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Summer is here! And with it, lots of opportunity to get creative with our yarn crafts. If you ever thought yarn craft was just for the winter months, then take a look at these fun crochet projects that are all about the summer sun! Whether you are planning a trip to the beach, or simply want to brighten up your home with some summer inspired projects, we've got you covered.

When it comes to yarn, the possibilities are endless and sometimes we just need a little inspiration to get us thinking outside the box! With Father's Day just around the corner, we wanted to bring you some fun ideas, not just for dads, but that make great all-round gifts for men whatever the occasion!

It's unlikely to come as a surprise to our customers and readers that crafts – and yarn-based crafts like knitting and crochet in particular – have enjoyed a huge surge in popularity during the past 12 months of lockdowns with restrictions on social interaction.

Here’s what some of our lovely customers have been doing during lockdown to spread some joy and positivity in difficult times:

Once upon a time, the craft of kitting was viewed as an activity solely for elderly Nans. It has recently come into vogue as a trendy and sustainable past time, especially with the popularity of cottagecore. Crocheting is a more versatile type of craftwork and an ideal pandemic hobby. In our current era of isolation, yarn crafts provide a relaxing outlet to detach from stress and hone a new skill.

The colder months have settled in and while some find comfort in warm blankets and popcorn in front of a film, for others this is a difficult time of year. Crafting has long been hailed for improving mental health, increasing dexterity in the hands and has even been proven to delay the effects of dementia. It is more vital now than it ever was, when other hobbies and activities might not be possible taking the time to improve or pick up a new craft can bring important health benefits.

Working with Colour Changes in Knitting and Crochet
by Knit and Crochet Tutor, Josh Walker

Adding a pom-pom to your project is like adding sprinkles to your cupcakes; it brings that special finishing touch to what you’ve been making. As Christmas approaches, we're all looking for festive ideas to decorate the home and keep those grey, winter days from creeping in. A pom-pom wreath ticks all the boxes - it's fun, easy and quick but will also make quite a statement hanging from your front door.

So you’ve finally worked up the courage to knit or crochet with two colours – or you’ve made it far enough that you’ve finished your first skein – and you need to attach a new ball of yarn. First of all, congrats on your milestone! This is genuinely no small feat! But you aren’t looking for praise; you’re looking for answers, yes? Well, look no further.

I’ve been a self-taught hobby yarn artist (read: knitter and crocheter) for about fifteen to twenty years now, and over the years, I’ve discovered some helpful tips and tricks. I used these tips during my time as a knit and crochet instructor to great success. In all of my classes, only once did I even have a student just not get it by the end of our session (she swore she still had fun, though!). A pretty good record if you ask me. So without (too much) pomp and circumstance, here are my top ten yarncraft tips for beginners