Autumn 2024 — What to make for the cooler weather?
What to make and wear for Autumn 2024?
We are now past the autumn equinox — so now the hours of daylight are getting shorter and we have earlier sunsets and later sunrises. Associated with that, we have mist, rain and cooler temperatures…
Rather than worry about the chill in the days to come, think about the opportunities for knitting and crochet to greet the days cosy and warm with your own makes!
In this blog post I’ll be looking at quick-to-make items that will help to see you through the colder days — think cowls, scarves, shawls, headbands, hats, cuffs and gloves! There’s an added bonus in that headbands can keep your ears warm, or be slipped down to act as a neck warmer — you could make a matching or toning pair to wear together for a co-ordinated look!
Of course, it’s important to keep your legs warm as well, so that’s where socks, ankle warmers, boot cuffs and leg warmers come into their own.
The choice of colours is yours, whether you select the traditional autumn colours of russet and gold, the festive winter cheer of red, white and fir green, the promise of spring with pale green, daffodil yellow and apple blossom, or the riot of summer colours with rose red, ocean blue and golden sand.
1. Cowls
Cowls, sometimes called neck warmers, can keep you warm as they bridge that gap between the collar of your coat and your chin, to prevent the wind and draughts of cold air making you shiver!Â
Cowls can be made in knitting or crochet — or even a combination of the two techniques!Â
Of course, there are some Crafty Cavy patterns for you to browse.
2. Headbands
A headband, or ear warmer, has the added benefit of keeping your hair in place when there’s the odd gust of wind!
Some designs can offer twice the service by sliding them down around your neck!
Here are the links for the patterns for each of these original Crafty Cavy designs:
3. Scarves
A scarf can be worn short — just tucking in to your collar, or long — think Tom Baker as Dr Who, or anywhere in between!
You might want to make a scarf in the colours of your favourite team, your old school or university, or as a complement or contrast to a favourite outfit. The traditional colours associated with autumn will give an added feeling of warmth.
6. Gloves
Gloves come in a variety of forms —
- fingerless gloves that leave your fingers free but your hands covered and warm — ideal for using your phone to make calls, take photos or send emails
- mittens that cover your fingers and hands together, with a separate thumb — really snug — some even have a fold-over section for the fingers
- gloves that cover each finger individually — keeping your whole hand warm, from the wrist to the tip of every finger
7. Shawls
A shawl can wrap around you like a warm hug! Typically triangular, but shawls can also be square, circular or other shapes. Usually a shawl that is a long rectangle (like an oversized scarf) is called a stole.
A shawl can be worn indoors in addition or instead of a jacket or cardigan, or outdoors to given an additional layer of insulation on top of a coat.
Of course, a shawl can be made of fabric, but knitting or crochet traps extra air creating more warmth.Â
8. Socks
Keep your feet warm with socks! They can be plain or patterned, with different textures or fair isle.
At night, you can also keep your feet warm with bedsocks. If you find the heel tends to wear out, a top tip is to make bedsocks as a tube that you can move around so that the wear isn’t concentrated in one place.
9. Leg warmersÂ
Leg warmers can go in and out of fashion — they seemed to be the latest craze when the musical Fame came out in 1980 — but having warm legs never goes out of fashion. Ankle warmers can be useful for physical activity when you are at the gym, but also can protect your ankles against cold winds. A little bit of extra warmth goes a long way! Boot cuffs are also an accessory that can keep your legs cosy without the bulk of socks or leg warmers by stopping draughts whistling round the top of your boots.
10. Embellishments
When there is a warmer autumn day, and it’s not necessary to wrap up against the chill, why not use a knitted or crochet embellishment to jazz up your outfit, such as a crochet flower?
You could choose one that is an emblem of a charity (such as the knitted forget-me-not or crochet forget-me-not for dementia awareness, the the Remembrance Day poppy, or the daisy designs in support of the spina bifida charity) or choose your own colours to make a personal statement.
Finish off your buttonhole display with a crochet leaf!
You could even create a bouquet of crochet flowers, or a display of autumn leaves!
12. Browse Patterns
If you are looking for some patterns to get you started, why not browse the Crafty Cavy pattern shop?
To start on your crochet journey, have a look at some easy patterns first, such as the simple daisy design.
There’s also a simple leaf pattern, to go with the daisy, or why not make a selection of leaves in different colours to show the progression of the seasons?
You might also be interested in joining the Crafty Cavy community, or pop along to my Crafty Cavy page, both on Facebook!
Comments, please!
What are you planning to make to keep yourself warm this autumn? Are you choosing a pattern or making something from your own design? Please share your ideas for autumn makes in the comments section. I look forward to hearing from you!
Other Interesting Reads
Halloween — 31 October — A Trick or An Amazing Treat?
Halloween is a day when pumpkins and trick-or-treat visitors add fun as the hours of daylight grow shorter. Why not knit or crochet to a Halloween theme — orange and black yarn set the mood!
Christmas Decorations – 8 Crochet Designs
Prepare for the festivities with 8 Christmas crochet designs to decorate you home or as presents!
Remembrance Day 2020 — 2025
Remembrance Day uses poppies as a symbol of the fallen in conflicts during and since the First World War
Embroidery stitches — another 10 exciting techniques
Hand embroidery stitches can be used to decorate various different kinds of material. Decorative embroidery allows items to be embellished to individual tastes.
Hand embroidery — how to sew 7 effective stitches
Hand embroidery can be used to embellish garments, soft furnishings, accessories and more! Decorative stitches and a wide range of fabrics offer the opportunity for freestyle or counted thread work, whether in a traditional of modern style.
Repair: 9 Top Techniques for Attractive Mending
If you find a hole in your knitwear, take action to repair! You can choose to disguise the hole by mending it invisibly in matching yarn, or make a feature with embroidery or colourful darning! It’s worth making a repair to be able to continue to wear the garment.
Thanks I have just been looking for information about this subject for a long time and yours is the best I’ve discovered till now.
Thank you, I’m glad you find it useful.