by Melissa Mall
Photo credit: meknits / Foter.com / CC BY
Today is the first day all year that is warm enough to call hot, and I find myself thinking about my summer projects. As far as I’m concerned, summer time is the best time of year to go a little crazy with my crocheting, for two reasons. One, I’m free from most of my project deadlines (cough Christmas cough) and two, since it’s not cold outside, I’m not trying to hurry and finish warm projects for my kids – who always want new hats or slippers or scarves or mittens in the winter. Summer is the season of freedom, and whether you’re laying out by the pool, taking a road trip, or just enjoying the long, warm days at home, here’s how you can make this summer a fabulous ‘Crochetcation.’
1: Make Something for Yourself!
It’s so easy to get sucked into a perpetual cycle of making things for other people. Someone needs a present. Someone needs socks. Someone is having a baby (and then someone else is), someone is having a birthday – you could literally spend every stitch you crochet making things for someone else. This is your crochetcation, why not make something for yourself?
2: Splurge a Little
And since you’re making something just for you, why not pick up something a little special to make it with? Something just a tiny bit nicer or softer or prettier than the yarn that you usually work with. Or, perhaps, if the budget allows, something wildly luxurious. You know, you can get a half-dozen skeins of Koigu or even an ounce of qiviut for less than the cost of a one-day pass to Disneyland. I’m just sayin’.
3: Try Something New
There’s nothing like a new skill or technique to make crochet feel fresh again. And just think of all the fun projects you could make if you finally got around to learning how to do tunisian, or tapestry crochet, or filet, or amigurumi, or clothes…and while we’re on the subject, why don’t you…
4: Experiment With Different Materials
You can step outside the yarn store and crochet with something crazy! From plastic bags to t-shirts, twine, rope, wire, or embroidery floss, working with a new material may help spark a little creativity and a lot of fun.
5: Check Your Local Yarn Stores for Classes and Events
If you are fortunate enough to have a good local yarn store, you may be able to sign up for classes or workshops over the summer. This serves a double purpose: it allows you to learn something new and possibly make some new friends who share your passion.
Whatever you choose to do, I hope you have a great summer filled with fun, friends, crocheting and – of course – yarn!
About the Author
Melissa Mall is an at-home mom with four sons eight and under. They have just completed yet another transcontinental move – hopefully it will be their last!!! You can keep up with their ordinary adventures over at her blog, or take a peek at her crochet patterns and tutorials at Inner Child Crochet.
Article & images © Melissa Mall. All rights reserved.
