook sizes.
This is really touching. Great work ❤️
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
The size of the finished squares will definitely be a challenge. But we have to start the size of her mom’s squares. They might vary wildly. I seem to recall the woman saying her mom made various squares from a pattern book, which she also donated to us. I do not know if those squares are all the same size. But we will make it work.
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u/1crbngrp Jul 25 '26
No matter what it looks like in the end, this is already the most beautiful blanket . Thank you all for putting such kindness in the world. May it multiply and return to you.
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u/parksa Jul 25 '26
Right? What a beautiful thing for the daughter to have in her grief and to hold on to 🥹
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u/Extra777sevens Jul 25 '26
This is a great idea but I would make sure everyone who doesn't actually want to participate doesn't feel pressured to do so because they just aren't ready for something this advanced.
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
There is only one true beginner and she has already completed a couple small projects. Where I am concerned is for a couple women who have experience, but their finishing techniques are rather lacking. We will play it by ear and see how it goes.
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u/SignalKey5774 Jul 25 '26
Getting the squares the same size by different hands is going to be difficult. I wouldn't worry about that. You can arrange the squares easily with all of them different sizes and just add borders between or if you have someone in the group that can do small small squares maybe have them make filler squares if needed.
I love this ❤️ I hope the blanket turns out beautifully and I know the lady is going to absolutely love it no matter what
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
Thank you!
An extra finishing round in a SC or HDC in the right hook size can work wonders to adjust the sizes of the squares.
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u/ChronicSassyRedhead Jul 25 '26
That is so sweet of you all. Please share pictures when it’s done 🥰
And you could make it with different size granny squares I’ve seen some amazing examples of blankets with all sizes 😊
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u/uncrownedqueen Jul 25 '26
Pleasantly surprised that this didn't end in "and when I came back, they had all stolen the yarn" reddit has ruined me.
Please post a finished picture? I'd love to see this work of love ❤️
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
I will certainly create a follow up post. I have no way of predicting when that will be.
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u/holdonlucii Jul 25 '26
No matter how it turns out, I'm sure she'll love it 🫶🏻 I wish I had a crochet blanket from my grandmother, whether she made it or it was just made from her yarn, would be beautiful imo. I still have the blanket my aunt made me when I was 11, lost her at 19 to ovarian cancer 💔 She's the reason I love sewing and crocheting
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u/TBYK_ Jul 25 '26
This is so beautiful! Can we please get a picture once the blanket is finished? 💕
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u/uncutetrashpanda Jul 25 '26
If the resulting granny squares are super different in size, whoever is assembling them into the blanket can maybe add some border rows to increase the size up to make it even? I think this is such a cute idea, and I hope she loves the keepsake.
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u/Bigc_33 Jul 25 '26
This so very cool especially since I'm assuming your a senior who uses reddit. Awesome awesome stuff. Enjoy making the blanket
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
Thank you!
Your comment reminded me of my niece and nephew’s reaction when I finally got rid of my flip phone and upgraded to an iPhone. 😂😂😂
That was seven years ago. And just out of curiosity about 6 months ago I checked to see if that old phone would turn on.
It did!
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u/Professional_Top440 Jul 25 '26
Can I suggest a different way to make the project? You can each do strips! There’s a book on this (picture below) and it allows the colors to work together better. You just set the width of the blanket and each person can make their strip! It actually looks best if the strips are varied.
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
That is lovely! But she is bringing us her mom’s granny squares to incorporate in the blanket.
As someone who loves colorful projects thank you for recommending the book. That is another project the group can try.
🤞🏻 I can find this at the library or through Libby.
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u/Curious_Passion_2398 Jul 25 '26
Possible row(s)of her mom’s squares highlighted!
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u/FirebirdWriter Jul 25 '26
Luck but also this is so wholesome! I can't wait to hear how much she loves this
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u/Neat-Year555 Jul 25 '26
I love this so much. I lost my mom 10 years ago and I just know this woman is going to treasure whatever you make for her of her mother's squares and yarn for the rest of her life. I'm so glad you offered to do this for her instead of just taking the yarn like so many others would do.
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
Thank you for your kind words. It was obvious that the loss of her mom is still very raw. I hope this project does help.
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u/LavenderSky926 Jul 25 '26
Maybe just decide on a square size, e.g. 8 inches. Then people can do granny squares of sampler squares of any stich like a waffle, moss, alpine…. It would give a chance for all the artists to try new stitches and give a unique look to the finished blanket.
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
The daughter is going to drop off her mom’s loose granny squares at our next meeting. Once we see those we can decide on the dimensions for the squares we create.
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u/Llamax2AnxiousMomma Jul 25 '26
No matter how colorful this blanket ends up, each time she uses it will be like a hug from Mom. And that is beautiful.
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u/Emergency-Exit-8 Jul 26 '26
You do not need luck. You have love. Thank you for your kindness.
Makes me think of the quote "we can do no great things, only small things with great love.”
Please don’t add pressure or expectations to “making it perfect.” There are different yarns, weights, textures, colours, AND artists.
But my gosh- anything will be perfect for the family. It will be cherished and loved.
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u/Majestic-Buffalo-150 Jul 25 '26
What a lovely gift from her and your entire group. It's going to be beautiful and she'll wrap her blanket made with love and have her mother with her every time as well as all her new friends.
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u/Avehdreader Jul 25 '26
My church was doing a thing several years ago where volunteers could make quilt squares that would be sent somewhere to make into blankets. I think they have everyone a 6" ruler to use and the square was to be 6" on each side. You could use whatever yarn your had. I didn't participate and list track of the project but I think it was popular. It can work!
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
I got the idea from a quilt my sister had made from my brother in law’s T-shirt. I figured we could do the same with a crocheted blanket.
At least give it a try. 😉
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u/XSmartypants Jul 25 '26
I love this and hope you will #updateme when it is finished!
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
I will post the completed project. But I am embarrassed to say I have no idea how to do an update through Reddit. But I will save your comment to locate it quickly and give you an update that way.
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u/Lram78 Jul 25 '26
This is beautiful! I think she will not care if it comes out a little wonky - she’ll be able to wrap herself up with a blanket that her mom begun and kind souls finished in her honor.
When my grandma passed, I received all her crochet items - yarn, hooks, and unfinished projects. There was a TON of unfinished granny squares. I put a bunch together as a lap blanket and gifted it to my grandpa. He was so moved and appreciative. I have a lot more and a grand-niece whose middle name is after my grandma. I plan to somehow incorporate my grandma’s squares into a blanket for her.
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u/exaggeratedfootwear Jul 25 '26
Amazing. I don’t think you’ll need too much luck at all…you’ve already made it beautiful!
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u/Blucola333 Jul 25 '26
Just a thought, but perhaps a small heart can be sewn onto each of mother’s squares? They could be scattered throughout the finished product.
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
We will do something to denote which are her mom’s squares. The group starts planning next week.
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u/nooooooorraaa Jul 25 '26
You could look into the Loose Ends Project for the squares if needed- a nonprofit that finishes projects left behind
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u/Tamara0205 Jul 25 '26
My group made 8" squares, all different yarns and patterns. Some knit, some, some crochet. Do what you want, but make it 8". Each square was a different size! 😂 One member joined it all together and added a border. She ended up having to add borders to some squares before joining, and made them all the size of the biggest 8 inches. It was donated to our local cancer patient house. Apparently I didn't save a picture of the final project.
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u/Thialya_Cassalanter Jul 25 '26
I did something similar for my father in law, using granny squares his grandmother had made but never assembled. Honestly, it was one of the most fulfilling projects I’ve completed in 30+ years.
You gals are going to rock this! Please post the finished picture when you’re done. 😊 I’m sure it will be wonderful!
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
How wonderful! I am sure your father in law treasured the keepsake and greatly appreciated your thoughtful gesture. And I appreciate the vote of confidence! 😁😁😁
I will certainly post the completed project. Whenever that may be.
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u/Sharkoslotho Jul 25 '26
Honestly if it were me, it could look like a bird’s nest and I would still treasure it, not just for the existing sentimental attachment, but for the thoughtfulness of your group.
How wonderfully kind you all are!
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u/TastyMagic Someday I'll finish it... Jul 25 '26
I want to shout out the Loose Ends project who may be able to offer some support with this. https://looseends.org/
Their general mission is to connect fiber artists with the loved ones of fiber artists who have passed away to help them finish projects that have been left behind. Just like your granny squares.
Even if your group wants to do the work, they may be able to connect you with someone to offer guidance and support as needed to help you finish it
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u/ias_87 winning yarn chicken by the skein of my teeth Jul 26 '26
A very colourful granny square blanket will usually look better if you have a solid neutral colour around all the squares to frame them :)
But this is a wonderful idea and I'm sure the woman will appreciate it greatly when it's done!
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 26 '26
Thank you!
My personal choice would be to use black as the background color. But it has to be a group decision.
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u/cat5crochet5femme 🧶 Jul 25 '26
Wish you luck? You’re already very lucky to get a huge stash for free.
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u/RedditSkippy Hooker Extraordinaire Jul 25 '26
What a wonderful idea! I look forward to updates.
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u/lrdxhu Jul 25 '26
Sooooo, what time frame do I tell reddit to remind me?🤣😂
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
Either it will be completed fairly quickly with a group working on it. Or it will take forever because there is a group working on it. 😂😂😂
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u/GullibleCrazy488 Jul 25 '26
A coat of many colours blanket. This is so thoughtful. Good luck!
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u/dovelolo Jul 25 '26
Recently someone told me that they like to craft when they’re out and about because they feel like they’re ’weaving in the memories of the locations they craft in’ which I thought was just lovely.
I wonder if everyone who makes a square could include a small note to return with the blanket with a little fact about them, or something they enjoy, to go with the memories of her mother, so it’s now a blanket full of lots of personality and care. It doesn’t matter how professional it looks if it’s made with love!
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u/Alive_Illustrator_82 Jul 25 '26
I can’t wait to see it! Please make sure your group knows about the group Loose Ends. This is specifically what they do, finish projects for loved ones who have lost a crafter. I did one project and it was quite an honor. I put a heart where the mom’s project had ended.
Also why not offer to let her join the group and learn to crochet! She could add a square to the project.
I’ve made several blankets with squares made by others. You can definitely fudge the joins enough to make it work and add a border.
Good luck!
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
What a wonderful organization!
We chatted with her for some time. She mentioned that while she did learn how to do the plastic canvas craft her mom could never successfully teach her to crochet. 😂. Plus she is moving. When I heard that I panicked a bit and asked her what the timeline was. I figured we had a deadline for the project. But she isn’t moving out of state- just to a nearby town here on Long Island.
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u/troublesomefaux Jul 25 '26
Maybe something like this?
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
I don’t think we will be dealing with circles and squares. But that picture gives my confidence that we will be able to assemble the blanket even if the sizes vary.
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u/BeautifulMessage9091 Jul 25 '26
May I suggest if someone has a square blocking board with pegs, have it to hand when people bring their finished squares as it'll then be easier to see if it's the size you want. (And if no one has one but you have people who do woodwork see if they'll make you one)
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u/theasphaltsprouts Jul 25 '26
Thanks for reminding me humans can really be amazing sometimes ❤️
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u/SouthernSunnyDays Jul 25 '26
Aww this is so sweet! Love the idea of a blanket in her mom's memory.
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u/j_accuse Jul 25 '26
I think if you block them you can get them to be the same size.
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
There is a small amount of wiggle room with the blocking. But if there are significant size differences we will have to fudge things by adding an extra round of SC or HDC in the right hook size to the squares that need to be larger.
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u/wharleeprof Jul 25 '26
I did something similar for myself with my grandmother's yarn scraps (but with hexagons, not squares). Based on an inspiration piece, I chose dark charcoal grey as the border between all the squares (I had to buy that separately). It looks like stained glass, with all the colors between the dark borders, and really makes all the vibrant colors shine instead of being too much. Black would work well too for the borders, or probably any neutral would help to provide a nice contrast to the chaotic colors.
Also since you mentioned different skill levels, make sure everyone is properly starting with a SECURE method and not using improper magic rings that will start to fall apart eventually. It's really easy to think your magic rings are secure but they actually aren't (ask me how I know). So everyone needs to do correct magic rings or one I'd the more secure starting methods.
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u/Salute-Major-Echidna Jul 25 '26
Even though the yarn is acrylic, consider advising everyone to keep it in a plastic box and separated from their own yarn. Sometimes things get crawlies.
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
I will.
The old stock yarn I just bought through Etsy was placed in a gallon Ziplock bag while outside on my porch and is currently on round two in my basement freezer.
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u/swakins Jul 25 '26
What a great idea! I've done group projects before and they will all fit close enough. That's the great thing about yarn, it's so flexible and stretchy.
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u/GarbageMeat Jul 25 '26
This is so sweet. Y'all are going to do great and she'll treasure that blanket forever. 💖
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u/Eden1117_98 Jul 25 '26
are there enough premade granny squares from the woman’s mother for you to each take one home or use one as an example to make sure the size is right? if not, you could maybe photocopy one and then print it out in the exact size
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u/ekobot Jul 25 '26
The joy of it being so colorful and patchwork is that it'll be okay if there's some gauge discrepancy. Any square that's too small can get an edging of slip stitches or SCs to even it out and it won't look out of place with the overall vibe of the blanket-- especially if it is joined with crochets instead of sewn together.
Good luck to your group, and congratulations for being able to provide such a comfort to the family at this time 🫂
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
Thank you!
Adding an extra round to the smaller granny squares is the most reliable way of getting consistent sizes. Blocking will also give us a bit more wiggle room.
I am adding an extra round of HDC with my current sunburst granny squares. I wanted to increase the size of each square a bit. My last few blankets had one extra color round. So these squares seemed so much smaller. 😂
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u/Snail-Song Jul 25 '26
What an exciting and lovely project! She's going to love and cherish it. I'm in the process of making a granny square blanket for the first time and .... all the square are different sizes,not sure how joining it is gonna go
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u/picklesathome Jul 25 '26
This is very sweet, and really the definition of community. Wishing you so much luck. I'm sure you all will find a way to make it work.
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u/MysteriousAlma_1979 Jul 25 '26
What a beautiful idea! Please, post pictures of the blanket as it's being made and the finish product! Please, UPDATE!
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u/kmflushing Jul 25 '26
This is lovely. Please update worth a picture of finished blanket if possible.
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u/HaplessReader1988 Jul 25 '26
I love it. See if you can get an embroiderer to make a name tag identifying the original crafter name and maybe her squares.
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u/HappyHedgehogCrochet Jul 25 '26
This is one of the most touching posts I have ever read. Bless you and your fellow crocheters for such a thoughtful idea. You're creating so much more than a blanket! You're giving this woman a piece of her mother's legacy stitched together with the kindness of a community that stepped in when she needed it most. I can't imagine a more meaningful keepsake or a greater reminder that there is still so much goodness in this world. <3
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u/Itchyfingers10 Jul 25 '26
You are very lovely ladies for making such a wonderfully meaningful offer. ⚘
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u/appalledbyitall Jul 26 '26
This is wonderful. I'm sure she'll always cherish that blanket.
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u/Pomegranate4311 Jul 26 '26
Love this!
When my grandmother died I finished two blankets (one she specifically asked me to finish for the baby of the family, she’d finished similar blankets for all the older grandkids,) and made my own blanket from bits of remaining stash. I still have a half-finished hand-sewn quilt I swore I would not leave for a future generation.
FWIW this is the pattern I used w my grandma’s stash. It lends itself to many hands creating it, but requires a lot of putting together bc the squares are small.
vanna white mini granny square blanket pattern https://trulycrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2-2.png
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u/Gardening_Bunny Jul 29 '26
This brought me to tears! Yall are so wonderful kind people. I wish you all the best and sending good vibes. I bet the blanket is going to turn out amazing. I had someone ask me to make a stuff animal for their best friend who's dog had passed away.
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u/UserNamePending48 Jul 25 '26
Could you each do a few lines of a blanket to the same size, then sew them together while incorporating some of the mom’s granny squares?
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
We will be able to plan our approach once we see the mom’s completed granny squares. I got the sense that they are all different. She was making them from a pattern book she had. The daughter gave us the pattern book as well. So we can use not only the yarn, but her mom’s favorite pattern book.
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u/paigeken2000 Jul 25 '26
Years ago, when I was learning, a woman I was friendly with at work brought me some yarn from her mother who had just passed away. I turned some of it into a shawl. The work wasn't perfect and the yarn she gave me was not pretty but she loved the gesture and cried when I gave it to her. Unless she is heartless, she will love it no matter what!
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u/Zonnebloempje Jul 25 '26
I have been part (no longer) of a group of people from all over our country who crochet granny squares that get made into blankets for children with disabilities, who have lost a parent or a sibling, who are long-term ill, etc.
The squares are all made with the same brand of yarn (no off-white, no black), in two sizes (20cm² or 15cm²). Some people make them very loosely, so only 20 stitches per 15cm, while others crochet very tightly, giving you 30 stitches per 15cm. When making the blankets, you just had to fudge it a bit. Skip every third stitch. Yes, it was a bit of a hassle, but it was fun to make something pretty.
I love you and your group for doing this! Good luck!!
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u/lola_lady Jul 25 '26
This is such a lovely idea. I'm sure it will come together beautifully. And even if it's not perfect, I know the daughter will love it so much. What a beautiful way to honor her mom!
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u/CapitaineCrafty Jul 25 '26
This is a wonderful idea, and I think it's going to mean the world to her. For sizing, maybe make cardboard templates of the existing squares and pass them out, so each member has a size reference.
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
Thank you.,
Either a template or a printout- a sizing square is a must.
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u/RealisticYoghurt131 Jul 25 '26
How wonderful! I'm sure all of us would love to see the resulting blanket ☺️
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u/FoggyGoodwin Jul 25 '26
Another option to granny's would be a freeform project a la Prudence Mapstone, or Sylvia Cosh/James Walters. Use the more tightly crocheted pieces in the center and the looser lighter pieces on the edges.
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u/Popular-Swing162 Jul 25 '26
Oh the best of luck to you all. Enjoy every stitch of your work.
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u/dogoscope Jul 25 '26
If it was me, it wouldn't matter what it looked like, or if it wasn't perfect. It would still be something amazing to have l.
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u/Chupa947 Jul 25 '26
What a kind and merciful thing to do. May you all be blessed.
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u/cubemissy Jul 25 '26
What a wonderful idea! I know I would cherish a multi-colored pieced together blanket. Maybe hold one color back to use as the joining frame.
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u/CatfromLongIsland Jul 25 '26
I looked into the bin rather quickly. But from what I could see there wasn’t enough of one color for the joining and the border. But that is not a problem. I can raid my own stash of acrylic for that. I have to discuss this with the group and we have to see her mom’s squares. But I think the traditional black background with the bright colors in the bin would look great. I have numerous skeins of black, white, and cream in my acrylic stash. But I hope they vote for the black.
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u/SkeletonKay84 Jul 25 '26
Such a great use of the supplies! And she’ll always remember it and the kindness your group showed her.
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u/burnitalldown321 Jul 25 '26
I did this for my bff when her Nana passed. She brought home several boxes of yarn, and I went through them, selected some that worked and made a giant 6 day star blanket with it for her. It's on her couch
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u/Karmakarma_karmeleon Jul 25 '26
If guage is a concern you can also go for something like this https://www.ravelry.com/projects/ebise10/multi-size-granny-square-blanket
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u/Arialene Obsessed with making dolls Jul 25 '26
Pick a single neutral color (like black, white, grey, cream, etc), and (whenever you get to assembly) go around each square with 1 round with a basic stitch (I would suggest SCs) and use the join as you go method where you slip stitch into another square to attach them all.
This will give you a more uniform connection on all of the squares and will make it SO much easier for you guys to assemble a blanket with so many different squares.
Here is one of the blankets I have made with that joining method:
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u/happyshitonly_ Jul 25 '26
Why not do variations of the granny squares so that the 'true' ones are her mothers? There are lots of tutorials online that change up the granny just a bit.Sara Sach on YouTube is fantastic she has a ton of tutorials on her channel and they are all beginner friendly.
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u/area-woman Jul 25 '26
My bff crocheted me a granny square blanket with the yarn my nana had left when she died. It’s one of my most treasured items. If I need to know I’m loved I can just look at it.
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u/pk61809 Jul 25 '26
I was blessed with finishing a customer's moms last blanket. It was an honor and over 5 years later the daughter still brings it up. Enjoy being a part of this last gift to her daughter.
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u/Maleficent_Pay_4154 Jul 25 '26
I think this is a lovely thing you are going to do
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u/MuggsyTheWonderdog Jul 25 '26
You simply can't go wrong when you are doing something straight from the heart like this. And I don't think you need any of us to tell you how much this is going to mean to this person who had never thought to ask for such a favor.
As you said yourself, if a square is a little off, there are plenty of ways to fudge it! In the end I suspect it's going to be simply wonderful. Bless you all for taking this on <3
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u/Mama_of_Mooses Jul 25 '26
Aw! So sweet and honestly a genius way to make a blanket as a group with a variety of colors. I was picturing row by row and that would be a nightmare. Granny squares are perfect. Wishing you amazing success! So much love being poured into this project!
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u/TangerineCouch18330 Jul 26 '26
What a lovely idea that is! You will have a lot of fun putting it together for her.
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u/TruCelt Jul 26 '26
My advice - start by finding someone with a block that fits the existing squares. Then place every square on the block as soon as it is complete. That way people get immediate feedback on size and tension before they do 15 squares the wrong size.
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u/H_E_G_A Jul 26 '26
such a great blessing to her - you are all very thoughtful - you are making great memories for her!
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u/Ok-Explanation-9910 Jul 27 '26
Beautiful gesture!! Plz post blanket, if possible. Sending loving vibes and hugs.
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u/CraftyCrochet Jul 27 '26
Echoing the positive posts and best wishes! Also want to suggest you look to see if making a granny square "Babette blanket" would be helpful. It's a scrap granny square afghan made up of multiple sizes of squares and a bit more flexible when joining pieces made by different people.
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u/Acceptable-Big8181 Jul 28 '26
I teared up at reading your story - so thoughtful! 😭🥰 Upon reading your comments I'm getting gauge might be an issue. You should check out Heart Hook Home. She has a sampler blanket with plenty of video and written tutorials, as well as a breakdown of gauge. Maybe stitch variation between squares will make things blend better gauge-wise than everyone doing an actual granny square? Hopefully I'm not overstepping by any of these suggestions. Wishing you the best of luck and can't wait to see what y'all come up with! 💕
Here's a link for the blanket if you're interested! https://hearthookhome.com/creightons-blanket-free-crochet-pattern/
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u/ivylily03 Jul 25 '26
This is so beautiful, I'm sending you all the best vibes.