craft night

I usually try to spend at least one night of each week getting my crafty juices flowing. I've found during busy times in my life that if I go for more than one full week without creating something with my own two hands I turn into a grumpy old lady (and who wants to hang out with a grumpy old lady??). Some nights I'll dive into my ever expanding 'to be altered' pile and get to work with the sewing machine while other nights I'll get cuddle up on the couch with my latest knitting project and a good movie.

Recently I've been having more craft nights than usual. I recently taught myself to crochet from some books and with a little help from a co-worker and I haven't been able to stop since. So far so good:



These arm warmers were incredibly simple to make. So simple in fact that I taught my roommate, Saumer, how to make them the next night.

Arm warmers are all well and good, but what I really love about crocheting (versus knitting) is THE GRANNY SQUARE. There's something about the granny square that is the epitome of CRAFT in my mind. So last night I popped in Kill Bill vol. 1 and started searching for granny square patterns on the Internet. I soon came to realize that I am awful at following patterns (both knitting and crochet). I am way too impatient for them. So after many attempts I finally made one that looked half way decent:



Now I only have a hundred or so more to go until I can crochet them together and make a blanket...
Now here's a question for all you crafters out there: How do you get your granny squares looking tight and compact? I feel as though my singular GS is very holey and loose. Maybe that's because I haven't had as much practice as an experienced GS artist, but maybe there's a trick or two out there that will help me for future GS craft nights...

Here are my first unsuccessful attempts:







Even though these aren't official 'Granny Squares' I think they'll look pretty good sewn onto a wool scarf or cardigan. I love the colors I used and plan to make the entire afghan with fall colors.