I think we’ve all started with, or made a granny square early on in our crochet journey. My second project was actually a big granny square blanket. And although the square seems simple, the variations are endless. Shelley Husband from Spincushions thought so too, and she created over 50 patterns and projects, all based on that one simple square. Today I’ll be reviewing her new book, ‘Granny Square Flair‘ which was published on July 20th this year. Read on!

Granny Square Flair

As you would expect from a book with over 50 motifs, it’s quite big with no less than 108 pages. And while it’s always attractive to skip over the explanatory chapters and go straight to the patterns, it really pays off to have a look at the first few pages of the book. Shelley has clearly explained all the little ‘need-t0-knows’, which include info on hook sizes, yarns, stitches and little tips and tricks to help your squares look better. As Shelley herself says:

While not a “learn to crochet” book, I have provided a lot of hints and tips to create beautiful, seamless crochet and if the basics are known, any adventurous crocheter will be able to use the patterns in the book.

Besides, the tips are not only applicable to the patterns in the book, but to other projects as well.

And then, the squares! It won’t come as a surprise that the book is filled with all different kinds of squares. Lace squares, solid squares, flower squares, you can find them all. Each square has been written out and charted. For each square, colour and yarn suggestions are also given and photographed. This really helps to give you an impression of how the square looks like in different colourways. Colour can make such a difference. I mean, the solid potholder below looks beautiful in blue, but you can imagine that the same potholder in ombre colours, for example, looks very different.

Hot shot potholder from ‘Granny Square Flair’ by Shelley Husband, photo by Jo O’Keefe

The squares are all about 6″, so that means that you can mix and match them and make a huge patchwork blanket. Hint: there are gorgeous pics of one in the book!

Granny Flair Projects

Shelley has dedicated a large section of the book to the projects that you can make with the various squares. When somebody asks me what to make with motifs, my first thought is always ‘blanket’ or ‘pillow’. But it’s nice to remember that there’s so much more than blankets out there, ha!

Melbourne wrap from ‘Granny Square Flair’ by Shelley Husband, photo by Jo O’Keefe

Like this gorgeous wrap. Don’t you just love how comfortable this looks!?

Dahlia scarf from ‘Granny Square Flair’ by Shelley Husband, Photo by Jo O’Keefe

and I love this scarf! Full disclosure, I’m a little bit biased because the yarn Shelley used here is the Scheepjes Our Tribe ‘Haak maar Raak’ (my colourway!), haha!

I can’t help but show you this blanket too:

Prism Lap blanket from ‘Granny Square Flair’ by Shelley Husband, photo by Jo O’Keefe

Those colours are just stunning. Instant happiness!

All the details

The verdict? Shelley has created a lovely book filled with beautiful squares. Just by flicking through the pages and having a look at the project you can’t help but get inspired. There are two versions of the book available: An US, and an UK version. While the projects in both books are the same, the crochet terms are either US or UK terms, so you can pick whichever you feel most comfortable with.

The book is available as a hardcopy ($29.99) and as E-book ($14.99). If you’re located in Australia, you can purchase the book directly through Shelley’s website (if you want to support designers in their crafts, really consider buying from them directly!) If you’re located elsewhere, you can find the book through other retailers such as:

You can purchase the PDF E-book from Shelley’s website too (scroll down a little bit), no matter where you are located.

If you don’t already, definitely follow Shelley through @Spincushions on Instagram! She shares the most delightful projects and pictures, so it’s a win for your feed.

Giveaway


Shelley has generously offered one hardcopy book for one of my followers to win! All you need to do to win is answer the following question:

Which project would you make with a (granny) square?

You get brownie points (i.e. an additional entry!) if you follow Shelley and Haakmaarraak on Instagram. Let me know in the comments on this post, and also whether you’d like a US or UK version of the book. The giveaway will run until midnight on August 7th (GMT+1). After that, I’ll pick a winner who will receive the book! The giveaway is open worldwide.

Enjoy!

— update —

The giveaway is now closed! Thank you for all your enthusiastic comments! And now on to the winner: Maria Alvisio! Congratulations Maria, I’ll be in touch with you shortly!

Comments

Diana
Just gorgeous! I am still dreaming of a vintage kinda square blanket. I think this book would make a good starting point. Love your review, it gives a great overview. This book is definitely going to be on my wanted list. July 31, 2018 13:10 - Reply
Carrie
I would love to make a blanket for my mom for Christmas. I’d also use US version and I follow you both on INstagram. Also your post says the giveaway end jul 7 but was posted today jul 31 July 31, 2018 13:20 - Reply
Birgit Hartjes
Mooie winactie! Ik zou heel graag voor mezelf een granny deken willen maken. Heb al verschillende gehaakte dekens, maar nog niet een met granny squares. De granny's uit dit boek zijn ook wel next-level, super leuk! Ik zou me het best redden met de US versie denk ik.
Jou volg ik al op IG, Shelley ga ik zeker volgen! July 31, 2018 13:23 - Reply
Dee Jefferson
All of the teaser pics are beautiful. I think I’d start with the hot shot pot holders for gifts and then make a prism blanket for myself. July 31, 2018 13:46 - Reply
KimVdw
I have 2 old, small stools in dire need of new covers. Granny squares would be perfect. And while I'm at it, I would make matching cushions for the couch. My preference goes to the UK version. July 31, 2018 13:49 - Reply
KimVdw
Oh, I do follow both of you on IK (@kimvdw) August 07, 2018 07:35 - Reply
Maria Alvisio
Beautiful and inspiring projects! I love small projects and big ones, from potholders to blankets, I enjoy all of them. I would prefer the US version. I live in Argentina so I would prefer the digital version, in the case I were so lucky to win the giveaway book. I am looking forward to it and happy as always to see the beautiful and colourful projects you make.
PD you say it expires on July 7th. I received your post only today. Could it be so? July 31, 2018 14:01 - Reply
EllieRaine
I follow both in Instagram & Facebook and I’m just blown away by how colourful their work is.
If I won the book I’d go straight to the pattern for the Prism blanket. So bright and colourful!
I’d also like the UK version please. July 31, 2018 14:04 - Reply
Julie
I love to make the Melbourne Wrap. July 31, 2018 14:20 - Reply
Jackie
I love the look of the Melbourne wrap, what a neat idea! Would love to win a US version of this book for sure July 31, 2018 14:53 - Reply
Monique
My first thought was a blanket, but after seeing the shawl and scarf, I might give that a try with granny’s as well.
If I would win I would like to get the US version. July 31, 2018 14:59 - Reply
Elizabeth Kalka
Oh I love me a granny square! LOL I would make blankets (my favorite). I follow both you and Shelly on IG (user name is @lavenderlizard). If I am lucky enough to win, I would request the US version please. Thank you!! July 31, 2018 16:27 - Reply
Trisha Smith
What a pretty book. I'd love to make a blanket. I envision it to be vintage-ish, using colors that look "faded." I'd love the US version. I follow you on Instagram. What a wonderful giveaway! July 31, 2018 17:00 - Reply
Danijela
Amazing giveaway!!!!I would make Melbourne Wrap,thank you for the chance to win it,us version.I follow you both on instagram for some time now. July 31, 2018 17:20 - Reply
Michelle N
I would love to make my Mother a blanket, with lots of texture and colours. I would use several patterns from this book to make the perfect blanket for her. Thank you for this wonderful offer. July 31, 2018 17:41 - Reply
Jane
I would definitely make the Prism Lap blanket. I am passionate about granny square blankets!! Have followed you both on Instagram. July 31, 2018 18:19 - Reply
Debbie R
I absolutely love the Melbourne Wrap! It is stunning. US girl here. July 31, 2018 18:34 - Reply
Barbara Seiver
I'm tempted to make the Melbourne Wrap. I think it might even be appreciated in our church's Shawl Ministry. Hope I win the US version, please. July 31, 2018 18:43 - Reply
Ingrid Terpstra
Granny square flair heeft mijn hart veroverd. Ik ben ge"wrapped" door je enthousiaste blog! Ik zou eerst voor de "potholder" gaan in verschillende kleuren en daarna de Melbourne Wrap...en zo verder. Ik hou erg van granny's!! July 31, 2018 19:02 - Reply
Anna
I have no idea why I did't liked you on Instagram earlier... My mistake!
I love making wraps and your review inspired me to use giant squares for that.

I would love to get US version July 31, 2018 20:31 - Reply
Marlies
Wat een toffe give away! Ik volg Shelley al lange tijd op IG en ze maakt prachtige dingen. Ik zou heel graag met het boek (US version) aan de slag willen gaan en van er een vrolijke vlaggenlijn van verschillende motieven mee willen maken. July 31, 2018 22:55 - Reply
Irene B
I really like to make the Melbourne wrap but would likely start with the pot holders as I haven't done a lot of crochet. July 31, 2018 23:22 - Reply
moois van mie
I'm dreaming of making an blanket one day. But It's to much work for the little time I have nowadays.But I sure with like to make another pillow case! July 31, 2018 23:32 - Reply
Mary L
Would love to make the Melbourne wrap before cool temps arrive in Texas. If not, I’ll just have to continue to use my Hygge wrap a fabulous designer came up with last year. August 01, 2018 02:26 - Reply
Judy
I'd love to make the Melbourne Wrap. It looks so beautiful and would be lovely to snuggle up in at this time of the year in Adelaide, South Australia. August 01, 2018 06:15 - Reply
Melanie Rix
I would make a prayer shawl for my oldest sis to wear when she quilts. I would love a US version copy of this nifty-sounding book. Thank you for keeping us informed of all the new publications out there! August 01, 2018 09:41 - Reply
Hanneke van Dijk
Still looking for the perfect square to make a kimono with! August 01, 2018 09:46 - Reply
Hazel Baker
What a gorgeous book! I’d make some cushion covers, I started knitting some but it is taking forever and I’m tempted to frog them and start again in crochet. I’ve followed you both on Instagram (I’m fairlyfairy104 on there). UK version preferred but equally happy with US version as can use both terms. Thank you both for such a lovely giveaway - I feel inspired August 01, 2018 11:52 - Reply
Joni
Thank you so much for this inspiring piece and giveaway opportunity. The pictures are stunning. While I have crocheted for years, I have actually never tried granny squares. This is a very motivating article. Thank You ! I have followed both of you on Instagram, and really look forward to more great ideas. I'm jl9973 with lots of beautiful beagle buddy pics. The US version of the book would be a great prize. Thank You !! August 01, 2018 15:14 - Reply
Linda Day
What a beautiful book. I live the Melbourne Wrap. If I win... I'd be happy to receive the US version. Thanks so much for the giveaway! August 01, 2018 21:44 - Reply
Anniek
I’d make some cushion covers and I prefer the US version. August 01, 2018 22:48 - Reply
Francis
De patronen van Shelley zijn altijd verrassend vind ik. Op dit moment ben ik bezig met een deken voor op de bank met granny squares.
Als ik het boek win, zou ik graag de US versie krijgen :-)
Ik volg jou en Shelley op Instagram.

P. S. Ik zie dat we dorpsgenoten zijn! August 05, 2018 10:35 - Reply
Heidi Knudsen
I’m dreaming of to make a beautiful blanket one Day. So if i’m Lucky, it would be a beginning on a blanket journey! Uk version please. August 05, 2018 10:37 - Reply
Donna Johnson
I'm keen to make a boho crossover bag out of granny squares ... 'tis a dream of mine. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of this delicious tome. Have completed other entry requirements. UK terms please. Thank you. August 05, 2018 10:41 - Reply
Kimm
After a lot of commision work I think it’s time for a big, cosy throw for our livingroom! Petrol-ish. It would be a perfect project for trying out new techniques! A US copy would be great :) August 05, 2018 10:55 - Reply
Ana Paula Waaijenberg
I would make a red shrug, with all different squares, in the form of a heart for my mom's 70th birthday and her 2nd "re-birthday" after surviving pancreatic cancer. The strongest woman I know ❤️❤️❤️ August 05, 2018 11:02 - Reply
Ana Paula Waaijenberg
Oh, I got carried away and forgot to mention: I follow you both on Instagram and would prefer the UK book. August 05, 2018 11:03 - Reply
Laurie
I already follow both of you on instagram. I'd use the us book to make blankets. I have been making one square a day since january. August 05, 2018 11:06 - Reply
Charlotte Kok
I'd love to do one of the blankets! (Or 2, or 3, or......... blankets)
I am a obsessed chrocheter und are following both of you on Insta.
I can work in US and UK terms, so it doesn't matter wich version. August 05, 2018 11:23 - Reply
Karen Price
I'd make so place mats for my table for Christmas using silver and gold coloured yarns. Already follow you on Instagram... off to follow Shelley now August 05, 2018 11:31 - Reply
Daša
Wow, what a nice project! I am the blanket/shawl type, so I would like to try something casual for autumn/winter time :-) Maybe the US version would be nice, but I would be glad at each of the two possibilities :-) August 05, 2018 11:55 - Reply
Barbara Petersen
I would love to make a wrap for my daughter who has moved to Canada from Sydney. I follow both the Spincushions and the Haakmaarraak Instagram accounts (every crocheter should) I prefer UK terminology. August 05, 2018 12:04 - Reply
Inesn
The book looks gorgeous!!! I would love to make both my kids blankets using the grannys of the book I'd prefer the uk version and follow both of the accounts in Instagram.

Thanks for the giveaway!! August 05, 2018 12:06 - Reply
Nicola Cowley
I would totally make the prism blanket. I've been looking for a design that will work in my son's space-themed bedroom and think this would be perfect.
I'd prefer a US version, but don't mind working from either.
I also follow both of you on IG. August 05, 2018 12:41 - Reply
Eva
Looks like a book one must have. :)
I would prefer an US version.
I would like to make a colorful granny square shawl. August 05, 2018 13:36 - Reply
Marthe H/heklemarthe
Wow! I would so love to win this book, I prefer US terms :)
I would try to make a blanket with all the patterns in it ♥️ August 05, 2018 14:01 - Reply
Christina Murton
I would love to win this book. To granny flair or granny square? That is my question!
I would prefer uk terms.
Exciting times August 05, 2018 14:43 - Reply
Plienehpien
Just found out I'm expecting twins! Finished one blanket, now need inspiration for another one, so this would be most helpful. (US or UK doesn't matter) keep up the cool posts on IG! August 05, 2018 14:49 - Reply
Jennifer Reitsma
I would make a potholder or scrubber or afghan or scarf. So many options!! August 05, 2018 15:04 - Reply
Yasmin McDonnell
Wow what a generous prize. Just love the Dahlia the colour and a may a secret stash of that yarn just desperate for a project. I would quite happily take a US or a UK version just to have a copy would be a treasure. I have followed you both on Instagram. August 05, 2018 15:55 - Reply
Krista Feagan
This is wonderful! I would love to make some blankets for my kids! I really like the cheerful gradient style blanket in the photos! I can crochet either us or uk but us is a bit more familiar and preferred. I follow on IG Krista474 :-) August 05, 2018 15:57 - Reply
Gabriela Grassino
Gorgeous book from Shelly Husband, I love her work, she is so inspiring. I would do so many things with grannies, LOVE THEM! Blankets, pillows, table runners, bags, you can do thousands of things with them. I follow both of you on Instagram, I am Gabriela_entrelanas on IG. I would love the UK version of the book. Thanks a lot for the chance. Love peace and lots of crochet! August 05, 2018 16:12 - Reply
Este Beukes
Love your review! I follow both on Instagram and.would love to win a copy of Shelley's book. I want to make a granny square jacket and thewould squares in the book would be perfect! August 05, 2018 17:08 - Reply
Carolina Lindberg
This book sounds amazing! I’d like to do a wrap from the motifs in this book. I already follow you both on IG and would prefer the US version if I am the lucky winner. August 05, 2018 18:28 - Reply
Melanie Harris
I would love to make a wrap for myself using a few coordinating squares. I'm picturing something like the Melbourne wrap but in pretty shades of blue or mint. August 05, 2018 23:42 - Reply
Melanie Harris
Oops! I forgot to include that I follow you both on Instagram and would prefer the UK version if I'm the lucky winner! August 05, 2018 23:43 - Reply
Trina Vinson
I would love to create a beautiful granny square blanket to give my friend who is getting married next year. It would be the perfect gift. August 06, 2018 12:24 - Reply
Trina Vinson
I forgot to say US version of the book and follow both of you lovelies on Instagram August 06, 2018 12:26 - Reply
Tara Ingram
I would love to make a bright colour of the rainbow blanket with lots of different types of granny squares in there. I'd like the US version please and follow you both on instagram August 06, 2018 14:57 - Reply
Melyssa
There are so many things I would make! I love all of the ideas posted and the pictures are gorgeous! If I have to choose, I guess I’d have to say that I’d make a sampler blanket. US version; following everyone on IG! Thanks August 06, 2018 17:16 - Reply
Natalie
Inspired by the beautiful cover, I think I'd make a blanket using one of each of the different squares - all in the same colour...I think it would look glorious! I follow you both on Instagram and would be so happy to win a copy of the book in UK terms. Thank you, this is a great competition August 06, 2018 22:30 - Reply
Barbara
I follow you and Shelley both on IG and it gives me so much inspiration. I love to win this book of Shelley, I prefer UK terms, and think I am finally making a blanket, or cushions, or a shawl, or.... I really don’t no yet. Sorry (@sjuulsss) August 07, 2018 08:30 - Reply
Nawar
There are many things I would make, but the first would probably be a blanket for my brother's new baby on the way. I'd prefer a book in US terms. Thanks! August 07, 2018 23:42 - Reply
Michele Payne
How gorgeous are those patterns nice to see an aussie designer as well. I’d love a US term book August 08, 2018 00:31 - Reply
Carol D
I'd make the Dahlia Square Scarf! I love the look of that square!
and -- hmm! wonder how it would look if I stitched ends together and made it into a cowl? (My daughters all prefer cowls!)

As usual, Shelley's squares are just beautiful! This book is on my Wish List for sure! Hope Santa takes the hint. My wish list for this Christmas is a bit long, I'm afraid!

Is the Giveaway stuck open? August 08, 2018 05:09 - Reply
Emily
Ik vind de melbourne wrap ontzettend mooi. Heerlijk voor frisse zomeravonden of herfstdagen. Ik volg jouw en Shelley allebei via instagram (casa_crea_emilia) en volg jouw via bloglovin en shelley haar blog via mijn mail. Het lijkt me geweldig om dit boek te winnen, Engels of Amerikaanse termen maakt mij niet uit.
Fijne avond.

Lieve groetjes,
Emily
(casacreaemilia.blogspot.nl) August 13, 2018 22:03 - Reply
Kimberley Clancy
Cushions for sure for my sunroom. Looks like a great book! August 15, 2018 15:58 - Reply
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