Crafters Anonymous: Traditional crochet designs incorporated in today’s patterns
Traditional granny squares go up a notch when Minion-inspired centers and hearts are used for this crocheted afghan.
Two crocheted chevron baby afghans made by Loretta Park. Differences include number of stitches for the "waves."
I am currently crocheting a baby afghan that has a traditional pineapple motif in the center.
I realized as I worked on it this past week, my grandmothers have always crocheted pineapple doilies, table runners and tablecloths, and I had no idea of the history or the meaning of the pineapple.
This is not my first afghan with the pineapple motif. I have crocheted several over the years, some are lacy and delicate, while others are thicker and seem warmer.
I decided to look up the history of the pineapple motif.
According to a Crochet Spot blog post by Caissa “Cami” McClinton, the crochet pineapple motif became popular in the 1930s and 1940s, even though pattern books dating back to the early 1840s carried pineapple patterns.
Crocheters would make doilies to place in their guest bedrooms or dinner table, according to the blog. The pineapple itself was considered “a welcoming symbol,” McClinton wrote.
BENJAMIN ZACK/Standard-Examiner
A traditional crocheted pineapple motif centers a baby afghan welcoming a little one to the family.
I know the pineapple motif appears complicated but it is rather simple, using double crochet, single crochet and chain stitches.
That blog got me thinking to other “traditional” patterns, like the granny-square.
I remember in the 1960s when it seemed every girl at Willard Elementary had a granny square vest they wore over their dress. I really wanted one, so my Grandma Watts made me one.
Decades later when I was learning to crochet, it was the granny square that hooked me. I joined an online crochet exchange club. Each member was given seven names and addresses. Each member crocheted seven 6-inch squares and mailed them to those on the list.
The first ones I mailed were basic granny squares. Granny squares, which have been around since the 1800s, were traditionally made to use up left-over yarn or wool. They are worked in the rounds and if it is a “traditional” square the first round is black and then each round after that is a different color. The borders of each square are black also. The squares are then sewn together into afghans.
The ones I received in the mail from fellow crocheters were far from basic. Some had flowers in the center, others hearts, butterflies, Santas, Christmas trees, snowflakes, the American flag or pumpkins. I took on the challenge and started searching for patterns that took the granny to the next level.
I recently completed an afghan for a nephew and his wife who were married a year ago. Afghans like this take hours and hours of work. They wanted a “Minion” inspired afghan. Searching Pinterest, I found repeatercrafter.com’s pattern for a “Minion” inspired square that uses the basics of the granny square. I made some of the Minions with two eyes and some with one eye. I also made a few that were purple minions, not just the yellow ones, because we all have bad days. I also included heart squares that are variations of the basic granny square.
My favorite “granny square” afghans I’ve made are the Batman-inspired ones I made for five of my grandsons. My son-in-law drew the basic bat on a graph paper for me and I crocheted one 2-inch granny square for each square on the graph, equally 360 squares total. Each afghan took me more than 60 hours to complete, but, they were for my grandsons.
LORETTA PARK/Standard-Examiner
Batman inspired crocheted afghan using the 360 squares, each 2-inches tall, made by Loretta Park.
Crocheting traditional motifs or designs over the years has helped me feel connected to my grandmothers. I have a crocheted chevron afghan one of my great-grandmothers made me when I was a baby. My grandmothers have crocheted similar afghans for my children. Now I crochet chevron afghans and vintage sweaters for family members.
I guess that is why they are traditional. They keep us connected to the past.
You can reach reporter Loretta Park at lpark@standard.net or at 801-625-4252. Follow her on Twitter@LorettaPark SE or like her on Facebook.