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It all started with turquoise, while I planned Emma’s room.
Unicorns, princesses, sparkles, and all the pinks are not exactly what I picture for my baby girl’s room. Even though I love fairy tales, and magical creatures, just like my 5 year old self loved them, it’s not a theme I want to embrace immediately in my daughter’s life. However, I secretly cannot wait to introduce her to Pretty, Pretty Princess and Lisa Frank office supplies.
As the story goes, the turquoise quickly led to a bright southwestern wildlife vibe for Emma’s room. Think cacti + llamas + wildflowers.
That brings us to the Prickly Pear Granny Square!
Prickly pears are by far one of my favorite cacti. Their blooms are lovely shades of yellows, oranges, and pinks. Absolutely gorgeous! It’s almost time for them to bloom here at Grand Canyon, and I’m looking forward to their cheery greeting on my daily walks.
This bow holder is made from Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice yarn in Beige, Aqua, Dusty Green, and Pink Grapefruit. I used an 11” x 14” photo frame to attach the granny square with support chains. Also, I purchased some mini clothespins to attach the bows along the support chains. It comfortably holds 16 bows, and I could squeeze a few more on there. Because, you know my bow purchasing isn’t done yet! (I’ve quickly learned that NONE of the pinks match. And everybody loves to buy pink clothes for baby girls.)
The prickly pear granny square is worked in Tapestry Crochet. Tapestry crochet is a way to create images or words in a crocheted item. Typically, you will see this most often in hats or round baskets. The unused yarn is carried under the row until it is needed.
Here is the FREE pattern for the Prickly Pear Granny Square.
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There will be some notes on how I created the right-side/wrong-side square for the Desert Bow Holder. Disregard those notes if creating a two sided square.
NOTES
This granny square is worked in rows with the non-working yarn carried through the row until needed. This will create a double sided square when both sides will be visible (i.e. a blanket).
Each row will contain 14 stitches total.
Final dimensions are 4.25″ x 5″ unblocked.
Follows is a note on how I created the square for the Desert Bow Holder.
As I was working up this granny square, I didn’t like that I could see the non-working colors (C2 & C3) under the C1. Instead of carrying those non-working colors (C2 & C3) through the C1 stitches, I decided to drop the yarn and pick it back up when needed. Since this square is incorporated into the Desert Bow Holder, it didn’t bother me to have a right side and wrong side. The wrong side shows where the ends are tied together. I was also able to stitch around the cactus and pot to better define the edges. This step is optional. I’d like to note that I did not block this square for the bow holder since it was going to be stretched when attached to the frame.
MATERIALS
Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors (4th color is optional)
I used Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Beige, Aqua, Dusty Green, and Pink Grapefruit.
Crochet hook – J/10 (6mm) Amour Crochet Hooks
Scissors
Tapestry Needle
ABBREVIATIONS
ch – chain
SC – single crochet
st(s) – stitch(es)
C1 – color 1 (background color)
C2 – color 2 (pot/planter color)
C3 – color 3 (cactus color)
C4 – color 4 (flower color)
PATTERN
Ch 15 in C1
Row 1 : SC in 2nd ch from hook. SC across. Ch 1 and turn.
Row 2 : SC in each st. Ch 1 and turn.
Row 3 : SC in 5 sts. (Change to C2) SC in 4 sts. (Change to C1) SC in 5 sts. Ch 1 turn.
Row 4-5 : Repeat row 3
Row 6 : SC in 6 sts. (Change to C3) SC in 2 sts. (Change to C1) SC in 6 sts. Ch 1. Turn.
Row 7 : SC in 5 sts. (Change to C3) SC in 4 sts. (Change to C1) SC in 5 sts. Ch 1. Turn.
Row 8 : SC in 4 sts. (Change to C3) SC in 6 sts. (Change to C1) SC in 4 sts. Ch 1. Turn.
Row 9 : SC in 5 sts. (Change to C3) SC in 4 sts. (Change to C1) SC in 5 sts. Ch 1. Turn.
Row 10 : SC in 6 sts. (Change to C3) SC in 2 sts. (Change to C1) SC in next st. (Change to C3) SC in 2 sts. (Change to C1) SC in 3 sts.
Row 11 : SC in 3 sts. (Change to C3) SC in 2 sts. (Change to C1) SC in 3 sts. (Change to C3) SC in st. (Change to C1) SC in 5 sts. Ch 1. Turn.
Row 12 : SC in 4 sts. (Change to C3) SC in 3 sts. (Change to C1) SC in 7 sts. Ch 1. Turn.
Row 13 : SC in 7 sts. (Change to C3) Sc in 3 sts. (Change to C1) SC in 4 sts. Ch 1. Turn.
Row 14 : SC in 5 sts. (Change to C3) SC in next st. (Change to C1) SC in 8 sts. Ch 1. Turn.
Row 15 : SC in 14 sts. Ch 1. Turn.
Row 16 : SC in 14 sts. Ch 1. Turn.
Fasten off. Weave in all ends.
Adding the flowers (optional) : Cut about an 8″ piece of C4. Decide where you’d like the placement of the flower(s), and cross stitch through the granny square from back to front. Repeat over the same stitch as many times as you’d like. More repeats will make a larger flower.
COMPLETE THE DESERT BOW HOLDER
MATERIALS
Prickly Pear Granny Square
11″ x 14″ Picture frame (remove the glass and backing)
Crochet hook — J/10 (6mm)
Yarn — Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Beige
Scissors
Tapestry Needle
INSTRUCTIONS
Place the Prickly Pear Granny Square in the middle of the picture frame. Take the C1 yarn ( or any color of your choice), and make slip knot. Leave about an 8″ tail. Next chain around the frame. Continue to chain until you reach the granny square. The tighter the chain, the sturdier the bow holder. Slip Stitch into each stitch (or row) of the granny square. Continue the chain until you reach the other side of the frame. Leave about an 8″ tail and wrap the remaining tail around the frame 4-5 times. Fasten off the end. Repeat for each side of the granny square.
I would LOVE to see what you’ve made! Please use the #HDYpricklypeargrannysquare in your social media posts! Or tag me in them (@highdesertyarn).
