Transitional Crochet Patterns For Warmer Days

Transitional Crochet Patterns For Warmer Days

It's almost Spring here in the northern hemisphere - a time of renewal - and that fresh feeling can extend to our wardrobes! As the days get longer and the weather warms up, we look for clothes & accessories which bridge the gap between winter cosiness and summery lightness. Crochet offers a large range of options for creating beautiful, functional pieces that are perfect for this transitional period, so here in the blog post I'm sharing my top tips for making the most of crochet patterns for these warmer days ahead.

Embrace Lightweight Yarns and Open Stitches:

Crochet Cardigans: A lightweight cardigan is your best friend in Spring! Look for patterns which use 4ply or DK weight yarn and incorporate open, mesh or lace stitch patterns. These cardigans add a layer of warmth on cooler mornings but remain breathable for those afternoons that surprise you with sunshine.

Shawls: Crocheted shawls are incredibly versatile. Work a simple lace pattern in a vibrant spring colour for a statement piece, or choose a variegated yarn that creates a beautiful colour gradient. Shawls can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for all sorts of occasions.
 

Choosing the Perfect Fibre for Your Spring Wardrobe:

When selecting yarn for your Spring crochet projects, consider the fibre content. Natural fibres such as cotton, linen, silk and bamboo are all excellent choices. They are breathable, allowing your skin to stay cool on warmer days. Cotton and linen yarns also drape beautifully, creating garments & accessories with a light and airy feel. If you're looking for a bit more warmth, consider pure wool or a wool blend. Remember, spring weather can be unpredictable, so if there's an unexpected shower of rain, wool will keep you dry for a short while!

Spring is all about celebrating nature's rebirth. Reflect this joy in your crochet projects by using bright, cheerful colours. Pastels, neons, or even a rainbow palette can create stunning garments & accessories. Don't be afraid to experiment, especially if it's on a smaller piece!

Here are some project ideas to get you started:

Lightweight shawl: I'd like to recommend my Daffodil Shawl (above) to you - it's wonderfully light and drapes gracefully around the shoulders. I designed it in Koigu Mori (50% merino wool/ 50% mulberry silk) in a beautiful variegated daffodil colour. As you can see, this crochet pattern comes with a chart.

Home Decor: Extend the springtime feel to your home with crocheted decorations! Light and airy throws in pastel colours add a touch of fun to your living room. Crocheted bunting or crochet flowers are a delightful way to bring a touch of the outdoors in. My Teenie, Tiny Bunting pattern (below) is quick to whip up and looks really cute hanging on an Easter tree, across a vase of flowers or draped over a photo frame to add a pop of Spring colour to your home!

My Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Transitional Crochet Pattern:

Consider Your Skill Level: Choose a pattern which matches your crochet experience. But Spring is also a great time to challenge yourself with a new stitch or technique, it's a time of fresh beginnings! There are plenty of beautiful, easy-to-follow patterns for all skill levels out there.

Think About Wearability: Crocheting garments & accessories you'll love to wear is key. Consider your personal style and the types of clothes you enjoy wearing. Choose patterns that flatter your figure and which complement your existing wardrobe.

With a little planning and creativity, crochet can help you create a beautiful and functional wardrobe which perfectly embraces the spirit of Spring!

If you like these tips, please consider signing up to my mailing list, when you do so, you'll automatically be sent my PDF with 25 top tips that every crocheter should know! 

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

 
 

New Pattern Published In The Journal Of Scottish Yarns!

Hello! I'm really pleased to be able to share one of the secret projects I was working on in June this year - I have a new pattern published in The Journal Of Scottish Yarns!

It's called the Sunset Song Top and it's a vest style sweater which can either be worn alone or used as a layering piece. I took my inspiration from the many beautiful sunsets I watch from my window as I crochet and from the novel Sunset Song by Lewis Grassic Gibbon.

I'm especially happy with the styling on this one and the way the garment suits both men & women and both young & old; it's very adapdable depending on the look you're going for!

I chose a lightweight yarn from J. C. Rennie, their Supersoft 4ply which is 100% wool, in 3 colours to create the look. The garment is crocheted from the bottom up in 2 pieces which are worked flat and then seamed together using mattress stitch. Instructions have been carefully graded for 9 sizes - a big thank you to the tech editor Samira Hill for her help with this.

In the photo above you can see the beginnings of my design journey. When I started the ribbing worked out exactly as planned and then I swatched to see if the stitch idea I had would work well in the J. C. Rennie yarn - looking particularly at the drape and stretch. I was pleased with this so went ahead with stitch and row calculations for the body of the top.

 
All in all, I'm chuffed with how this design worked out. There's opportunity to go as wild as you like with the colours or to go super simple and crochet it all in one colour! Like I said last week - the choice is yours! 
 
You can buy The Journal of Scottish Yarns, issue 4 on their website and in many local yarn shops in Scotland and beyond.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx

PS. Be sure to tag me on social media if you make a Sunset Song Top!