• Home
  • Suggest A DIY
  • DIY Newsletter

Sewing

Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew

  • About CraftGossip
  • Our Network
    • Bath & Body Crafts
    • Candle Making Ideas
    • Crochet Ideas
    • Cross Stitch
    • Edible Crafts
    • Felting Patterns
    • Glass Art
    • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Indie Crafts
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts
    • Knitting Patterns
    • Lesson Plans
    • Needlework
    • Party Ideas
    • Polymer Clay
    • Quilting Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing Patterns
    • Card Making
    • DIY Weddings
    • Not Craft Ideas
  • Giveaways
  • Roundups
  • Store
  • Search

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

Next Pattern:

  • Book Review: The Sewing Book by Alison Smith
  • Book Review: Not Your Gran’s Sewing Book – Sass,…
  • Book Review - Fun Accessories to Sew for Your Dog
«
»

Have you read?

Sewing Pattern – Paper Bag Pants Pattern

The paper bag pants pattern is a favorite of casual chic dressers. It is a super easy project perfect for sewing over the weekend. If you pair it with a cardigan and booties, vans shoes or sandals it is sure to become your favorite outfit when you are hoping to look cool but not overdressed.

Two pockets in the front will ensure you can carry a few things like your phone and wallet.

The elastic waistband gives you room for a curvy bum or gives shape to a flat one. Two pockets in the front and a belted waistband to tie your pants around your waist, tapered legs that fall just above your ankles round up this very comfortable design.

20+ Wide Leg Pants Sewing Patterns for Effortless Elegance and Comfort

Categories

Bags and purses Children's Christmas Easter fleece Free Sewing Patterns Girl's Dress Halloween Hats Home Decor No-sew Pillows Refashions Scrap Fabric sewing Sewing Patterns Sewing Techniques Softies T-shirts Women's

RSS More Articles

  •  Shop Our Favorite Crafting Finds on Amazon! 
  • Sewing Pattern – Paper Bag Pants Pattern
  • Steven Rodrig: Breathing New Life into E-Waste
  • Designer Spotlight: Happy Sloth Patterns
  • What Is Fussy Cutting? How to Use Fussy Cut Designs in Scrapbooking
  • Baby Twizzler Hat Free Knitting Pattern Review
  • Fragrance Oils For Soap Making: How To Choose Scents That Actually Work In Handmade Soap
  • Splash the Large Sea Turtle Crochet Pattern Review
  • How to Make a Floral Frame Shaker Card
  • Where Can You Donate Knitted Trauma Teddies? A Helpful Guide For Charity Knitters

Pick Your Blog

  • Sewing
  • Knitting
  • Quilting
  • Crochet
  • Home & Garden
  • Recycled Crafts
  • Scrapbooking
  • Card Making
  • Polymer Clay
  • Cross-Stitch
  • Edible Crafts
  • Felting
  • Glass Art
  • Indie Crafts
  • Kids Crafts
  • Jewelry Making
  • Lesson Plans
  • Needlework
  • Bath & Body
  • Party Ideas
  • Candle Making
  • DIY Weddings
  • Not Craft
  • Free Craft Projects

Copyright © 2026 · CraftGossip | Start Here | Contact Us | Link to Us | Your Editors | Privacy and affiliate policy