I can be a bit naughty. Sometimes when I am introduced to new people by friends they will say with varying degrees of enthusiasm, ‘Oh Emma knits, you should see what she makes…’ Often the poor unsuspecting new person will look shifty and floundering for a follow-up comment say, ‘Oh do you do much of that?’, I will then reply, ‘Quite a bit….’
Depending on how much I can tell they want to be rescued from this situation I will either be kind and change the subject with, ‘What do you like to do at the weekend?’ or allow a long silence. Sometimes I meet people who have a genuine interest in craft. Lot of people want to rekindle the skills they acquired in childhood. Actually lots of people would love to teach their children these skills. As summer approaches the most consistent ‘follow-up’ comment of these fledgling knitting/crochet conversations is; ‘I can imagine knitting in the winter, but now as the evenings are warmer, doesn’t it get too hot?’ Well no my new acquaintance, that is the beauty of crochet, cotton is such a great staple of the lacy crochet style and there are so many patterns that you can make that won’t irritate your warm hands in summer.
In the past few weeks, in between commissions, I have been adding to my summer household collection. Using my cotton stash to edge an decorate items to make outdoor lunches and garden parties pretty. I found a pretty embroidered tablecloth in a thrift store and decided to give it a new life by adding a zig-zag edge. I used Sara Singuilia’s book, Crochet. Such a perennial favourite with me. There are a couple of projects in this book which are ideal for summer accessorizing.
For years I have meant to make tablecloth weights. Seriously for as long as I can remember this has been on my crochet ‘to-do’ list. Finally I have got my act together. I bought a bag of stones from the garden centre and then just started a basic amigurumi shape working in the round. I don’t think I could ever write up this pattern. You sort of need to work with the size of stone you have. However what I would say is that you can find the clips from Ikea in the curtain section.
I will also be getting out my napkin weight this year. A large flint encased by cotton crochet. Simple and effective and throughout summer almost in daily use for outdoor suppers.
I do know that I am rather ‘dedicated’ to my craft, (there would be less kind phrases that could/have been used) but I can always find a little project to keep me occupied no matter the weather.
I got a lot of comments about crochet being a winter craft when I started crocheting. I couldn’t disagree more – my garden is full of crochet bits – bunting is a real favourite! There’s also a lot to be said for covering up in a lacy shawl on a cold summer’s evening – so much more convenient than a cardi. Crocheting outside in the sun is a real pleasure too – I try to spend as much time doing al fresco crochet as I can this time of year. I love your tablecloth weights – a lovely summer project! xx