Projects nine and ten are in the bag!

Actually, one is a bag. The other is a set of pillows.

If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that I started my Granny Square Gauntlet (a challenge to crochet 100 squares in 100 days from this book) in mid-July. Part of that challenge is that I have to turn the squares into 10 different projects with only one being allowed to be a blanket.

The goal was to make ten projects, but I’m doing eleven. So, the gauntlet is not quite over yet.

Project 9: Frilly Reversable Pillow Set

These green and purple squares wanted to be many things that weren’t pillows. They wanted to be a baby sweater. They really wanted to be a blanket, but my husband convinced me that I would be breaking my rules, so it’s not a blanket. They were almost leg warmers. Then they were slated to be fun animal pillows, but the pattern was totally AI.

Thus, the Frilly Reversable Pillow Set

For this project I added a round of double crochet to each of the squares used in the 8″ pillow. For the 14″ pillow I sewed four squares together for the front and back using a whip stitch.

Placing the wrong sides together, I crocheted the front and back panels together with a single crochet. (I found it best to do 3 sides and leave the yarn attached while working the second round of frills to make it easier to crochet. Then I was able to finish the final side.)

For the frills, I worked five double crochet in each single crochet around. This is a yarn hog, but the results are fun and worth it.

I did order two pillow inserts for the pillows. I will link the 8″ one here. I will not link the 14″ insert because it honestly was not very good. It was the kind of flat you’d expect of a throw pillow that had been around for a few decades.

These pillows would be great for decoration. I can see the smaller one adding some whimsy to a baby’s crib while the larger pillow rests on a nursing chair. The pillows might be washable, but the inserts are permanent based on the way they were constructed.

Project 10: Granny-style Hobo Bag

I have seen this bag style for years on sites like Pinterest, but I’ve not tried it until now.

The three squares that I made of my 100th square were all that was needed. I did decide to buy a strap for this bag, and it juxtaposes a little elegance against the crafty bag. I’m not sure I would order this exact strap again, but it is quality.

To see how to assemble this bag, simply search “granny square hobo purse” in Google and a number of tutorials will come up.

This bag is not lined, so it would be best used for things like books, but using a large wallet or pencil bag for smaller items would be perfect.

I crocheted a quick strap and sewed on the only button I could find, which was not the size or color I originally wanted, but ended up being perfect. A pop of color on a neutral bag.

You won’t want to miss the final project in the gauntlet or my wrap up, so make sure to come back for those next week.

Keep stitching, Heidi