It’s almost here. Summer. Or is it already here? How do you define the beginning of summer? Is it when school lets out? Does it begin after Memorial Day weekend? Is it when the warm weather sets in? Or are you a stickler who waits until the summer solstice before declaring it summer? Well, whatever your definition is I consider it summer when the weather is warm enough to break out the shorts, tees, and swimsuit. I live in the South, though, so I really consider it summer nine months out of the year. The other three months are just called not-summer as it’s not winter as I know it when I’ve lived in other states.

I love all the natural light that comes with summer. I love the way the light makes my crochet projects glow in the warm rays of sunshine. It makes me so happy. I have a huge smile on my face as I’m typing this blog post. The sky outside my window is so blue I could just dive right into it and take a swim. Basically it’s a great day over here. I’ve been working on an afghan for my mom. See, look.

Isn’t that just scrumptious? My mom chose the colors and I have to compliment her choice. I really love the way this afghan is coming together. She hasn’t seen it so the finished project will be a surprise. And she’s computer illiterate so she won’t see it here, either. Just in case you were worried this post would spoil it for her.

I fell in love with this pattern years ago when it first popped up on Pinterest. I’ve heard it referred to as the Vintage Popcorn Square or the Vintage Wedding Square. It has an interesting history. Another crochet blogger had posted a photo of a vintage afghan she had found at the thrift store. Of course it was love at first sight. And I wasn’t the only one who fell in love. Crocheters from all over the world set out to chart the square and write out the pattern so it could be replicated by myself and my fellow hookers. And I’m so glad they did! It works up beautifully and looks amazing!

I know my mom will cherish it for a long time. And someday it will get passed down to my own children. Probably because I will fight my siblings to get it back.

I hope this beautiful day has inspired you. What kind of projects are you working on? And maybe it’s not a beautiful day where you live but cloudy, rainy days are also great days for crochet. Okay, I admit that when you’re obsessed with crochet any day is a great day for crochet. Sun, rain, hail, tornado, blizzard, sandstorm… I can honestly say I’ve crocheted in all of those scenarios except the sandstorm. But anyway, I hope you have a fabulous day of crafting, crochet, and beautiful weather!