A crochet classic & caravan essential….the granny blanket

One of the great favourites of retro/vintage caravanners is the crochet granny blanket.

Up until now I have always bought them…always keeping half an eye out in charity shops, on ebay, or from the back of my Mums unbelievably organised & tidy airing cupboard. They always seem to have been around, their colours either picking up the trends of the day or being genuinely happy events of left over & remnant lengths of wool.

There are several of them that feature in our book, they seem to sit happily in different styles and eras. From late 1930’s oak lined “Country Cottage on wheels “ style of the oldest caravan we feature to the 50’s post war economical, but cosy domestic “Constance”, to my own 1970’s looking but actually early 80’s orange & brown retro- furnished tiny Monza 1000.

There is just something about these random, homespun, typically English blankets that suits caravan life.

I first had a go at crocheting one years ago, when I was at primary school….it was a charity event of each person knitting a square & then we all stitched it together…….the randomness of the colour & haphazard patchwork, & the communal activity was tremendous….one of those simple but meaningful everyday memories.

 

 

So, I was really happy this week to be reminded of this, & the joy of this style of blankets when I came across makedomend.blogspot.com a gorgeous looking blog with a very modern take on knitting & crochet.

Run by two very talented & inspiring textile designers who now teach & run workshops where you can learn to crochet, make squares of your own of varying styles, even no longer squares but hexagons and other shapes. The next beginners event is at The Gallery Café, Bethnal Green on Thursday 25th February, from 6-8pm, tea & cakes are available too. The fee for the class is £15.

If you already know the basics the slightly more advanced one is at The Tea Rooms in Stoke Newington on Thursday 11th March at 7-9pm, fee £25.

All materials are provided, and include a crochet hook, tea & cakes are included at the Stoke Newington evening.
You can book by email makedomend@live.co.uk

Clare & Bee who run make Do mend are textile designers, craft teachers and also write knitted and craft books.
I think its definitely the beginners class for me!

Their blogspot is a delight, enjoy having a look and get inspired to start your own project.