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Hello, hello. And happy Tuesday! Today I've gathered some of the coolest and cutest crochet projects you can make this warm weather season. Which is kind of funny, because as I type this we are recovering from a wicked blizzard that had us out of power for a couple of days. I think we got somewhere around 17 inches of snow. Crazy, right?!

But it's all melting quite quickly, and the forecast has provided some hope (70's... ahhhh).

Anywho, I've noticed multiple people asking over on a couple of crochet groups I'm a part of about what to make during the summer months, because it's not as common to crochet during the hot season. If you asked me a couple of years ago, I would have just said I don't even pick up a crochet hook in the summer. I was just so turned off to crocheting, and couldn't possibly imagine making anything while it's 90 degrees outside. But now that I'm blogging and delving more into the world of crochet, I see so much potential for warm weather projects. Like I would almost go as far as I prefer the projects to the winter season (gasp!).

Below you'll find just a few of the possibilities you can undertake this summer. There really is so much you can do, get creative! And did I mention all the patterns are free? Yep, bonus!

P.S. The last two are found here on my blog :)

First is this awesome bag designed by Persia Lou. I love the boho-ness and simplicity of it! You can find the pattern here.

This pillow is a real gem. I like the design and it seems like it'd be the perfect weekend project. Find it here.

These little headbands are pretty adorable. And not to mention warm weather-friendly! I think it's brilliant that they incorporated a pony tail in the back. Find the pattern here.

I included this adorable giraffe set, because it would be a great project for a baby shower, and would work for either boy OR girl. I really like the little giraffe lovey. CUTE! Find the pattern here.

Now this basket is super cool. It looks simple n' easy. My kinda basket! Find it here.

Ain't this dress awesome?? Find the pattern here.

I had to include another dress because this one is just adorable. It's kinda more of a "tunic" but it's perfect for summer. You could even throw it on over your swimsuit! Find it here.

Do I even need to talk about how clever and awesome these espadrilles are? Find the pattern here.

I recently released the pattern for this dreamcatcher. It's simple and lovely, and I think you need to make it! Pattern here.

Also found here on Megmade with Love are these THREE washcloth patterns. I love the texture of them, and they make great gifts! Find them here.

I hope you liked these warm weather patterns! Perhaps they provided some inspiration to pick up a hook this summer??

With love,
Meg

Howdy! (haha who even says that...)

I've a super cute n' dainty crochet pattern for you today. A lovely little crochet ball garland! You may have seen images of these in the dreamy nursery photos on Instagram-- except their made of felted wool. So I set out to make a crochet version! These were inspired by the talented Megan with Sheep Farm Felt.

Above is a super cute example of how someone styled their little garland I found over on Hello Maypole's Instagram. I love how they incorporated the drift wood!

The balls are super easy and quick to make, probably the biggest pain of the garland is just weaving in the ends. But totally worth it, because they make the cutest little project!

They measure roughly 3/4 inch in diameter (depending on the type of worsted weight yarn you use). I found that using Red Heart Super Saver yarn was my favorite weight to work with, because of the thickness of it.

I thread the neutral-colored balls together with yarn, but I think I'm going to use crochet thread for the other set because I think the yarn might be a little too thick. Totally a personal preference!

I was thinking about midway through making these, that you could totally insert a wooden bead inside if you wanted them to be super structured. In that case I would insert the bead after you work a couple of decrease stitches. I chose to just leave the middle empty, because I didn't think I'd have a problem with losing the structure of them while they were simply hanging on the wall.

What you'll need:
Size US D (3.25 mm) Hook
Worsted weight yarn of choice ( I used various kinds, from Red Heart Super Saver to Lion Brand DIYarn)
Large tapestry needle
Crochet thread, or any kind of thread really, to thread through the balls to make the garland
stitch markers (optional)

Dimensions:

Finished balls are approximately 3/4 inch in diameter

Abbreviations:
ch=chain, st(s)=stitch(es), sc=single crochet, sl=slip, sc2tog=single crochet two together

Notes:
You may want to change the size of your hook if you're using a lighter-weight worsted weight yarn, like Caron Simply Soft for instance.

It may help to use stitch markers, because you will be working in continuous round-- I just personally counted my stitches because there weren't that many.

I worked the decreasing stitches very tightly so there wouldn't be any holes in the ball.

Pattern:
make magic circle
1) ch 1, work 6 sc in the magic circle (6)
**from here on out you will be working in BACK LOOP ONLY and IN THE CONTINUOUS ROUND**
2) work 2 sc in each st around (12)
3) sc in each st around (12)
4) (sc2tog) 6 times (6)
5) sl st in 3rd st from hook (this is basically across the hole in the ball from where your hook is) to close the ball
finish off and weave in ends (which is a pain, I know-- see all the balls lined up below without the ends woven in!)

Then you just repeat those steps, and create as many little crochet balls as your heart desires! Then you'll run your needle through the middle of the balls with a piece of yarn or thread to your desired length (I made mine about 48 inches long).