You may have noticed over the last few years that granny squares, popular in the 1960s and 70s, have made a comeback. Apparently they aren't just for blankets anymore.
I always thought granny squares were tacky, but fashion designer Paul Smith's cowl-neck dress, above, may have proved me wrong.
More granny squares on the runway: these creations are by designer Henry Holland.
A granny square handbag, offered at Neiman Marcus, retailed for $2,895. Yikes! And granny squares even made it to the red carpet, as seen on Cate Blanchett wearing a Romance Was Born design by Australian duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales.
Hitting the road: I must admit I'm crazy about this granny-square-embellished bicycle. Isn't it fabulous?
Here is what got me started thinking about these humble squares — a throw blanket I found at the annual giant tag sale in Rowayton. It is heading to my Etsy shop. I like how the squares are combined with cross-stitch roses. A nice touch, don't you think?
And maybe the most famous granny square blanket of all time: the one that graced that hideous plaid couch on the Roseanne sitcom of the late 1980s and 90s.
Granny squares are growing on me, just a little. These days, it's hip to be square.
Susan
Beautiful throw you found Susan. I have mom's granny square throw that she made
during the depression. It is made from
wool thread and has multi-colored squares
with a black background. She had trouble
getting the thread because of the depression. She finally finished it. It
was always on the back of our sofa for as
long as I can remember. I love the granny square bike, and I have never thought of granny square dresses. Pretty neat!!! Oh and I use to have one of those hideous plaid couches, but not quiet that ugly.
Posted by: Elsie | June 04, 2012 at 01:31 PM
I love the granny square bike. How ingenious! As for the granny square everything else - somethings are just meant to be blankets, not high fashion.
Posted by: Ruth | June 05, 2012 at 02:38 AM
My mother still makes granny square throws!
Posted by: Ruth | June 05, 2012 at 10:45 PM
Susan,
Great article and photos. I admit I never liked the Granny Squares until they started making a comeback and now I've stolen my Great Aunt's aphgans from my Mom...lol. I love the kitschy feel of them. The mini dress above is to die for. Love the Neiman's bag too...ditto the bike. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Dorothy Prudie | June 06, 2012 at 06:03 AM