Summer Projects
What to make and how to travel with all your crochet projects during the heat
When I think of yarn, summertime is not the first thing that comes to mind. Knitting is cozy and warm, cuddled up by a fire or while watching a comforting movie. Currently as I’m writing this, I’ve just received a text about an excessive heat warning for Southern California. It’s 3:30pm and 99 degrees.
My recent highlight as of late has been my 7pm-9pm routine: after I’ve put my 2.5 year old to sleep, I pour myself an ice cold drink, put my feet up, plop down on the couch with a great show and my crochet basket and go to town.
Having said this, I think warm weather crafting is a hidden gem- a moment for spotlighting crochet bags and cotton hats and loose tops. Summertime is also a season for traveling - something that can complicate the cumbersome hobby. The last few years, my travels have felt less like “vacations” and more like “trips” which is not a bad thing- but something to keep in mind. Crocheting has proven to be the perfect activity to bring: small enough that I can fit it into our beach bag and easy enough to pick up when Francis is playing.
With all of this in mind, I’ve collected some of my inspiration for crocheting in the heat and traveling with your projects.
Inspiration
Summer is playful and warm and an excellent time to experiment with colors and patterns. I love all the items above for that reason; they are unserious and beautiful and the perfect addition to any outfit whether you’re in a city or at the beach.
Crochet Hats
These are year-round items for me. I think they are so fun and can be worn in every season. They’re small enough to bring in a carry on or beach bag and have a lot of room for creative experimenting. (See below: amazing hats by Dina Lea.) I love using hats as an accessory to brighten up a neutral outfit. Plus you can wear them on your trip once you’re done making them!
Yarn
Cotton is the superior summer yarn; soft, breathable, washable. There are so many options out there, here are just my quick list of my favorite go-tos.
Sugar n Cream yarn for an affordable option
Circulo Cotton: this is my favorite cotton because of how thick it is! Works up so quickly and has so many color options. Only downside is that it comes in a giant ball so can be bulky to travel with if you’re packing super light.
Hobbi Cotton Yarn: super affordable and a great way to try out many colors. I use these yarns but double strand it to get a thicker gauge.
Yarn Bags
Transporting your yarn for travels is essential. I usually use an old shoe bag or a Baggu travel bag. The last two recommendations in the photo below are made for knitting and crochet with slots for your needles, hooks, scissors etc. which can be super convenient.
Just writing this has motivated me to try some new projects and I hope it has for you too! Let me know what you like to make in the summer in the comments below!
Till next time!
Post-bedtime knitting is the best!!! Also love crochet projects for on the go they just travel better than knitting for some reason?!
This was a fun Saturday read! Love the top you made for your son, do you beam with pride when he wears it?