So, spring is in the air, and summer is rapidly approaching. Hmm... time to think about some summer crochet. Cotton and linen, nothing warm or scratchy, cool cool summer yarns.
This is the way I feel every year at this time. And I do believe I’m not alone. In fact, I’m sure: I just need to have a look at what’s on offer in stores and magazines to know that we’re all the same. We’re inspired for ”winter things” in the winter, and for ”summer things” in the summer.
Yet, I’m not sure we’re completely right about this. For us crocheters, there is something in between the moment when we see a lovely project and get the material for it, and the moment when we hold the finished item in our hands, ready to be worn or used. This ”something” is called ”time”. Joyful, relaxing time while we are working away on our project – but still, time.
We tend to forget about time. When we buy ready-made items, time hardly exists. It’s a matter of seconds to pay for something, and then it’s ours. But when we make something by hand, time is part of the project. Time is at least one of the factors that make our hand-made items so precious.
But time is so easy to forget about.
Oh, well, where was I? Summer crochet, of course. It’s the right moment. But first I have to finish the winter items in progress - not to speak about those dormant projects in the bottom of one or the other of the crocheting baskets or bags spread all over the place. And yes, there's also that magnificent project that I haven't even started. I have everything, pattern, yarn and swatch - why not at least start, now, before summer comes and I won’t want to work with mohair anymore?
Then suddenly, it’s the first heat wave - here in Alsace, France, it usually comes in June. Working with ”winter materials” becomes unbearable. There is no way you can make me put that wool afghan on my lap so I can finish the border. Besides, sitting in the shade beneath the cherry tree, wearing shorts and a tank top, pretending to watch over the children playing in the little pool, I'm totally uninspired to make warm garments. It feels like summer will last forever. Winter is so remote. It’s really time to pull out those summer projects!
Let’s see, the summer top for my daughter, the Phildar tank for which I bought yarn (or should I say thread?) last year, this beautiful cotton/rayon yarn which will one day be transformed into a glorious fitted cardigan that will look equally good on summer nights and winter festive occasions… Oh yes, then there is that Plassard cotton blend that I intended to become a cardi too, but I think I will not have enough yarn – should I make a shrug instead? Where to start? While procrastinating and reflecting upon my decision, I’m busy pulling weeds, watering plants and avoiding cleaning the house.
Some time later, my garden is as weed-free as it ever gets and I’m suddenly struck with panic at the thought that I haven't started a single summer project yet. I promptly finish my ice-cream and go back into the house. My heart filled with enthusiasm, I start four different new projects in three days.
A couple of weeks later we leave for our summer holiday. We pack the car with suitcases, sports equipment, French wine and my crochet project bag. It includes the four projects, of course, as well as some extra yarn and half a dozen crochet books, in case I finish everything and need to plan a new project. We spend our summer holiday in Sweden, in a small house at the end of a road by a lake. Given the circumstances, there could be boredom. There could be time on my hands.
And then, a month later, my crochet project bag travels back to France. It is a little heavier than before. Of course I have crocheted. A little. I have also gone fishing, bathing and mushroom-picking. I have played with my kids, done laundry, cooked and spent time with friends and family. And I have of course bought some new yarn.
I go home, unpack, start working again, get the kids ready for school. I seam my daughter's summer top - it's finished! She can wear it with her denim jacket, since it has become a bit chilly for sleeveless tops.
When I stand in front of the mirror trying on my finished tank top, I’m shivering. The rain taps on the roof. I check my calendar. It's October. How did that happen? I should have started my winter projects eons ago!
I fold my top and put it away for next year. And I promise myself that next time, I’ll start my summer crochet in January. Since it’s already October, this means I have two and a half months ahead of me to finish that mohair project. And to make that buttoned loose turtleneck collar thing I’ve been thinking of since last winter. As well as the mock fair-isle cardigan, the shaded multi-coloured jacket, the lacey bolero, the shawl in hand-painted lace-weight yarn from New Zealand and… anything else that may cross my mind.
Perhaps I should have started all this a bit earlier…
