Guest Author - Kate Pullen

Summer is a great time for crocheters - there are so many opportunities for a few crocheted extras. There are lots of great projects that are wonderful for summer crocheting.

Summer is also the time for trips out, afternoons at the beach or long summer evenings sat on the porch. Therefore lightweight crocheted items are useful because they are good for summer wear - however they are ideal for crocheting too during the summer as they are easy to carry around and more portable than bigger and heavier crochet projects.

Lightweight crochet scarves are a super summer accessory and can provide a bit of extra warmth for the summer evenings when it is a little chilly as well as providing some additional color and texture to outfits. It is very easy to adapt patterns for use with lightweight yarns, have a practice with some lace weight yarn and a larger hook, following your favorite scarf pattern. The crochet will turn out much more open and lacy than normal - the scarf will probably have different dimensions and might make a lovely wrap. As this isn't a precise art by experimenting you will come up with different looks and effects - make sure you make a note of what you are doing in case you want to replicate it later!

Summer being the season of many new flowers, is also a great time to practice making crochet flowers. These have oodles of uses and can be used to make brooches and hair accessories, to liven up garments, to hang of bags - even make mobile phone charms! The Internet is full of patterns for flowers, don't forget the ever fabulous Crochet Pattern Central for ideas!

Many people enjoy alfresco eating in the summer - so how about crocheting some table mats and outdoor eating accessories. String might be an unusual thing to crochet with - but would make a great outdoor tablemat. Cheap and hardwearing - what a great combination! Yarn made from recycled plastic bags is also useful to crochet with, and will make super waterproof mats for outside use.

Experiment and have fun - use this summer as an opportunity to try something new!