We're following Maxwell (Apartment Therapy's guru) on Twitter and he mentioned the phrase "granny chic" in one of his tweets yesterday. It's the perfect way to describe Emma Lamb's crocheted creations. They look vintage but mix effortlessly with your modern wares...
We love the inspiring grouping of Emma's handmade pot holders on display. Available at her Etsy shop, even the names of her pot holders and pillows have a vintage vibe (Ethel, Mavis and Ruby) to name a few. Practical enough to use one or two in the kitchen and doubling as decoration if you go for an entire wall--the mixture of Emma's colorful and vibrant patterns would make any kitchen cheery.
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(Image: Emma Lamb)

Shaw's Original Fir...
I just bought a couple of vintage crochet throws to put at the foot of my bed for chilly summer nights - they were a steal and I LOVE the way they look.
This might be tough for those of us who survived the 70's....
Just say no!
*shudder* (born in the 60's)
I love crochet but I would pare this back just a bit. The pillows *or* the potholders work for me, but not both.
Interesting point stt64... I wonder if it depends on your association with the decade or if it's purely aesthetic. I can't stand the 80's revival in fashion, but then, I didn't really like it the first time around. A little 70s is a good vibe for me; that was all the outdated stuff my Mom had that I didn't entirely appreciate at the time, but that have the sort of comfort-food appeal. Mom, on the other hand, is pretty sick of it. (But then, she collects Riviera and lusterware from the 50s when *she* grew up.)
I wore a crochet bikini in the late 70's. I am not a big fan but I saw this bedspread on a Spanish blog and saved the photo in my inspirations folder. This was made by her grandmother then she put an orange sheet beneath it, just that hint or orange is so beautiful- I don't remember the blog it was in spanish and somewhere in Spain-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44713708@N00/3697960901/
Is simulated wood paneling making a comeback too?
This just continues the bad rap crochet always gets.
Today's crochet brings us truly modern designs, yarns, and inspiration.
Ohjodi is right. These are ugly as sin. *My* crochet pieces are beautiful.
JoanneM... would you share by chance? ;)
It must be the colors that bother me. I don't mind crochet, but why not try a more sophisticated palette? These tones are fugly. I'd love to see whites and creams, so the stitchery shows off, not the pink/red/blue combo.
I know I'm courting disaster, but AT:LA has the lowest taste level of any of the AT cities. Why is this?
I dunno....I think they're kinda fun. I wouldn't want a collection like shown in the photo, but maybe a potholder or pillow would be a cute touch. I grew up in the 70's and remember these very well. My sister made a lot of crocheted blankets and pillows.
Fantastic MrFaux, do you truly mean lowest taste level, or different taste level than your own? I'm from LA, and I'd certainly categorize the styles here as "with more of a sense of humor" than many other places in the country...that's what I like about it.
i'm sorry but this is not for me. it reminds me of my grandma's house and all the crochet that she gave to me (which i donated in my last move)... i'm sorry but no. no way, no how, no where in my apartment.
I generally like crochet. I crochet myself. A couple fun, kitschy items are great. Maybe a blanket and a pillow, or a couple pillows.
But this is overkill. "Granny chic" is a myth. There's nothing chic about it.
Strangely, I agree with the pointy end of FantasticMrFaux's latter comment.
These are not bad at all, though I can see why some would have bad associations with them. They would add a nice, folky touch of color and warmth to an otherwise modern, austere room. But they'd just be kitschy visual clutter in a crazy, hodge-podge, hippie-granny place.
Some of you must be carrying around serious granny trauma to be hatin' on all this crochet! My friend Gracie has an incredible collection displayed in her fun kitchen. I think its a nice touch of "hand made".
I had red, black and yellow pillows like this in my first apt, mid 70's. My aunt made them.
Hey folks, regardless whether you hate our taste or not, let's keep the comments on topic. Send all your hate mail via our comment section please (so we can cry privately).
FantasticMrFaux: We have a comments system specifically for complaints, feedback or tips. Also we ask comments to abide by our comment policy: "We're also happy to hear anything you want to say privately. Any comments, criticism, or concerns about the structure and policies of Apartment Therapy can be directed to the team of managing editors—not posted in public forums."
I don't mind the pillows, but the stuff on the wall is just unattractive. And whoever chose the colors seems to have a very odd sense of what works together. Why put pot holders on an innocent wall?
The phrase "granny chic" makes me cringe a bit. It just shouldn't exist.
I like them, though I have to admit I have bought vintage craftsy stuff like this and had a hard time making it work. The wall part reminds me of a fantastic slide show in the current Nick Cave (the sculptor not the musician) show at SF's Yerba Buena-- here's a picture of the artist wearing one.
oops.. let me try that again http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2okfl8u4K08/SY-ma_jHYnI/AAAAAAAACQs/tP70eYKebas/s400/1. Nick Cave portrait .jpg
I love this. I have a bunch from my wonderful Nana (she is still making them at 101) and she would be horrified to see them up on the wall (she is a very practical utilitarian person) but it would hold sweet memories for me. I love the mix of colours too. Obviously this isn't the right audience for this style!
I love crochet. I actually starting crocheting after seeing a beautiful piece online. I think if the color palette is sophisticated, it works. I'm in love with the textural quality.
My crochet inspiration:
http://moonstitches.typepad.com/moonstitches/2007/06/62-foldable.html