Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Start of Sunburst Granny Squares

When I saw Sarah London's Sunburst Granny Squares I fell in love.
I knew I had to make them.
But, being such a newbie at crocheting, I wasn't sure I could figure out the directions.

Yesterday, on the 7 hour drive home from Phoenix I had uninterrupted quiet time to study the instruction sheet and practice, practice, practice.
While Mr. Cactus wound his way through the Arizona, Nevada and Utah deserts, I kept my focus on my notes.

I had done a little research before making this trip.
Sarah gave us a link to Priscilla Hewitt's pattern for the Sunburst Granny.
And, I have become a big fan of You-Tube videos where there are step- by- step crochet tutorials for every stitch.

But watching and doing are two different things.
Mr. Cactus had to listen to me whoop and holler as I actually made a block that looked something like the original design.
What can I say? This was a big moment for me!
I can crochet! I am a Crochet-er!

There was a lot of startings and stoppings, and pulling out's, but I think I have it now. I can see a few "fixes" that still need to be done.
My work is not as uniform as Sarah's, but with time and practice I know I will improve.
Most of all I'm having fun.
What is there about creating and learning a new skill that is so fulfilling?

As I read quilt blogs, there are many people out there who have started to crochet. Do you think there is a resurgence of the art?

Many are making traditional granny squares. I like them too, but the Sunburst block really called to me.

I can now make a "Cluster" stitch. Whoohoo!

And a "Puff" stitch! Whoohoo!
My next challenge is to discipline myself to stay on task with my other work, and not lock myself away to make Sunburst square... after Sunburst square...after Sunburst square.

15 comments:

Material Mary said...

Nedra, this is an exciting adventure for you. Your crochet looks terrific--by golly I think you have got this down!!
Mary

Carin said...

Nedra they are fantastic! Great job.

Shaunab said...

Way to go!! These look great.

Carol said...

OMG they're wonderful! CLAPPING for you!

Cardygirl said...

Looks great...might have to give them a try!

Nat Palaskas said...

Nedra, you did a great job on the Granny Squares! It shows all the happiness in them. Lovely white border shows them off even more. Love them - Nat

Kim Walus said...

Looking good! You are definitely a crocheter. You should be very proud of yourself. Awesome!!!

Micki said...

Thanks for the link to the pattern. That is a great site! I love to crochet, and you did a great job! I am making an afghan now, and will use that for my quilt.
Micki

Lori Holt said...

Nedra...
I love your clusters and puffs!...lol
Your crochet looks really wonderful my friend...and I'm glad you are having such a great time with it. I agree...it's always so fun learning something new.
and I didn't know that crochet went out of style...so how can it come back in?...lol
xx
lori

Abby and Stephanie said...

Yippee for you! I heart grannies. They're beautiful.

Shannon said...

You do beautiful work, I don't think there is room for improvement. I love the colors you have chosen.

Charlotte said...

I am just learning myself - it looks like you did a fantastic job to me!

Unknown said...

Love your granny squares. Crochet was one of the first crafty things my mom taught me. You did a great job.

Linda said...

Ooh, your blocks are so cute. You're doing great...I know what you mean about staying on track with other projects. When I am trying to learn something new, I get focused on it and don't want to do anything else. I have to stop myself from doing that. I think crocheting might be on an upswing right now too. Alot of my friends are starting to crochet too. Have fun with it.

Nanette Merrill said...

Isn't it funny how everything old is new again. I remember my mom making granny square afghans. And hating them. But I LOVE the granny squares now. There is something so charming. Yours are lovely.