“Beat The Heat” I Like Crochet Features + Review!

Warm breezes blowing in, toes wriggling in the sand and picnics in the park are all sure signs that summer is on it’s way. When the heat starts flooding in, I always become a bit antsy – ready for a fun new adventure! Getting away from the hustle and bustle for just a few days over the weekend to soak up some sun can really help to relax you; Leaving you fresh and rejuvenated and ready to get back to work…

Capture the beauty of summer through the fresh and colorful designs in the latest issue of I Like Crochet (featuring 29+ seasonal designs – available on iPad and Desktop)!.. Bold, lightweight and perfect for the stifling heat, get a head start on your summer crocheting by journeying through history with their artwork-inspired collection.

Experiencing a bad case of wanderlust? Look no further for a stunning selection of travel-ready bags and European inspired accessories for your August aboard!

This latest issue is a pretty big deal for me too, as three of my favourite designs (to date!) were featured, and one even landed right on the cover, the Venice Vest! If you’re interested to see what I’ve been working on recently, stick around as I’ll be going into vivid detail below about the inspiration behind every single design.

From intricate summer tops to a fun fall preview in the form of some cozy afghans, this issue has enough to have anyone in a tizzy of excitement and creativity!

For this particular design I decided I wanted to use a soft, breathable cotton yarn, and immediately knew that We Are Knitters Pima Cotton (Salmon Pink) was the perfect fit!I know I’ve gushed about this particular yarn plenty of times in the past, but I can’t help not to as the yarn is some of the softest cotton I’ve ever worked with, not to mention that the stitch definition is remarkable (as you can quite clearly see in the vest)… There’s no doubt in my mind that this fresh shade oozes with everything I adore about summer!

Summer days are filled with sunshine and warmth, but as dusk sets in so does a slight evening chill. During these moments having the Pacific Breeze Poncho to quickly throw on would not only be a practical solution, but also an enjoyable accessory to wear! Due to the light, airy fabric and loose-fitting style, it’s easy to see how this boho-chic poncho will quickly become your new favourite layering piece to drape over any ensemble…

For this design I used Drops Paris in these gorgeous mint and lilac shades… The yarn is so smooth and soft to work with, that perfectly glided over my hook – helping me to whip up this design lickity split! From the soft cotton to the feminine hues, this poncho in the epitome of summer wear…

If you’ve always secretly dreamed of becoming an artist one day, challenge yourself to crochet a unique and beautifully made artwork by using your paintbox of yarn, and trusty crochet hook as your paintbrush. Inspired by Claude Monet’s famous Water Lillies, this Water Lily Shawl is the perfect addition to any summer wardrobe.

Just like the Venice Vest, this design required great stitch definition to really show of the intricate blossoms and ripples crocheted throughout – Precisely why I chose to use Debbie Bliss Cotton DK. After playing around with this particular yarn, I knew that the smoothness of the cotton, and quality of the yarn would lend itself to creating a truly gorgeous texture…

• Sunshine, sundresses and wild flowers; Summer is finally here! Time to pull out those light, pastel cotton yarns and start crocheting… Not 100% sure what to make? Luckily for you, the latest issue is overflowing with 29+ patterns to kick of summer!
• Fall is just around the corner, so you’ll want to start preparing pretty soon! With their bright and sunny palettes, patterns like the Rincón Stripes Afghan (pictured below) will help ease you into the new season in a cosy and colourful way.
• Lazy summer days at the beach are what summer is made of!.. Relaxing weekends are there for crochet, but first you need to get away from the hustle and bustle… Inspired by a love of traveling, the Coastal Weekender Bag (pictured below) is the perfect way to carry all your things in style. Whether you’re headed near or far, this bag can be by your side holding all of your weekend essentials.

• Boardwalk Vest (pictured below)
• Clever Critter Pencil Case
• Berry Colada Top (pictured below)
• Moonlit Shells Shawl

Subscribe today to start receiving “I Like Crochet’s“

bi-monthly magazine on your iPad or Desktop!