Whit's Knits: Granny Circle Placemats

As hot weather settles over the city I can feel my summer appetite kicking in. Winter may be all about heavy red sauces and rich, maple drizzled squashes, but, for me, summer is a whole different story. Everything lightens up, and the operative word becomes "fresh", fresh salads, fresh fruit, fresh everything! And, so, to recognize this culinary shift, I decided that my tabletop would definitely need a summer overhaul.

These Granny Circle Placemats fit right into the mood of summer: bright, casual and as fresh as this morning! I took the classic design of the granny square, spun it into a circle and added a colorful edge. The result is a simple and cheerful set of placemats that will be perfectly at home under a bowl of salted cucumber slices!

For a no-fuss look I used Cascade's Ultra Pima. One hundred percent Pima Cotton, this yarn does durable duty with elegance. It's machine washable and ready for wear, but has a pretty, subtle shine and classic cotton simplicity.

There are so many sunny colors of Ultra Pima to choose from, you can really have good time personalizing your placemats. Go for white with royal and navy blues for a fun, nautical take, or stick to naturals and peaches for a breezy, beachy look. To reflect my seasonal mood, I chose four zesty colors with the flavors of citrus and melon! 

If, like me, you're feeling like your summer table needs a facelift, then just visit my Granny Circle Placemats Project Journal for all the how-to's.  Thanks! - Whitney

Comments

[Julia]

I wish I knew how to crochet. the placemats remind me of my grandmother's.

[Jodi]

I love the circular pattern. What a treat!

[Katie Preston]

I want these AND the Spiral Seat Cushions! Beautiful.

[Laura - Tandem Bags]

Absolute elengance for summer! I love the idea of pure white (sometimes we tend to overdo...) and personalizing depending on the kind for friut/cake or food offered or the personality/mood of guests. Interchangeble elegance for summer: well done!!

[Sarita]

I love these! So wonderfully summery!

[tante sophie]

whit' ... did you just about use up the whole skein of ecru for the main part ... would be perfect that way ... cheerio ... and bon appetit!!! kisses to the wee one who is surely a big boy already!!!

[Sarah @http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com/2011/03/]

Oh my gosh I LOVE this. Such a simple yet super creative idea! You guys rock.

- Sarah
http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com/

[Mar]

I love them; they remind me of the oval and circular ones my grandma used to make. However, the white seems impractical to me, especially since I have three children (11, 9, & 6) -- I'm going to make mine in a color! Maybe the color of tomatoes since we have about 30 plants ripening and make our own sauce, or maybe the color of pesto, since we have two whole rows of basil coming up....

[Clare]

These are so fresh and beautiful. They remind me of slices of my (thin-skinned) Meyer lemons.

[Amy]

I am seeing crochet pattern after at least a decade. So refreshing to see these patterns. Great job and they fit right into summer.

[z]

I was just going to say, these placemats look like you sliced an orange in half. I like them alot. It's such a creative idea.

[royce]

i had posted my comment on some other page ......
i really like your blog a lot
i too have a similar doily on my blog , do check it . hope you like it

http://roycedavids.blogspot.com/2011/06/crochet-red-simple-and-elegent-doily.html

[Telebrands]

These granny circle placements look great. Thanks for the post (and pictures).

[tante sophie]

the purlbees ... just thought of something ... would you consider putting the ravelry link on the knit and crochet patterns ... would be fabulous ... cheerio ... ina and gumby ... the dog that tante sophie has ...

[Louisville Chiropractic]

Oh, I adore your granny's placemat she reminds me of my aunt who used to have crochet collection, it was made 20 years ago and guess what!! they're still durable and the yarn lasts very long that until now I'm still using it.

[susan]

I printed this pattern for my 84 year old mom and she is already working on them! However, they are curling up on row 5: she was wondering if the pattern should be chain 2 between double crochets?

[purlbee]

Hi Susan,

The pattern is definitely to chain 1 between the double crochets, but there are rounds in the pattern where it feels like the placemat is starting to curl up. This is normal and should soon be rectified by an increase round. Please let us know if the problem didn't resolve itself as your mom kept going and we'll try to troubleshoot if for her!

Thanks for your question!
Whitney

[clémence]

Love this! so simple and pretty!

[redhead]

I love your site! The placemats are delightful.

[Diana]

I made them!!! They are great! I LOVE THEM!!! Thank you so much for this pattern! http://jdmsmith.blogspot.com/2011/07/crochet-circle-placemats.html