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Book Review: Vintage Granny Squares by Emma Varnam

March 17, 2025 by Anne Weaver

I remember as a kid watching my grandmother crochet granny squares. I don’t even know what she was using them for, I just remember watching her build those colorful squares of yarn stitches. It was so much fun watching the colorful squares emerge from scrap yarn.

I am far from the only one who loves a granny square. Started in the center and worked round after round to create a square (or circle, or hexagon, or any other shape), granny squares are the ultimate yarn project building block. The granny square is the star of the book Vintage Granny Squares: 20 Crochet Projects with a Retro Vibe by Emma Varnam.

All I can say is, this book is absolutely adorable, y’all. The projects are colorful, creative, and all with a fun retro vibe.

All of the projects in this book are based on a basic granny square. There are bags, blankets, accessories, even a cute top. Or how about a pair of fingerless mittens made from granny squares?

But my favorite project in the book has got to be that project basket featured on the front cover. At 9 ½” wide and 11” tall, it’s the perfect size to hold a yarn project or two.

Granny squares are the ultimate portable crochet project. Squares stack neatly and take up little space in your project bag. You can stitch up all the squares you need for the project before sewing them all together.

Granny squares are also a super fun way to use up those leftover bits of yarn, which all seem to have laying around. Why not use these scraps to stitch up a colorful and fun bag or accessory?
You’ll find some great granny square inspiration in Vintage Granny Squares: 20 Crochet Projects with a Retro Vibe.

Publisher: GMC Publications (March 4, 2025)
Language: English
Paperback: 144 pages
ISBN-10: 1784946796
ISBN-13: 978-1784946791

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Discover 10 Must-Read Books That Will Inspire Your Love for Sewing

If you’re passionate about sewing, then you won’t want to miss the Books That Have a Sewing Theme post on Pink Hollybush Designs. This carefully curated list of books isn’t just about fabric and thread, it’s about the art and culture of sewing, offering inspiration, stories, and even sewing tips through beautifully crafted pages.

From novels where sewing plays a central role to insightful books that explore the history and techniques of sewing, this list has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for new reading material to fuel your sewing passion or want to dive into sewing-related fiction, these books offer a rich mix of creativity and craftsmanship.

As a sewist, you’ll love the unique perspective these books bring to the world of sewing. Each one can spark fresh ideas for your next project or offer a deeper understanding of the sewing community. Plus, it’s always fun to combine your love for crafting with a great story!

Check out the full list of sewing-themed books on Pink Hollybush Designs and find your next favorite read. Click here to explore the list.

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