I did it! I finished 100 squares in under 100 days!

But I’m not done.

The Granny Square Gauntlet will not be complete until three outstanding projects are finished.

If this is your first time reading about my current crochet challenge, make sure you go back and read this post for a refresher of my self-imposed rules. As I post each square, I will post the name and difficulty rating given to each square by Diana Krenz in her book 100 Vibrant Granny Squares, which I’m using for this challenge. Then I will give my difficulty rating and notes about the yarn I used and any new stitches, etc., that I encounter. See squares 1-2 here and squares 3-5 here and 6-11 here and 12-19 here and 20-25 here and 26-31 here and 32-40 here and 41-46 here and 47-50 here and 51-52 here and 53-55 here and 56-66 here and 67-73 here and 74-82 here and 83-86 here and 87-90 here and 91-96 here.

Let’s take a look at the last for squares.

The squares

Firefly Dance Square (97/100)

Difficulty rating: Boss Level

My Rating (1-5): 4

Yarn: Herrschners 2-ply Baby Yarn in various colors

Hook: D (3 mm)

This is the only square in the book labeled with five stars, which the author calls “Boss Level.” Her description of this level is “true brain teasers. Expert highly technical construction that delivers peak mindful crafting mode.” Mindful crafting. I began this square during our college ministry with conversations all around me. This was probably a square better left to silence.

In all seriousness, it was complicated, but still doable. I managed to do the square without stitch markers (I don’t even know where mine are), but she included stitch markers in her instructions to make the beginning placement of the rows more clarity. I understand why she labeled it boss level. The amount of intricacy in the first seven rounds alone was insane. You should have seen the amount of ends I had to weave in!

I’m going to claim the title “Crochet Boss” from here on out though. Seriously.

Magdelena Square (98/100)

Difficulty rating: Extra Advanced

My Rating (1-5): 3.5

Yarn: Herrschners 2-ply Baby Yarn in various colors

Hook: D (3 mm)

This square, which the author dedicated to her grandmother who taught her how to crochet, might have become my new favorite square. Each little detail is so interesting. And on the 98th square, she introduced yet another way to construct the center adding even more variety to the squares.

I have learned so much about crochet construction from these patterns. Each round serves as a set up for the next in order to create intricate and interesting squares.

This might be Krenz’s grandmother’s square, but it’s not your grandmother’s granny square, if you know what I mean. This is a long way from the simple granny stitch.

Annabelle Square (99/100)

Difficulty rating: Extra Advanced

My Rating (1-5): 3.5

Yarn: Herrschners 2-ply Baby Yarn in various colors

Hook: D (3 mm)

This is the last square in the book (I did them slightly out of order). After the previous two, it looked much easier. And after the training on the stitches throughout the book, it wasn’t bad. The only thing I noted on this square was that it has slight cupping and should be blocked. I think the cupping happens with single crochet rounds that I work too tightly. Nothing a little time on the blocking board can’t fix.

And…

Drumroll please.

Sweet Mystery Square (100/100)

Difficulty rating: Extra Advanced

My Rating (1-5): 3.5

Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable and Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice

Hook: H (5 mm)

I loved this square so much, I made it three times! Actually, I planned it that way based on a project.

I pulled three skeins of worsted weight yarn out of my stash that had been there for some time. I honestly wasn’t sure if the yarn was still available, but it is! I used a slightly smaller hook than called for, which made the squares a little tighter and in need of blocking, but it will work when you see what the project is.

100 Squares

I could almost cry as I type this last bit. I did it! I don’t know that I ever doubted I could, but the feeling of accomplishment is unreal. What do 100 squares look like? Scroll down to find out!

In the next week or so, I hope to post the final three projects and a final wrap up on my thoughts of a challenge that I just made up one day in an effort to blog more.

Keep stitching and stay tuned, Heidi (aka the crochet boss)