Unmasking the Deception: My Journey with the Granny Square Card Deck

You know that feeling when you’ve been totally duped, and it wasn’t even your fault? That’s precisely how I felt when I discovered I had purchased a counterfeit version of the highly sought-after granny square card deck. Looking back, there were subtle signs, but my excitement for this unique crafting tool overshadowed my caution. What’s even crazier? I actually paid *more* for the fake than the legitimate product truly costs!

Hey there, fellow crafters! If you’ve been seeing these captivating granny square cards making waves online, you’re not alone. Today, I’m sharing my personal story of how I fell victim to a dupe, how to spot the differences between a genuine granny square card deck and a fake, and why supporting original creators is absolutely vital. Plus, stick around to hear about my exciting new crochet challenge using the real thing!

The Shocking Truth: My Counterfeit Granny Square Card Deck Saga

The Allure of the Fake Ad

My journey into deception began, as many things do these days, by scrolling through social media. An ad popped up for a “square card deck” with incredibly cute graphics. I was instantly captivated. Having recently completed an ambitious Taylor Swift Eras Tour blanket for my daughter (a project that required a surprising amount of acrylic yarn, a fiber I don’t usually gravitate towards, but which turned out beautifully!), I was feeling confident in my acrylic-crocheting skills and eager for a new challenge. This card deck seemed like the perfect next step.

My birthday was approaching in August, and I decided this would be the perfect gift to myself. I immediately started sleuthing around online, desperate to find where I could order this incredible deck and have it arrive in time. Without naming names, I found a site that appeared professional and promised timely delivery. In my eagerness, I admittedly didn’t do enough research. All I wanted were the cards!

My Unexpected Birthday “Gift”

The package arrived, and it was indeed called “The Granny Square Card Deck.” I opened it, examined the cards, and initially thought, “Okay, they look legit, right?” I was happy, my birthday surprise had arrived early. Until it hadn’t.

My happiness quickly turned to suspicion when I saw someone online (perhaps an advanced copy holder) showcasing *their* card deck. It looked distinctly different from mine – much better, much nicer. It was at that moment I realized: “I think I got duped.” My attempts to contact the seller regarding the legitimacy of the product went unanswered, confirming my fears. I had, without a doubt, purchased a counterfeit granny square card deck.

Spotting the Real Deal: A Detailed Comparison of the Granny Square Card Deck

After more research, I discovered the official release date for the genuine granny square card deck was September 10th. Determined to support the original creator and obtain an authentic copy, I quickly secured one. My daughter, bless her heart, even picked up the real deck from Barnes & Noble as a birthday gift, saving me the cost of the second box!

Now, let’s dive into the crucial differences between a genuine granny square card deck and its imitation. These details are vital for anyone interested in purchasing this fantastic tool.

Boxed In: Size, Quality, and Design

The first significant difference is the box itself. The genuine product comes in a sturdy, well-printed box. The counterfeit version’s box is noticeably flimsy and smaller, almost half the size. The printing of the granny squares on the box and the overall coloring are also distinct. The back of the fake box is blank, while the authentic one features clear branding and information.

Inside the Decks: Instructions and Card Quality

Opening the boxes reveals more disparities. The genuine deck’s brochure is a high-quality leaflet with clear instructions, a stitch guide, and information about the squares. The counterfeit’s guide, while thicker, feels cheaper, lacks detailed instructions, and its content is different. For example, the fake says “user guide” and “about the blocks,” while the real one correctly states “about the squares.”

Most importantly, the cards themselves are vastly different. The counterfeit cards are thin and flimsy, feeling like cheap paper. In stark contrast, the cards in the authentic granny square card deck are thick, durable, and feel substantial in hand – a clear indicator of superior quality.

Identifying Legitimate Sources

To ensure you’re getting an authentic granny square card deck, always purchase from well-known, reputable retailers. Think major bookstores, large online marketplaces, or directly from the publisher’s official website. The publisher for this deck is Search Press, and their website will list authorized sellers. This is exactly what I did once I realized my mistake, and it led me straight to the genuine product.

Notice the distinct differences in box size and quality.

Why Supporting Original Creators Matters

It’s truly upsetting how easily companies get away with ripping people off. The creator of the granny square card deck, Cla Montgomery, poured creativity and effort into developing such a wonderful resource for crafters. Counterfeit products not only harm the creator financially but also dilute the quality and reputation of their original work.

When you purchase an authentic product, you’re not just buying an item; you’re investing in innovation, quality, and the livelihood of the artist who brought it to life. It ensures they can continue to create and inspire. My experience highlights the importance of vigilance and making informed purchasing decisions to avoid falling prey to these deceptive practices.

Embarking on the Granny Square Card Deck Crochet Challenge!

My mission now is to crochet all 50 unique squares featured in the legitimate granny square card deck. This isn’t just a side project; it’s a dedicated challenge to create every single one, primarily using the yarn I already have in my stash. Each week, I plan to tackle a few squares, showcasing my progress. The goal is to make 50 beautiful granny squares, and then decide on a grand project for them.

My initial thought was to use up my existing yarn, but as I started picking cards from the granny square card deck for my first week’s batch, I quickly realized I’d need some fresh supplies! Popcorn flower, a vibrant teal, a rich purple, and two different orange squares means I’m off to the yarn store already for some hot pink, a specific yellow, orange, and lime green. So much for using up yarn! But hey, a trip to the craft store is never a bad thing, especially when yarn is on sale.

This long-term project using my authentic granny square card deck will be an ongoing adventure. I’ll share updates on my progress with the granny square card deck challenge, including yarn shopping excursions and clips of the squares taking shape. It’s a wonderful way to explore new patterns and keep my crochet skills sharp.

So, be vigilant when making your purchases, especially online. Do your research, support original creators, and cherish your authentic granny square card deck. Happy crocheting!