Cotton is a summer staple because of its breathability, absorbency, softness, and durability. A crochet powerhouse, cotton is used for everything from dishcloths to fine wearables. Threadies know the joys of crocheting in fine cotton thread with tiny hooks, but cotton comes in bulky weights as well.

Think of all of the cotton garments in your closet. Cotton fabric can range from the virtually indestructible denim of blue jeans to the delicate crepe of a summer blouse. Similarly, cotton yarn has many varieties – from the affordable workhorse dishcloth cotton to the finer (and pricier) Pima and Egyptian cottons. Mercerized cotton has undergone a chemical process to increase the yarn’s strength, durability, and luster. On the other hand, organic cotton is free of all chemical processes in growing the plant and processing the yarn.

Because cotton paradoxically might shrink in the wash but stretch when worn, it is best to choose a blend when crocheting fitted garments so the yarn will give you the look you desire. Generally, washing and reblocking the garment will restore shape to your cotton creations.

Cool cotton’s fiber structure pulls heat and absorbs moisture, making it a must in warmer climates. Vegans and animal activists might like cotton’s animal-free quality, as might those who have animal allergies.

What do you like to crochet with cotton? Please share your cotton adventures in the comments below!

Silk is a warm and luxurious fiber. It’s fabulous for making crocheted garments and accessories. Undyed silk ranges in color from a bright white to a honey brown color. Because it takes dye well, silk can be found for sale in many bold and vibrant colors. It’s possible to crochet in pure silk, but perhaps more common to find yarns for purchase that are a silk blend. I love silk’s softness and shine. It’s a bonus that silk is also a very strong fiber.
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Today we continue our series of yarn chats with an elegant but hardworking powerhouse yarn, Merino wool. Our previous chats include Focus on Fiber: Acrylic Yarn, What’s in Your Stash?, and Yarn Obsession.

Known for its soft durability, Merino wool is a favorite among crocheters. It is quite popular among yarn crafters (and yarn hoarders ) in general, with over 1.6 million skeins stashed on Ravelry! Merino wool gets its name from the adorable Merino sheep. Originally a Spanish breed, the Merino sheep can now be found all over the world, including South America, Australia, North America, and Africa.
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St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. If you’d like to add a touch of emerald green to your wardrobe then crochet this quick and easy headband. The shamrock appliqué adds the perfect finishing touch to any emerald isle inspired outfit you might throw on for the holiday. This pattern is also great for children’s clothing or hair accessories. Don’t limit yourself to just the headband, you could make hairpins too. Simply crochet the shamrock, sew on the button and then hot glue the appliqué to a bobby pin or hair barrette.

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It won’t be long and instead of snow we’ll be enjoying spring showers. I have a trusty pair of rubber boots that I love to tromp through the spring puddles in. I often where them to town or in the garden. When I wear them all day long the hard rubber can rub on my shins. So, I crocheted these boot toppers to cushion my shins and for a chic update to my rubber boots. This project can be made in about an hour or less and it’s a great way to use up extra yarn. It’s also a great project for beginners. Make several in a rainbow of colors to suit your moods.

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Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons. I love the smell of woodsmoke in the air. Pumpkins and squash in every shade are being harvested and used for decorations. Oftentimes my squash collection finds its way to my oven. Roasted squash, stir-fried pumpkin, cookies and pies all make my dinner table look absolutely mouthwatering. So, when I was thinking up a pattern for this week, this little pumpkin pin found its way off my hook. I added eyes and a smile similar to the happy veggie figurines I’ve seen in Japantown.

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The other day, while my daughter and I were taking a walk, a little black kitten and his tabby sibling peeked out from among a stack of haybales. While the tabby cat is only interested in getting fed the black kitten we’ve named Miette has become quite loveable. My daughter is so attached to her new little friend. I crocheted this cat ear headband for her to wear while getting her fall photo taken with her new found feline friend. It seems like cat lovers are often crochet lovers, so I wanted to share this pattern with you too. It can be crocheted in a matter of minutes!

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As the final few weeks of summer wind down we are enjoying the last of our homegrown watermelons. At first it seemed like we would never run out of our favorite summer treat, but alas they are dwindling. We’ve even taken several to our state fair to be displayed along with the rest of our garden’s bounty. It is so hard to believe that we are approaching the end of August. Before we know it the cool winds of autumn will be blowing. Remember summer by crocheting this easy watermelon potholder. This project makes a great gift!

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I think sunflowers are one of the most beautiful flowers in the garden. Their smiling faces, which follow the movement of the sun, remind me to always look for the bright side of every circumstance and to turn my back on dark days. I find crochet easily as therapeutic as enjoying a beautiful flower garden. So, I decided to combine the two this week. This project can be whipped up in no time. I plan on making several sunflowers, joining them at the petals, and creating a lacy scarf. Another use for this easy pattern is coasters!

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My family and I love vintage clothing. On the weekend you can find us at an antique store or estate sale. While my husband snatches up old tools, I like to sift through boxes, baskets and trunks of old linens. Years ago clothing, quilts and even dishtowels were an art form! Crocheted appliques are a quick and easy way to embelish and personalize your linens. The time commitment is slim to none. It’s a project with instant gratification! This week I created a little mushroom for you to add to your children’s clothing, linens or to make a bobby pin with!

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