Friday, 28 February 2014

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir’s Granny Squares


The Ghost and Mrs. Muir's Granny Squares
Two evenings ago Tim and I were watching the 1947 version of ‘The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.’
It featured the very handsome Rex Harrison and the beautiful Gene Tierney.
It was such a good old movie and we both enjoyed it so much that I can highly recommend it to you.
 
But what I really wanted to share with you was how surprised I was when the Maid came into the bedroom/sitting room where Mrs. Muir was napping to cover her with guess what?
A Granny Square Afghan!
 
afghan3
 
Now, be honest and tell me.
Did you know that women were crocheting Granny Square afghans way back in the early 1900’s, which was when this movie was depicted from?
 
I sure had no idea.
 
And now this has set me to wondering how many times Granny Square afghans have gone in and out of style over the last several years.
 
Do you know?
 
Both of my older sisters are great at crocheting and I do remember them making GS afghans in the early 1980’s as gifts for many of the family members.
 
In fact it wouldn't surprise me to learn that some of you may have one or two hiding away in your closets yet.
 
Granny squares
Then you didn’t see them around for a long, long time.
 
It seems to me that the Granny Square became a fad again after they were used as a part of the bedding in the Nanny McPhee movies of recent years.
 
cro6
 
Well I don’t know when or where or why Granny Squares originated ever, but I do know that I love them and I have promised myself that someday I am going to learn how to crochet them if it takes me a million years.
 
And yes, I am counting on being able to crochet when I get to Heaven!
 
Please check my Pinterest square labeled Granny Square Love for all sources from my mosaic if you want to be referred to the original source.
 
 
Partying Here:

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31 comments:

  1. Lucy@heart and hearth28 February 2014 at 08:16

    Good morning Kimberly, How interesting and looks like a movie we'd enjoy too...(nothing like those oldies) my eldest daughter crocheted a granny square afghan last winter when she was in school.
    It's big and heavy and beautiful...I've crocheted a few of the zig zag ones...stay warm!

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  2. Debbie28 February 2014 at 08:35

    Oh yes, I remember them well. LOVED them, but I have no idea what happened to the one we had, lol. One of my sister's knits. and the other crochets. I don't know how to do either and I too am always telling myself I NEED to learn. It's funny. You know how popular "chevron" is now? Well, my older sister is crocheting a chevron blanket for the new baby (now here is the funny part) from an old, old, OLD "zig zag" pattern, haha. They are just calling it something else now, but that's all it is/ I had one of those once upon a time too. Enjoy your day! I might be ready for heaven before I ever learn too, lol

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  3. Sandy Livesay28 February 2014 at 08:52

    Kimberly,

    They're beautiful, I'm not talented enough to make one of them though. I can start the process and then everything is down hill from there, lol.....

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  4. Dawn28 February 2014 at 08:59

    A Granny Square is the easiest thing to crochet and they are also fun. I do them while hubby is driving. Check YouTube out for a video tutorial.

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  5. Coloring Outside the Lines28 February 2014 at 09:18

    Oh I remember granny square afghans- my grandmother and my mom both crocheted them. I don't think any have survived. I also remember seeing this movie before..it's been a while though.

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  6. ~Lavender Dreamer~28 February 2014 at 09:27

    I remember making them when I first learned to crochet in the '60s! lol It was an easy way to learn and complete a square at a time and feel like you accomplished something. I should see if I still know how! lol Hugs!

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  7. Farm Girl28 February 2014 at 09:42

    My husband I love that movie too. I am sure I have one in my trunk. I think we got it for a wedding present. I kept it on the couch for years and finally put it away when I felt I was being a little old fashioned. I even had dresser scarves. Now I am thrilled that you said that because I have so many treasures like that. I did learn to make those too when I was learning to knit and crochet.

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  8. Junebug28 February 2014 at 10:15

    I love granny squares and I have one my grandmother made. My mother told me back when I was a wee one, that granny squares were a way to use of scrap yarn left over from other projects. You didn't waste anything in those days. I think I need to get mine out and display it.

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  9. Susie28 February 2014 at 10:19

    Kimberly, My SIL showed me how to crochet them once and I made about a hundred or more and gave them to my daughter to join together. It is something you can do while watching TV, so easy. Go to a site called " bee lady at hilltop farm", she crochets all the time and has many friend who do also. Blessings for a great weekend, xoxo,Susie

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  10. Anonymous28 February 2014 at 11:24

    Seen the movie a few times in my life another great one..It would be wonderful to have a re-make of it only if they keep it pure as that moive..but chances of that are VERY slim - wink!

    Made tons of GS's in my life time too and now days there are even more fun yarn colors to choose from..

    Have a safe and warm day..
    Hugs

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  11. FlowerLady Lorraine28 February 2014 at 11:57

    Granny square blankets are timeless and now there are such beautiful colors of yarn out there.

    Once you learn how, you'll be 'hooked', pun intended. :-)

    Happy Crocheting ~ FlowerLady

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  12. Nancy J28 February 2014 at 12:27

    Kimberly, find some yarn, a crochet hook, and you will be away in no time, so easy to take anywhere you go, no stitches to fall off a long needle, and the colour combinations make them such fun. I did a sleeveless jacket so many years ago, loved it at the time, but when I saw a photo just last year, almost, well really laughed at myself, Fashions might change but squares in a rug are timeless. Down here the knitted ones are called " Peggy Squares". Cheers, Jean.

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  13. debi28 February 2014 at 12:49

    I have learned something new today, thanks! :-)

    Hugs!

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  14. Connie28 February 2014 at 12:57

    I knew that granny square afghans had been around a long time, but I didn't realize they had been around that long. Great old movie, by the way! Have a great weekend, Kimberly! :)

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  15. Anonymous28 February 2014 at 13:35

    I love granny squares, and have many afghans and even bags made with them. I also love the granny ripple stitch for afghans.

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  16. NanaDiana28 February 2014 at 14:09

    Hi Kimberly. I can remember a granny square throw from the late 50's when I was a kid. My mother was making them back then. (she was not much in the way of color coordination as I remember it)..lol

    They have come a long way since the original ones I knew- xo Diana

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  17. Country Gal 28 February 2014 at 14:16

    I have a afghan of the granny squares my mum did over 40 years ago and a blanket she also crocheted ! It was popular way back in the 2nd world war in England actually way before that ! It's popularity peaked over here and the states in 70s . Thanks for sharing ! Have a good weekend !

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  18. Pamela Gordon28 February 2014 at 14:46

    I remember The Ghost and Mrs. Muir on TV way back when. It was such a great show but I was always saddened that she could never really 'meet' him as a live human. I have a wool granny square afghan that was my grandmother's. It's like a stained glass pattern with darker bright colours sewn together with black. I know it's old - perhaps from the 30's or earlier and I keep it in my hope chest so it won't get eaten by moths. I think the pattern has been around a long time and became popular in the 70's. I hope you do make one. Enjoy the weekend.

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  19. Heather{Our Life In a Click}28 February 2014 at 14:48

    I remember my aunt teaching me how to make granny squares back in the 70's. I want to learn again because my church needs them for afghans. I'm so glad this popped up on my feed!! I'm going to pull out the crochet hooks and yarn and fire up youtube!
    I even had a granny square vest!

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  20. Kathleen Grace28 February 2014 at 15:19

    I never much cared for the granny squares I saw back in the 80's and earlier, probably because they tended to be in colors like brown and orange and avocado. Bleh. But the new ones are such gorgeous candy colors, I would take one in a heartbeat! I need to checkout your pinterest board. I have a couple nieces who crochet beautifully and I'm hoping to drop some hints about my birthday ;>)

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  21. Carla from The River28 February 2014 at 15:21

    :-)
    I have two Granny Square afghans...but sadly I still need to learn how to crochet.
    Both afghans were given to us by friends. They are sooooo warm!

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  22. Primitive Stars28 February 2014 at 16:16

    Afternoon, loved that movie, Francine.

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  23. Christine28 February 2014 at 17:28

    Granny Squares have been around for as long as I can remember.

    I love, love, love yours!!!

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  24. Donna28 February 2014 at 17:31

    I didn't know that they have been around that long! I think the bold colors in the last set of photos are terrific.

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  25. Vee28 February 2014 at 18:42

    I know that they've been around all my life, but I had no idea that they went way back. Probably could find out and now you've made me so curious that I want to know. I have never made a granny square afghan, but I have made giant granny square afghans. That was fun!

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  26. Shug28 February 2014 at 21:19

    I would really love to have this talent....I was the Dr.s office with my dad one day this past week, and there was a lady in there crocheting. she was making a throw and it was absolutely beautiful. I need to learn to do this....
    Have a Blessed weekend...
    shug

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  27. Sherri B.28 February 2014 at 23:11

    I remember an GS afghan at my granmothers house when I was very young and it looked 'well' loved then so it had some age on it.
    I have always seen GS being made and can't remember a time when they haven't been around.

    I need to get to making one also. I know how to crochet but just haven't picked up the hook in years.

    Give it a try when you get a chance, it really isn't hard once you get the hang of it. xo

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  28. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson1 March 2014 at 00:42

    Sounds like the granny squares have been around long before granny. lol! If that even makes sense. My youngest has one made by my MIL years ago. They are very popular now again! I really need to try to learn to crochet again. Tried once when I was a newlywed and did it too tight.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  29. Patricia @ 9th and Denver1 March 2014 at 01:25

    I haven't made any granny squares in a while. They are so versatile..and I DON'T THINK they ever run out on style.
    When I was all excited about getting our camper and decorating it (that has fizzled...:/ )
    but anyway-- I used to dream of granny square throws for the cushions and pillows.
    I have a few that have been given to me... I love the vibrant colors and the cottage look they lend to any room.
    I also have one that is ONE LARGE GRANNY SQUARE ...my Grandmother made for my bed when I was a girl. It is still bright purple, pink, turquiose, yellow...
    Now...about the movie... The Ghost and Mrs. Muir... I love that movie and it is one of the old movies I used to watch with my mom. I have fond memories of getting to stay up late and watch it with her when it would come on tv (back in the olden days...when I was a child) :)
    Pat

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  30. Poppy1 March 2014 at 04:11

    Hi Kimberly,

    Just spoke with my family in Unionville who told me that it was -30 with the windchill!! You'd better get yourself a beautiful granny square to cuddle up in, hopefully by a blazing fire, and stay warm!

    Poppy

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  31. Betsy Banks Adams2 March 2014 at 21:32

    Hi, We are home from a wonderful trip to Arkansas with friends. Photos tomorrow!!!!!

    Hope you have had a great week. I too love old movies and I do remember the one you saw.

    My mother had an afghan--but not sure it was a "Granny Square" one. BUT--I'll bet they were made many many years ago...

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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All of your comments are read and much appreciated.
You are dear and lovely friends!

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