Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

SUMMER CROCHET

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Summer is a good time to crochet things that don’t cover our laps or use thick, heavy yarns. It may also be a good time for us to try something new.  Especially if you’ve never crocheted with thread, now is the time to give that a whirl.

Take a doily for instance.  If you don’t concern yourself with gauge, you can use any size hook and yarn to make a doily – that just might turn into a table cloth.  A good way to start the process of switching from yarn to thread is to start working thread with a yarn-sized hook.  So, use size 10 cotton in a pretty color and a G hook.  Take a doily pattern and get busy.  You might like the results – but you’ll really enjoy learning the new skill.  Make something like this:

my-doily-0509

Other summer ideas include crocheting smaller items some of which will come in quite handy for gifts in cold weather.  What about caps and scarves?  Now would be a great time to stock up on your stash of those FO’s in wool/acrylic blends.  You can probably work up a simple scarf and hat in a few hours.

How about starting on some 12 inch squares so that when the weather turns cold once again, as we are sure it will, you can begin to assemble those squares into afghans, lapqhans, sweaters, and other garments. There are tons of free patterns online for squares of all sizes.  I prefer the 12 inch squares for afghans since there won’t be so many loose ends to weave in after joining those umpteen squares.  Remember, squares are not the only shapes that can be worked up now and joined later.  Hexagons, triangles, circles, and floral shapes – not to mention those lovely freeform scrumbles – all have many books dedicated to their patterns – and lots of free resources online.

Here’s a particularly stunning scrumble I found online:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bymariannes/57550795/

Pull out your scraps and make some face cloths out of size 10 cotton.  Fold some of those into squares, sew three edges together, add a drawstring at the top and fill with your slivers of bath soap.  No waste – and a nice, simple project for a gardener or camper.

Use the warmer months to make your ‘magic balls’.  Gather up all your scraps and join them (with knots or Russian Joins) and roll them into nice balls to stash for cold weather crocheting.  While you’re at it, dig around for beads and charms to add to the mix.

If you’ve got some other good ideas for summer crochet, please share them with us!

Comments

  1. I have made a few amazing tablecloths by doubling the thread, using a large crochet hook and using a doily pattern. It would take forever with a small hook but I made a 90 inch round one in a month! I use a pretty sheet under it to make the pattern stand out.

Have you read?

The Forest Valley Shawl – Crochet Pattern

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.