Book Review: Vintage Granny Squares by Emma Varnam

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

Are you looking to make your first dress or just craving a quick, stylish sewing project? The Simple Shift Dress tutorial from Sew Essential is the perfect starting point! This tutorial walks you through each step of the process, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned sewers looking for a no-fuss yet fashionable creation. Shift dresses are known for their timeless design and flattering shape, making them a wardrobe staple for many. Whether you’re preparing for a casual outing or a special event, this dress can be made to suit any occasion.

What makes this project so beginner-friendly? The instructions are clear, straightforward, and easy to follow. Plus, the pattern is simple, so you don’t need advanced sewing skills to create a stunning dress that looks professionally made. The straight lines and minimal shaping allow for a great deal of customization, so you can tweak the design to fit your personal taste, whether by experimenting with different fabrics or adding fun details like pockets, a belt, or a decorative hem.

For a more comfortable and tailored fit, you can also adjust the sleeve length, neckline, or hemline to suit the season or your style preferences. This shift dress pattern is incredibly versatile, offering you a broad canvas to explore your creativity in garment sewing.

And if you’re wondering about fabric, this project works beautifully with a variety of materials! Lightweight cotton, linen, jersey, or even a heavier fabric for cooler months—this shift dress can adapt to different textures and colors to create a unique piece that reflects your personality.

So, if you’re eager to enhance your sewing skills with a dress that’s both simple and stylish, be sure to check out Sew Essential’s Simple Shift Dress tutorial. This project is sure to build your confidence in dressmaking while delivering a stunning end result you’ll want to wear again and again! Happy sewing!

Free pattern: Simply Shift Dress

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Tutorial: Mod Shift Dress for little girls

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