The year we spent on the road I began my journey into designing my own crochet patterns. We had free time in the evenings and on rest days, and it was the perfect creative pursuit for me to engage in. I especially enjoyed sitting in a camp chair in a new place, looking around at the desert beauty, and imagining what new project I could crochet. I crocheted much more than I ever had before, and learned so many new skills, and became much more consistent in my stitches and tension. Below are some of my favorite projects I designed on the road, and all are things I am still using regularly!
Crag Beanie | Made in City of Rocks, Idaho
(Free Pattern)
I made this pattern after learning the puff stitch for the first time. I love the chunky weight of it and the three complementary colors; I was obviously inspired by my sleeping bag, which I sat under while working it up. I still wear this hat on every overnight or colder weather trip we do, it’s my go-to.
Sharkie Chalk Bag | Made on Whidbey Island, Washington
(Free pattern)
We came back to visit family over the holidays and to avoid going stir-crazy with no climbing or backpacking to be done, I created this chalk bag and promptly named it Sharkie. Sharkie is my gym chalk bag and always gets many looks and comments. I cannot wait for you to try this pattern and add more Sharkies to the world!
Messy Bun Beanie | Made in Vancouver, Washington (Free Pattern)
I am a messy bun fanatic! Especially on the road, when showers happened every two weeks or so. This hat, with perfect messy-bun-shaped-opening, was integral to getting through the cold months on the road. The opening is made with a ponytail holder, and you fasten on directly to it- it’s so easy and fun! This was another pattern made during the holidays while visiting family. I doubled up on the yarn to make it as warm as possible.
Simple Pan Handle | Made in Smith Rock, Oregon (Free pattern)
Though this project was ridiculously easy and worked up in less than an hour, it has remained my most practical and useful project from the road. We literally used it every day on the one pan we used all year. Once we got home I even made a second, [much] cleaner one and we continue to use both the pan and the crocheted handle daily. Plus it makes the cast iron look much cuter!