SHOPPING, DINING, BEAUTY & EVENTS PAGE 20 theconnectionsnj.com Has chocolate become a problem in your life? Unable to say no? Valentine’s gone on too long? The solution is finally here. The Chocolate Detox Center is here to help... There IS a cure for eating your feelings! You are NOT alone! February enrollment is already full but March panic slots are still available! Find us at www.thechocolatedetoxcenter.com or Call us at (822) CHOC-HELP Help is just a call or click away ranny squares are just as popular today as in the ’70s. Look on TikTok, Instagram, and Etsy, and see them featured as garments, accessories, home decor, toys, and even emotional support chicks. (See Nov 2025 article.) They’re called granny squares since they were created from scraps by grandmothers. The simple technique has been passed down through generations. Granny squares are versatile and fun to make. They can vary in size and shape-think round, pentagonal, hexagonal or triangular orientation. They can be basic or elaborate. What is a granny square? It’s a crocheted motif that starts at the center and is worked outward in rounds. Each round uses a different color. A classic granny square is worked in clusters of double crochet with chains in between and double clusters in the corners to form a square. With each additional round, the granny square increases in size. The effect is a lacy looking square that resembles a quilt block. It is easily mastered by beginners, which makes it a popular first project. Granny squares are made separately; so it’s a great carry-along project. Once the squares are complete, they need to be arranged into the shape of the project and then stitched together to make just about anything. Each square needs to have the same number of stitches on each side And then there are the bags! The “Granny Square Beach Bag” by Catherine Neil is 5-14’ squares, 4 sides, and a bottom with crocheted handles. This one was made with scrap cotton yarn. Try adding a square to a baseball cap for fun. There are so many ways to embrace this trend! And of course, shawls and scarves. My “Catch the Wind” design uses 3 different motif sizes that fit together when assembled, i.e., four small squares equal one large square which equals two rectangles. The shawl used 3 different motif types. The large motif begins as a circle design…the small square is solid. The rectangle is a leaf motif woven into a border. Proud to share that this shawl went down the runway at Vogue Live NYC, January 2026. Patterns available on Ravelry. for easy assembly. First the squares are stitched together in column and then the long side or the columns are stitched. A favorite simple blanket is “One Big Granny Square Throw and Afghan” by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas. It’s literally just one giant granny square in the classic design. It can be made with variegated yarn with a long repeat, meaning the colors change after many yards. It gives the appearance of frequent color changes, however, the yarn does all the work. When it reaches the desired size, you’re done. No assembly required. Looking for cardigans? The latest trend is granny squares with a bit of faux fur in one round of the square. This cardigan uses only 16 large motifs, 4 for each sleeve, back, and front. After the squares are assembled, the entire garment is trimmed with an edging for a finished look. Granny squares are just as pop CREATIVECORNER Granny Squares Forever By Carolyn Hanson
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