If you've read my blog for a while, then you know how much I like to make string quilts from scraps, and that I've even been known to take a piece of fabric from the wastebasket to use in a block. I've discovered, while going through boxes of works in progress, that scraps can be more than fabric.
From past crocheting projects I've accumulated several balls of soft yarn. They are much too pretty to throw away! So they're going to be made into scrappy granny squares, put together as a baby afghan, much the same way I would use strings in a quilt.
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However, there are two things I don't like about granny squares: 1)Setting them together, and 2)in this scrappy form there are LOTS of yarn tails on the back of the square to work in which will take a while. But with the help of a needle threader and a crewel embroidery needle with a large eye, it can be done ~ with patience. Or, maybe you can tell me an easier way to work them in.
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Now, back to my question, am I being frugal, or just cheap?
Think about it,
Charlotte
I think using what you have to make something beautiful is what handwork and crafting is all about.
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly not cheap but wise and pretty and made with care.
Oh, Charlotte...this is too funny! To think we both wrote about being "frugal" with yarn on the same day! Of course, I could never call you "cheap" because then, well...something about the pot calling the kettle...
ReplyDeleteAnyhoo...I love granny squares as well...but struggle with putting them together. Great way to be "frugal" though!
Hugs,
Laura
Granny squares are so cozy.
ReplyDeleteNo I believe in using them also. You never cease to amaze me on how creative you are and talented. I sure would love to see the finished product. I love Granny Squares.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely just frugal. The world would be a different place if everyone thought more like you. I love granny squares...brings back memories.
ReplyDeleteWaste not, want not. I save scraps too!
ReplyDeleteI cast another vote for frugal. :) The squares are very pretty.
ReplyDeleteFrugal = Smart! Waste not, want not, you know? Too many things are just tossed these days and doing something so cute and creative with the leftovers is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI think you should try setting them together with your sewing machine. maybe there's some type of big stitch you could use. Just line them up side by side, and stitch on the top! LOL Worth a look maybe?
You are being smart! I too hate to put them together--love to make them though as they are an easy "carry along" project.
ReplyDeleteNeither frugal or cheap, in my eyes your very creative. The granny squares will make a very sweet baby blanket.
ReplyDeleteUse it up
ReplyDeleteWear it out
Make it do
Or do without!
This is an old saying in our family. I think it comes from our Mennonite roots.
I have a granny square throw that I bought at a garage sale, and I just love it. It's so warm and cuddly on cold winter evenings, and the quilter in me loves the look. It's just something about the mix of colors that appeals to me. Someone will love that piece that you're making now. Maybe several someones.
I tend to believe "cheap" is when others are taken advantage of in order for the "cheap" person to save a few $$, like borrowing money and never paying it back, mooching things off other people when one could afford to buy it ones' self and so on. Putting something you already have to good use is just smart.
Hope you're staying warm. Hugs, Ilene
Oh, my. Your photos brought back SO many memories! I made baby afghans JUST LIKE THAT for several friends who had babies before my son was born. And then, I made one for him. Yes, granny squares are a bit of work, but they make such a beautiful afghan!
ReplyDeletePS: My mother always used a crochet hook to pull the tails through. I think she left the tails long enough so that she could clip them off once she had them pulled through enough of the stitches in the back. This way she didn't have to thread that pesky yarn on a needle. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteI think you're just plain smart. Your granny square are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI love having a stash of bits of different colors of yarn or fabric.The scraps are such a fun inspiration sometimes.
The setting the squares together and working in the yarn tails are an aggravating necessary evil. They do eat up a lot of the fun time that could be better spent making squares.
I look forward to seeing your updates & finished baby afghan.
I would say frugal and smart!
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you!
Blessings :-)
I think it is being frugal and a wise steward. The granny squares are such a pretty color for a baby. Could you possibly crochet the blocks together? Nancy
ReplyDeleteGoogle flat braid join and watch one of the YouTube videos. This is the method I plan to use on my next project. I haven't done it before but it seems easy enough and looks nice also.
ReplyDeleteYou are being creative, using what you have or find. Anyone can go to a store and buy bay yarn. Cheap is selfish, frugal is giving and being able to give because you were frugal to begin with.
ReplyDeleteThis will make such a beautiful little blanket! I second the idea about using a crochet hook to weave the ends in; sure beats having to thread a needle so many times.
ReplyDeleteAs for cheap or frugal - whichever you are, you passed it on to me. I often joke that I "grew up in the Great Depression" and can't throw away perfectly good stuff that might be useful someday.
I think you are
ReplyDeletejust plain smart
and creative...
Hi , thought I'd pop back over and thank you for your comment on mine. My daddy used to shot them as well. They'll destroy a garden real quick. Hope your weather is improving. We're in for another big storm this week. I'm ready for spring. lol. You take care and stay warm. Hugs
ReplyDeleteFrugal and very wise! It is so refreshing to see something so pretty being used and not wasted. Beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful that you are using what you have, rather than throwing it away. Some of the prettiest quilts I have seen have been made with only tiny squares. Cant wait to see your pretty baby afghan with this!
ReplyDeleteI love the beautiful colors of the yarn. The granny squares are so pretty. I think you are smart to make something beautiful out of the yarn.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day Charlotte. Hope the weather is not as bad in your neck of the woods. We've been snowed in this week but it melted some today and coming back in tonight. Whewww, bring on Spring. Hugs, xo
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea! To a crafter nothing ever goes to waste. We are two peas in a pod!
ReplyDelete