Why Crocheting is a Great Hobby Even in the Summer - Crochet bracelet (not only) for the European Football Championship

While many people spend their time outdoors under the sun during the summer, there is a group of creative minds who continue to pursue their favorite hobby even in the warm season: crocheting. Yes, you heard it right! Crocheting is not just meant for cozy winter evenings or rainy days but can also be a wonderful pastime in the sunny summer. In this blog post, I want to convince you why crocheting is a great hobby even in hot temperatures.

First off, maybe a little funny fact. My daughter, who is behind 'Connected with Love' together with me, learned to crochet herself in the summer - more specifically, during the summer holidays - at her grandma's place 😜

But now, let's talk about why crocheting in the summer is just as great as in the winter:

1. Ideas and colors that awaken your creativity especially in the summer.

In the summer, there are so many colorful hues and inspiring patterns just waiting to be incorporated into a crochet project. Whether it's a cheerful flower wreath, a summery top, or a cute amigurumi, the imagination knows no bounds. Crocheting in the summer means infusing the seasonal energy and colorfulness into your own projects.

2. Relaxation and Stress Relief

Crocheting is not only a creative activity but also a wonderful way to unwind and relieve stress. When you settle in the shade with a cool drink, crocheting allows you to relax beautifully. Especially in the summer, when you may feel overheated or overwhelmed, crocheting can offer a welcome break.

3. Wearable Summer Accessories

One of the best things about crocheting in the summer is the ability to create beautiful summer accessories yourself. Whether it's a lightweight shawl, an airy hat, or a colorful beach bag, to name some examples. Handmade accessories add - in my mind - a real eye-catcher. Therefore, here are some examples of great summer accessories that you can create with crocheting:
 

Summer Beach Bag A colorful, self-crocheted beach bag is practical for carrying all your summer essentials. You can, of course, use the toy bag from our blog or modify it slightly. It is only in german, but if you want to try it you can find it here: Toy bag

Lightweight Beach Towel or Pareo: An airy beach towel or pareo made of crochet work is perfect for stylishly wrapping yourself up after a swim and enjoying the sun at the same time.

Summer Hat: A crocheted summer hat for example with a wide brim not only protects you from the sun but also adds a casual-elegant touch to your outfit.

Lightweight Scarves and Paaren: Airy crocheted scarves and shawls are perfect for draping over your shoulders on cooler summer evenings or wearing as a stylish accessory around your neck. Your pattern should naturally be chosen to be airy accordingly, otherwise it can get quite warm.

Colorful Headbands: Self-crocheted headbands in various colors and designs are not only practical for keeping your hair out of your face but also make a fashionable statement. (Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post on this 😉)

Colorful Bracelets and Anklets: Small crocheted bracelets and anklets are great accessories to jazz up your summer outfit and you can make them very quickly.

And now, here's our idea for you to crochet - a super quick accessory to make, perfect for the Football European Championship:

What you'll need:
- A bit of leftover yarn (cotton works best here) in your favorite color or, as appropriate here, in black, red, yellow, and white - a small amount will do.
- A small button in the size of your choice.
- Just grab a suitable crochet hook,
and you're ready to get started.

Here's how to do it:

1. Crochet a chain of stitches to the length that fits around your wrist and add about 1cm extra (to allow space for the button closure).

2. Single crochet into each chain stitch - begin in the second chain stitch from the hook, and chain one as a turning chain.

3. Single crochet into each single crochet stitch.

4. Change color: single crochet into each single crochet stitch again. If you need an instruction, how to change colors, than take a look at the Blog: The perfect color change

5. Now it's time for the buttonhole row. For this, crochet a number of chain stitches after the turning chain that allows your button to pass through easily, skipping the corresponding number of single crochet stitches. Continue crocheting single crochet stitches for the rest of the row.

6. Change color: single crochet into each single crochet stitch again. When you reach the chain stitches, single crochet into each chain stitch as well.

7. Single crochet into each single crochet stitch, cut the yarn, pull it through, and weave in all the ends.

With that, you've completed the base of your bracelet. On the side without the buttonhole, you now need to sew on the button.

To add a personal touch to your bracelet, you can complement it with various appliques. For example, you can use small hearts. You can find instructions for this in the blog.

I thought it was fitting for the Football European Championship to crochet a soccer ball, so there is a Guide in the Blog.

1. In a magic ring, crochet 5 single crochet stitches in black.

2. Change to white: Crochet 2 single crochet stitches into each single crochet stitch (10).

3. Double every second single crochet stitch.

4. Double every third stitch in the fourth round.

5. In the fifth round, alternate between black and white. You can either carry the other color along with you (there's a blog post about this), or only carry the white and cut the black generously as you can use it for the lines between the black "panels". In this round, double the third stitch in each round - these two stitches will be crocheted in black.

Finally, cut the yarn, pull it through, and add the connecting lines with a black yarn. Once you sew on your appliques, you will have connected everything with love.