Some Things a Granny Square Can Do

My first full-fledged crocheted garment was a jacket made of two giant granny squares, crocheted together into a 'T' formation. The two squares were seamed together to form the spine, the opposite edges left open as the front of the jacket. The sleeves and collar were crocheted off this form while working a sc edging round the whole shebang.
I wouldn't mind remaking it. Or even finding it so I could wear it on the cool days to come.

I think the most important thing to keep in mind when experimenting with granny squares is this:
Granny Squares can be...
squares
rectangles
diamonds
two triangles together

The Strangest Yarn Ad In History

[click to enlarge]

Needlework Ads #9

"Get a Hand for your Handbags"
Columbia-Minerva ad from the mid-seventies.
My stereotypicaly cutting Ballet Master would have told me I was going nowhere in life for turning my leg in like the girl in this ad. Or maybe that I danced like an ostrich who couldn't catch a man.

"Burning up the Town" Nothing fires imagination and creativity faster than feltpoint kits form Columbia-Minerva. It's the hottest rage of the season. Beatutiful, easy-to-make creations are such fun to make, you'll want to to try several at once. There's something to warm the hearts of all you love. Choose bold, dramatic patterns of today or soft, nostalgic designs of yesteryear. Visit your favorite needlecraft shop today, and let Columbia-Minerva Feltpoint kits light your fire. 1974

I love these Columbia-Minerva Ads!!!

Swatch Notebook #5

I am not very good at using variegated yarns for stranded colourwork.
I find it really difficult to find a solid that consistently contrasts with all of the variegated yarn's permutations. Is using two variegateds at opposite points of their repeat cheating? I haven't made up my mind yet.
Have you any tips on picking a solid?

Noro sock yarn
8.5sts per inch
-Yes, I think it's cheating, but the result is sortof undeniable.

Opal solid,
Zitron Trekking varigated (?)
7st per inch.
I think this worked fairly well.

Vintage Needlework Ads #8

Losers?? *sniff*

Knitters can be so sarky. And snarky. Why does knitting attract certain personalities? There are several clearly defined personalities who I see in the store over and over again. A really broad cast of characters. No wonder we have knitting themed novels and murder mysteries out. That and the fact that these books are one more knitting related thing that isn't hasn't anything to do with actually knitting (if you know what I mean). Now I'm being snarky. I should cut it out; apparently I'm going to be on Live at 5, our local pre news show tonight. Talking about Ravelry-can you believe it? The piece is on social networking sites, so the came to the one girl not on Facebook.

-"One for the Losers" Knit Kaddy ad circa 1972

Vintage Needlework Ads #7

The first paper one writes for a TKGA Master of Knitting Title is an eager beaver ode to Blocking, Washing, and Caring for knitware. When I wrote mine, I could barely contain myself and ran on and on for pages. While I respect the people who make use of these finishing steps as a way to honour their work and who like the preciousness, the old-timeyness of blocking, I also kind of respect the folks who can't be bothered with blocking at all.
I myself enjoy the forced domesticity of the thing, the special tools, chemicals and potions, and the excuse to 'never be quite done' with a piece.

I like these snappy ads for 'easy care' yarns too...

Click to Enlarge.

Bucilla Superwash Ad Circa 1972
I love this one!

Dupont Ad for new fibre blends; Orlon, Sayelle and Wintuk.

Circa 1975