Summer is a great time to bring out your light and airy crochet pieces. Not only are they fashionable, but they’ll definitely keep you cool!

Since at least the 1800s, crochet has been an integral part of fashion history. Chunky, delicate, or somewhere in between, the hand-done technique is still not entirely mechanized. Today, we have a wide variety of crochet looks to choose from — tops, accessories, swimwear, and even shorts can all be created from a hook and some thread. However, we can probably all agree that the modern crochet pieces of late have come a long way since grandma’s afghan-esque sweaters (shudder).

While you might normally think of crochet as a hygge concept left for those cold winter days, we’d like to show a few of our favorite picks that are lightweight and absolutely perfect for summer.   

1. Cream Crop Top

When you’re feeling fun and flirty, this is the top to wear. The sheer, unlined crop is right on trend and would make the perfect layering piece. Throw it on over a swimsuit and shorts, a bikini top, bralette, or even a strappy tank. Have fun with color, whether in accessories or hue of your underpinnings, since this top is a neutral cream. Pair with shorts, high-waisted jeans, or skirts. Strappy sandals and lots of thin layering necklaces would be great finishing touches. Priced at $54.95.

2. Olive Crochet Kimono

Kimonos are a wardrobe must-have, especially when wanting to channel a cool boho vibe. Plus, you’ll look as spectacular coming as you do going, thanks to the intricate statement medallion on the back. Pieces like this olive green version are perfect for layering, and because of the rich hue, this could even be worn in early fall over long sleeve tops. For now though, layer with crops, shorts, swimwear, dresses, jeans, and more. Continue the bohemian trend with a wide-brim hat and your lucky ankle bracelet. Priced at $69.

3. White Mini Dress

Totally adorable and perfect for brunching with your girlfriends, this white mini dress is a Free People exclusive and features lots of beautiful crochet work. Like the most delicate lace doilies have been transformed into a beautiful summer frock, this look is one that’s sure to be eye-catching. Try it out with a pretty pair of flats and your trusty cross-body bag, or opt for something different and style the dress as a tunic over flared jeans and platform shoes. Don’t forget a shoulder-grazing pair of earrings for added drama. Priced at $168.

4. Shorts and Top Set

Who doesn’t love a good co-ord? Similar to a romper, but with more flexibility, these two pieces can be worn in tandem, as intended, or as separates with other items from your closet. The black and white crochet creates a striking contrast with an almost horizontal stripe effect. Great for vacationing or just doing some shopping around town, you can have fun with this outfit. Dress it up or down with shoes and accessories, as well as your choice of separates. The top would be great paired with skinny black jeans, and the shorts would be cute teamed up with a form-fitting crop top. Priced at $56.

5. Boho Maxi Skirt

Simple, yet beautiful, and sure to be a favorite in your rotation, this laid-back maxi skirt features open-work crochet along the hem, button detailing, and a lining that hits above the knee under the semi-sheer top layer. Great with a cute crop, tucked in tank, or a loose fitting top, this maxi is versatile. Plus, you can keep it around for a bit even after summer’s over and pair with ankle booties and sweaters. In the meantime, opt for lace-up flats, a wide-brim hat, and a cool and comfy top that accentuates the cut of the skirt. Priced at $85.   

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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When the days turn shorter, and the temperatures get nippy, that means it is time to get to work on knitting and crochet projects.

Some folks do like to knit and crochet year round, but most of us only thing about stitching when the weather turns colder and the early nights mean more nighttime TV watching. If the idea of knitting and crocheting appeals to you, but you haven’t yet finished projects from last year, then you may want to consider smaller projects. Don’t bite off more than you chew, but instead choose quick knit and crochet projects that you can finish in a weekend (or even during your week time nightly stitching sessions).

But how to choose quick projects? Whether choosing a free project from the Internet or purchasing a pattern from Etsy, Craft site here, or craft store, there are a few ways to identify a quick stitching product.

4 Tips for Choosing Quick Knitting and Crochet Projects

• Look at the number called for in the project. If it calls for more than 1-2 skeins of yarn, it’s probably going to take more than a couple of days to complete. Of course, it does depend on how quickly you stitch, but for us occasional stitchers more than 1-2 skeins may mean a little more dedication is needed to finish the project.
• Chunky knit and crochet projects are usually quicker to complete. The chunky yarns mean fewer stitches, which means a quicker finish. Chunky knits and crochet are also super cute and on trend.
• Size matters. Keep your goals realistic when choosing a quick stitching project. It’s really a no-brainer–a scarf is a realistic goal to complete in a weekend, while a queen-sized afghan is not. Choose carefully and realistically–otherwise, you might just end up with yet another unfinished project this time next year.
• Choose patterns you understand. If there’s a new technique or stitch in the pattern, maybe save it for another time. If you want a guaranteed quick project, use skills you already have. While learning new skills is usually a good thing, it’s not ideal when you are looking for quick knit and crochet projects.

Quick Knit and Crochet Projects

1. Crochet Market Tote – We’d crochet up a few of these to keep on hand for the farmers market.
2. Crochet Coaster – Crochet up a dozen of these beginner crochet coasters in different colors to use up leftover yarn.
3. Knitted Fingerless Mittens – Knit up these babies to wear while you kit other projects.
4. Chunky Knit Earwarmers – This beginner pattern is just what you need to keep your ears warm.
5. Knitted Hot Water Bottle Cozy – Knit this water bottle cozy up for extra warmth this winter.
6. Super Chunky Knitted Hat – If ear warmers aren’t enough for you, knit up a textured chunky knit hat.
7. Coffee/Tea Cup Cozy – Keep your warm drink warm with this tutorial for a knit or crochet cup cozy.
8. One Skein Knit Cowl – This easy projects boosts that it should only take one night to complete!
9. Knitted Basket – Knit up a handy yarn basket  in which to store your latest stitch project.

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Image: Knitting With Bright Manicure via Shutterstock

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Summer is coming… Do you have your swimwear ready? You probably have something to wear to the beach, lake, or pool, but if you want to update your waterside wardrobe with something a bit more exciting, we’ve got some fun swimwear suggestions.

1. Crochet Monokini

Crochet is kind of the “it girl” of the swimwear world this year. I like this suit choice because it still kind of covers the stomach, but provides a lot of sexy silhouettes. This deep-v suit features a halter-top (a great choice is you’re afraid of breast spillage). If you would rather have a one-piece swimsuit that covers more, or a straight up string bikini, Free People has plenty of those available, too. Priced at $148.

2. Nanette Lepore Montecito Side-Tie Bottoms and High-Neck Top

I really love the top of this two-piece swimsuit because it covers everything. So, if you plan on bending, stretching, or doing anything other than laying out in the sun, it’ll provide some coverage. Also: This suit’s pattern is incredibly cute. Again, if you don’t dig this two piece, Anthropologie has plenty of other two-piece options with more coverage. The bottom of this suit is priced at $72 and the top is $84.

3. Floppy Straw Hat

You love your face skin, right? If so, you better cover it up when you’re outside. And what better way to cover your head, scalp, and face region by donning a cute, vintage hat. This hat is $33, from Etsy, and hails from the 1970s.

4. Vintage Sunglasses

In our opinion, fun swimwear must always include a nice pair of sunnies. And if you want a 1970s pair of frames to go under your floppy hat, we recommend this pair. As stated above, the sunglasses are vintage and feature sunny, orange frames. Priced at $40.82, from Etsy.

5. Cremieux Swimsuit Cover-Up

At some point during your waterside voyage you’re probably going to want to cover up and give your skin a break. When doing so, we suggest going comfy. This cover-up looks pretty dreamy and because it’s a white, cream color, it will go with anything. Priced at $24.49 from ThredUp.

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Woman on beach image from Shutterstock

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A new collaboration between Vans and Krochet Kids international features hand crocheted shoes that help lift women in Africa out of poverty.

Krochet Kids international and Vans have joined forces for a special summer collaboration. The mini collection features two styles of Vans’ popular Bixie shoe, adorned with colorful crochet panels.

Krochet Kids international is a non-profit organization that teaches women in developing nations how to crochet hats, scarves, bowties and more, and enrolls them in a comprehensive program that teaches them to rise above poverty. This is the first time the company has tried their hand at making shoes, which are all, like the beanies Krochet Kids are famous for, hand crocheted in Uganda. Each piece features the signature of the woman that made them, and you can go to Krochet Kids’ website to find out more about her.

Besides these shoes being perfect for summer, we love that the body is made with 100% natural hemp and canvas, includes a removable and washable foot bed (which makes the shoe last longer) and is made with water based inks and glues.

The shoes are available in select stores across the country and online at Nordstrom. Watch this video to learn more about the collaboration.

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Whether you tip toed through the end of 2010 holiday parties with a naughty or nice outlook is really something between you and the man with the untamed white beard. We are already gazing ahead to spring/summer 2011, particularly with numerous fashion week line-ups now at our slush-saturated heels. An upcoming fashion trend that might surprise you in this era of recession-studded austerity is an increasing fascination with macramé, crochet, and hand-made lace. Both Fashionising and Style.com have announced that caftans and hippie-chic ponchos have been upgraded to luxurious and supremely feminine offerings for 2011. A testimony perhaps to our desire for fashion that demonstrates the labor of love that goes into quality ethical construction and accessories that also tell a story?

Mark Liu, A/W 10′

As a fiber artist I am always looking for evidence of stunning handwork in key fashion investment pieces. I have also admired how both indie and sustainable fashion designers were the first to go “knotty by nature,” ahead of celebrated names like Celine, Catherine Malandrino, Gucci, or Pucci. London-based zero-waste designer Mark Liu even created a knotting system as a way to eliminate textile waste in the creation of his Winter 2010 collection, “Singularity Point.”

Eko-Lab, A/W 10′

There is definitely something alluring about donning fiber-crafted fashion – as the cord, yarn, or ribbon simply gets softer and more malleable with wear. Knotted couture is actually an ancient phenomenon. The earliest skirt on record is a Paleolithic mini-skirt made of knotted strings that were weighted with tiny pebbles that went klickety-klack as women swished in front of the campfire. We have evidently come along way, ladies, if Roberto Cavalli is now keen on creating body-hugging string gowns for the rock-chick Venuses of our times.

Eko-Lab Crochet Panties

Xing-Zhen Chung Hilyard and Melissa Kirgan of Eko-lab have incorporated some wild and knotty crochet into their sustainably minded fashion designs, principally as organic trim elements but also as a head-to-toe testament to their slow design alchemy. I loved the crocheted top hat and fringe shawl from their AW 2010/11 collection. These “conscious fashion” pioneers also know how to whip up some superfine and sexy crocheted bikinis that rival anything that our Stone Age counterpoints might have crafted.

Michelle Lane’s Japanese cord jewelry collections twine mysticism and the patterns of physics into sculpted wearable art that creates a certain intimacy between the wearer and the object. Lane views her necklaces and bracelets as being more of an extension of clothing than jewelry, and given that she crafts each piece by hand, there is no doubt that this designer has a healthy-preoccupation with organically generated and mindful, small-scale production.

Michelle Lane

Similarly, award-winning Brit designer Tanvi Kant explores wild knots and loopy crafting in her recycled sari fabric necklaces and free form textile creations. Not only is she resourceful in her deconstruction of discarded textile materials, but her one-of-a-kind designs also allow for expression of her cultural heritage and colorful roots. Each knotted design can be artfully shaped on the body according to the individual’s accessorizing whims. Also not to missed on the recycled scrap textile front is designer Michelle Lowe-Holder’s Victorian-style “ribbon Reclaim” neck wear crafted from off-cut fabrics from previous collections and reclaimed ribbon flocked together on a crochet base. (Thanks, Sass Brown, for this tip).

Michele Lowe-Holder

A quick peruse on eBay for eco-macramé or knotted accessories offers up a whole treasure trove of hemp rope bracelets, hippie-style belts, and yes, you guessed it, hanging plant holders. One seller who really stands out, though, is Imperishable Things. Knots can be deceptively simple, and these recycled cotton and nylon rope designs caught my eye with their chic domestic interpretation of cord. Don’t you just love it when yesterday’s clothesline can become tomorrow’s cocktail party conversation starter as noose-style bling?

Imperishable Things

Top Image, Tanvi Kant via Crafts Council UK

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The chill of December has us all longing for something woven and cozy to lounge in. This home is full of everything woven, comfortable, warm, and relaxed.

My imagination runs wild with the ambiance of this space. I imagine the fire is always crackling, something savory is always stewing in the kitchen, and somewhere there must be a shaggy dog loafing around (but I can also appreciate the ironic notion of this home being embellished by a hairless cat).

This is the home of Dutch designer Ineke Visser and it’s sprinkled with her needle work. Her crocheted creations take the form of blankets, pillows, stools, and accessories. The soft white and wood palette serves as the canvas to let her crocheted pieces gleam and shine. The texture of yarns systematically woven together is rivaled only by the bark envelope of the coffee table and stools.

Get out your knitting needles! In case you need more inspiration, not too long ago we shared some knits and knots that are also worth coveting this winter.

(Images by Morten Holtum.)

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Leave those disposable paper napkins in the grocery aisle and get busy adding style to the reusable pile!

Now that we are all invested in organic, reusable cloth (wash in cold, hang dry, of course), spruce up your table and thrill your guests with fun green napkin rings. Calories burned removing them? At least two. More if you juggle a set at the table for your guests.

Where to find ’em? Here are a few highly tactile circles we trust:

Ring around the Rosy! Hand forged iron floral ring, Rain Collection. $38 each.

Stainless Steel appeal, $19 for two  from Velocity.

Ivory organic crochet rings with amber glass bead fasteners, $10 set from Makalewakan.

Tanned Pierced leather rings with red wine ribbons, from Etsy’s Greenbelt, $20 for set.

Spotted Shell Rings, fairly traded from Indonesia, $16.50 from Green with Glamour.

I red the news today, oh boy! Love these recycled newspaper rings, $8 at Ecoist.

Fuzzy Friends encircle your napkins, $15 from Fuz Farm in eco felt or black rubber.

Main Image: Amazon

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