When my grandfather was ill, the knitters in my family gathered the rest of the clan around and taught everyone to knit, just enough that everyone was able to contribute to an afghan for him. The “squares” weren’t particularly square, but my aunt was able to join them all together into something remarkably presentable. She also attached a label with all of our names on it.

That afghan was buried with my grandfather, but now my grandmother (who, at 90, is still in good health) wants one of her own. This time, we were a little more careful about planning the colours and making sure the squares are relatively equal!

Each square is 8” by 8”, and the afghan is 9 squares by 9 squares.. I had recently acquired the 3 volumes of the Vogue Stitchionary, so I had fun making up different squares inspired by the stitch patterns. Others knit basic garter and stockinette squares, or more complex ones, based on the skill level of the individual knitters.

My aunt took on the monumental task of seaming the afghan together, and did a marvelous job! (The two finished-afghan pictures are hers, as I haven’t yet seen this one in person…) She also has this project posted here.