Granny Square Crochet Restoration

My birthday month was full of fun and celebrations and even included several things from my bucket list. I have travelled all over the world, so my list is not about where to go but what is left to do. I accomplished one or two of these items in August, which was rewarding, and I am proud of myself!

National Granny Square Day

The first week in August a message on the internet informed me that August 15 is now National Granny Square Day. Since my next demo was coming up August 14–17 at the Folk Art Center, I prepared for the occasion with a flyer, my huge granny square triangle, and two granny square jackets displayed on the wall. They sparked many conversations and allowed me to talk about thread lace work and the Italian nubby cotton thread I used for these projects.

Visitors are always curious about background information on unique projects. Granny squares remain one of the best ways to use up small amounts of leftover yarn and thread. I prefer making small thread squares all in one color and then mixing them into larger projects—like playing with blocks and designing wearable art.

Irish Lace Memories

Other conversation pieces were my Irish Lace topper and Irish Roses shawl. Sharing what makes Irish lace unique—each county in Ireland having its own flower or filigree design—was new and exciting for visitors. These memories take me back to summers in Belfast and Dublin, attending university and always carrying my hooks. My host families quickly understood once they saw the heritage pieces I created. Such good memories!

A Chevron Blast from the Past

About that same time, Afghan crochet was very popular in Germany, as well as colorful chevron repeats. In August, I restored one of these vintage beauties from the 1950s. While most of it seemed to be Orlon, I discovered some rows of wool with tiny holes. This confirmed my suspicion of mixed fibers, which can complicate care. Matching colors is fun, but fiber compatibility is just as important when creating a new project.

Grandma Hobbies Revived

The revival of crochet and knitting is a trend online. We fiber lovers know the joy well—it’s creative, soothing, and now proven to relieve digital burnout. Neuroscience shows tactile pastimes can help preserve brain health by engaging memory, attention, and motor skills while reducing stress. As National Geographic notes, “a cognitive challenge doesn’t have to be big or lofty—what is critical is to give your brain a challenge it hasn’t mastered yet.” More reasons to pick your next project!

Parkway Progress & Heritage Weekend

Great news: the Blue Ridge Parkway is now open from the Arboretum to Mt. Pisgah and the Pisgah Inn—18 miles of progress! Soon, we hope for the opening north toward Craggy Gardens, making it much easier for visitors to reach the Folk Art Center. Just in time for our Heritage Weekend, September 20–21. Last year Hurricane Helene cancelled the event a week later, so this year feels extra special. Please join us!

Join us September 20–21 at the Folk Art Center for two full days of craft demonstrations, traditional music, and hands-on activities that honor the rich traditions of the Southern Highlands. Meet the makers, enjoy live performances, and connect with the heritage that inspires our region’s creativity.

Folk Art Center – Milepost 382, Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville, NC
10 AM–5 PM | Free Admission

For more information and the program, go to: southernhighlandguild.org/events

In the meantime, enjoy the kids going back to school and make time for self-care. Pick a fun project and know it’s good for you. Let’s revive the “Grandma Hobbies” with something special from the past!

“I do what I love and I love what I do.”

– Rita de Maintenon