Meet the Author
Hey there, can you introduce yourself?
MARGARET HUBERT
I started in the needle arts business in 1963, as co-owner of a small yarn shop.
When the shop closed, 12 years later, I became the needlework instructor at Bloomingdale’s in White Plains, New York. Since then I have written 25 books, the
most recent being CUSTOMIZE YOUR CROCHET AND CUSTOMIZE YOUR KNITTING, 10 SQUARES 30 BLANKETS,10 SQUARES 30 BAGS, THE COMPLETE PHOTO GUIDE TO CROCHET (second edition) and THE COMPLETE PHOTO GUIDE TO KNITTING (second edition).
Other recent publications -
CROCHET LACE FOR ADVENTUROUS CROCHETERS
THE GRANNY SQUARE BOOK,
LEARN HOW TO FREE FORM CROCHET,
THE COMPLETE PHOTO GUIDE TO CROCHET
COMPLETE PHOTO GUIDE TO KNITTING.
I have had many designs in knit and crochet publications, such as, INTERWEAVE CROCHET, CROCHET!, CREATIVE KNITTING, BELLE ARMOIRE magazines and many others. In addition to the magazines my designs have appeared in many hard cover books.
In addition to the books, I have done two tutorial DVD's on FREE FORM KNITTING AND FREE FORM CROCHET.
I teach knitting and crocheting workshops all over the country and I have been teaching in my local yarn shop in Pawing, NY for the past 18 years and still teach there. I love all aspects of both knitting and crocheting, but combining knitting and crochet in free form designs, is my passion.
I have recently been inducted into the Jean Leinhauser Crochet Hall of Fame.
Tell us a bit about the book?
Just as the title suggests, I take 10 different Granny Squares and for each one show 3 different ways to create a unique look. By changing the yarn, color, fiber, the very same square takes on a very different look. Putting them together in different arrangements, add borders and edgings, the possibilities are endless.
What was the inspiration behind it?
Granny Squares have always held a special place in my heart and I love playing with them and coming up with new ways to use them. The idea for the book came from my editor, Linda Neubauer. She was intrigued by the number of different ways that I could change the look of a granny square. Linda challenged me with coming up with 10 Squares, 30 Blankets, then onto 10 Squares, 30 Bags.
Which is your favourite project?
This is a tough question, because I love them all, but if I have to pick one, I would choose Contemporary Quartet, blanket 7. A little challenging to make, but such fun. Second place, because I love the colors and the big bulky yarn, would go to Big Bold Granny, blanket #20.
What is your craft space like?
I have two rooms and one really great comfortable chair devoted to my work space. One room is like a big walk in closet, with shelves, bins and a large table, where I store all yarn and projects (this room is always a little messy). I have one room used as my office, this room has book shelves loaded with reference books, computer and all that goes with it, a desk, copier and a storage wall for more books papers etc. This is the room where all the instructions are written.
My big comfy chair is in my living room, and that is where all the actual knitting and crocheting gets done. Usually while watching television or a movie.
Have you always been creative?
My mother told me that I begged to learn knitting at a very early age, do not remember learning at all, so I have been doing it for a very long time. I learned to crochet when I was nineteen, and really took to it. I do love both knitting and crocheting, and have done books in both, but I crochet a lot faster than I can knit and I find crochet very soothing (except when writing instructions and I have to size a pattern into several different sizes).
In addition to knitting and crocheting I have tried so many crafts, I also sew, embroider and quilt.
When did you first start crafting?
I really cannot remember the first, but just recently my older sister reminded me that she remembers me sewing clothes for my dolls when I was about seven (a very long time ago).
I remember very well the first sweater that I knitted. I was twelve and made a bulky, off white sweater, with a hood. My mother was a great knitter and she guided me through it.
Who are your crafty heroes?
So many, Jean Leinhauser, Rita Weiss, James Walters, Prudence
Mapstone, Myra Wood, Nicky Epstein, just to name a few.
Where do you find inspiration?
Most of my inspiration comes from nature. I love flowers and butterflies and they always inspire me and are very evident in a lot of my work. I live in the North East of the US and the constant changing of the seasons offers arrays of colors, especially in the fall.
What's next for you?
As I write this, I am choosing colors for projects for my next book. I just got word that is was approved, but I have not even signed contracts as yet so early times, but next on my list.
In the coming year, I will be attending several events to do book signings and I have some teaching workshops dates set. I love it all.
Publisher's Description
Crochet up to 30 creative blankets that start from just 10 granny squares!
The granny square is the perfect foundation for countless projects and is unparalleled for its portability, versatility, and endless variety. Using only 10 granny squares selected from The Granny Square Book and Granny Square Flowers, Margaret Hubert shows how you can crochet 30 completely different blankets. Each square is used three times with different yarns, color schemes, motif arrangements, and edge finishes.
You'll be amazed at the versatility of these squares! You can crochet blankets that are perfect for babies, boys, girls, college kids, and grown-ups. Some are crazy, colorful, and fun; others are serene, classic, and sophisticated. Crochet them for bedrooms, family rooms, or dorms. 10 Granny Squares 30 Blankets provides enough designs to keep you crocheting blankets for everyone and every reason for years to come!