Top Ten Free Home Decor Crochet Patterns For Spring

Goodbye Old Man Winter

Hello spring! If you're anything like me, you're ready to ditch the cozy gear and welcome warmer days and lemonade with open arms. Don't get me wrong, I love winter but change is welcome. I believe that there is a time and place for everything and now is the time for COLOR. I have already started a few spring crochet projects and I am always on the hunt for my next creation. So I've created a list of the ten free crochet patterns that I plan to create this spring, some of which are already in the works! I hope you enjoy.

#10 Henry's Accent Pillow  By: Little Monkey's Crochet

Photo by littlemonkeyscrochet.com

There are endless color combinations that you could come up with using this FREE pattern from littlemonkeyscrochet.com! I am actually making this pillow right now and I must say, this pattern is very well written and the texture is spectacular. I am using spring colors but I might also use the navy and gray color for another one. If you happen to visit this pattern, be sure to check out the matching baby blanket that is also on her blog.

#9  Jumbo Amour-Made Hanging Planter

I think my favorite part about this pattern from Vickie Howell, besides the fact that it's free is that adorable tassel on the bottom. You could pair up your spring flowers with this plant hanger to easily bring the much needed feeling of change after a long and cold winter.

#8 Zpagetti Crochet  Pattern Square Basket

What would spring be without cleaning and organization? With this pattern from soulmadeblog.com, not only can you tackle your organization but you can do it in your own personal style. This pattern is perfect for the visual learner as there are plenty pictures provided so you won't get lost. VERY beginner friendly. 

#7 Easy Chevron Crochet Baby Blanket

Although this is a blanket and we are heading into warmer weather doesn't mean this still can't serve as a statement piece. The original pattern was from allthingsbrightandbeautifulcrafts.blogspot.com but I really love the version in the above picture more suited for a baby. You can find it here.

#6 Super Chunky Oval Rug

This pattern that was designed by Bethany from Whistle and Ivy is a great addition to any home and since you work with bulky yarn, it works up super fast meaning you can make several in no time at all. This rug can be made in many sizes as well! If you're wanting a splash of color and something soft beneath your feet, click here for the pattern. 

#5 Crochet Cactus In A Cup

If you are like me, I do not have a green thumb. I mean I cannot even keep a real cactus alive but I can crochet! This adorable pattern from paperandlandscapes.com is the perfect match for those of us who love plants but can't seem to keep them alive and the added bonus is that this cactus won't poke you! 

#4 Crochet Basket

This pattern calls for wire but don't let that scare you away from this basket by crochetdaily.com. I think I would keep those attractive colors as well. If your willing to learn how to add wire to a crochet project I recommend this pattern. 

#3 Baby Owl Ornaments 

Ok so these would probably fit better under the gift category rather than the home decor category but they are adorable and have springtime written all over them! I could just imagine them sitting on some shelves or counter tops adding a little pop of color to a room and a smile to someones face. Grab this free pattern from Josephine Wu on Ravelry

#2 Floor Pouf

This Floor Pouf tutorial from Mj's Off The Hook Designs is the perfect spring addition to any home. I can just imagine it doubling as a toy for the kids too.. because in my home that is exactly what it would become. Maybe after they are of to bed I could prop my tired feet up. MAYBE. You can find the tutorial by clicking here.

#1 Wisteria Doily

No home decor crochet list would be complete without an iconic doily pattern. This would be absolutely beautiful laying on the table at Easter dinner or really everyday. This pattern is for experienced crocheters and can be found right here from Red Heart.

It's hard to pick my next project with all of these beautiful patterns but no matter which one I choose I know I won't be disappointed. 

Easing Anxiety With Crochet

When Life Becomes Too Much

  Like many, my anxiety started when I became a mother. Somewhere between my hormones going awry and being closed off from the outside world, my life became lonely and I just had too much time to think. While my real anxiety didn't develop fully until my second child arrived, I still had depressing bouts and anxiety filled days. After Marshall, my second, was born and the babymoon was over, I found myself concerned with my body. I had extreme Health Anxiety and I had convinced myself that I had cancer. I remember not too long ago where I laid in bed for about two weeks straight telling myself that I was about to die. I even wrote to my children in their journals telling them how much I loved them and my wishes for their life since I wasn't going to be there. Anxiety is real. It actually exists and that is something that took me a long time to understand.

   I have had a lump on my leg for several years but around that time, it had started to hurt and ache to the point where I started taking pain killers to ease the pain. I went to the ER because I didn't have health insurance hoping that they could diagnose me with something and in my head, cancer. I wanted to get it over with and start the dying process. I needed an answer but I all I got were prescriptions that were never filled and about $8,000 in medical bills that I just cannot afford to pay. About a week later I went to see an Orthopedic DR and they took X-Rays and diagnosed me with bursitis and a herniated disc in my back. It was hard but I accepted this diagnosis. My life got a little better after that. 

Health Anxiety is Hard to Defeat

  Here I am today and for the past couple of weeks, I have been feeling a little off. I feel dizzy and kind of spaced out. I don't suffer from allergies and am otherwise healthy.My lymph nodes under my chin swell and become tender from time to time so naturally I convinced myself that I have Lymphoma. I'm not sure what would be worse... to actually have these diseases or having health anxiety. If it isn't one thing that is wrong with my body, my mind makes up something else. These side affects like dizziness and pain could all be from the anxiety itself. It's a horrible process. I have to meditate and pray to God for the strength to overcome these negative thoughts. 

Crochet & Anxiety

  I've learned that when I am going through one of these horrible anxiety spells that if I pick up a crochet hook and get to work, my mind eases and I relax. Don't get me wrong, I still have a hard time with convincing myself that I am sick but when I crochet, it allows me to focus on more positive things. It gives me a goal and a purpose. Staying at home with the kids 24/7 is no easy feat and it breaks my heart thinking of how many lonely momma's there are out there in the world suffering with anxiety on top of it all. Through crochet though, I not only am able to create and feel a sense of accomplishment, I am connecting with a community and that is extremely important for anxiety sufferers. Isolation is a major component and key to anxiety. Us SAHM's need to eliminate isolation and reconnect with people. We need to spend less time in our own heads and get out in the world and have a purpose or else we will go insane and anxiety will win.

Don't Let Anxiety Win

Keep up the fight. Don't let anxiety win. Find something that can help you overcome this horrible illness and stick with it whether it be crochet or some other hobby that will help you put anxiety on the back burner. We are bigger than all of our worries and once we learn how to overcome the non stop worry and learn to let go and let God handle our worry and fears, we will realize that we have a purpose and are capable of amazing things. Get off the couch momma and turn off Netflix. Take the kiddos to the park, reconnect with an old friend. Make something! Just whatever you do, don't worry.

What I Learned When Designing My First Crochet Pattern

  I've been in the crochet game for many years now but I haven't really ventured far from following patterns and creating things for friends and family. Back in January, when celebrating the new year, I made a list of things that I wanted to accomplish as far as crochet goes. One of those goals, along with starting this blog, was to create my very own pattern. I follow many creative designers on Instagram and while they inspire me, they also intimidate me. Have you looked at some of the things that are being designed this day and age? Crochet is most certainly not dead, far from to be exact. Go ahead and search the hashtag #crochet and spend a couple of minutes drooling over some marvelous creations, I'll wait.

Believe You Can

  So one of the very first things that you must do in order to actually pull this whole thing off is to believe in yourself. It really doesn't matter if you are a master or beginner, if you start off feeling that you will fail the short answer is that you will. Get those negative thoughts out of your mind and pump yourself up. Are you going to design a pattern that will go viral? Most likely not but you will have something that you can call your own and hey, how many people can say that? 

Start Small

  Oh how I would absolutely LOVE to design a bralet or halter top. They are so intricate and beautiful but I know that I am just not at that level yet. When approaching anything new and challenging I've learned that its best to start small and build up confidence and experience. Just as you would when learning to swim you get your toes wet first before going for the backstroke. A couple of things you will learn while starting to design your first crochet pattern is the structure of which you should write, how to correct many problems as well as adjust, and if you have children like myself, finding your quiet space and using your time efficiently....I'm still trying to figure that one out, hehe...

Realize That It's Ok To Fail & You're Going To

  As much as I'd love to hang with the big leagues as soon as I start out, I know that I can't just yet. There is a reason they are where they are. They have earned it. They have worked their tails off to get where they are right now. Behind their success are failed attempts and countless hours of problem solving. So if you want to become one of the best, buckle down and get ready for plenty hours of work and a few headaches. We fail and it is ok. Crochet is a learning process but it is worth every minute of the work we put into it. We have an invaluable craft that can bring happiness and joy to other people. 

These Awful Fingerless Mittens

  I hate these mittens. The way they fit, the way they look, the bulkiness of them, the color....etc. The way I see it though is that all the things that I hate about them, I can change. I've already made a list of things that I could improve. Just because my first, second or even third trial of these mittens didn't pan out, doesn't mean that I should give up on them! No way! I've learned that this is exactly what designing your own pattern is all about. It's pretty repetitive and it takes time and many many changes. I hope to look back one day on these ugly things and appreciate the courage it took just to attempt them. You need to have that same courage. Just pick up a hook and create. Don't look back. Not yet. It all starts with and idea. Mine started with this simple stitch. I love the way it looked and thought it would look good on some mittens.... I think i was wrong but that's ok. I learned and you should too. Take that jump and try something you've never done before. 

  

Our Pursuit of Happiness

Many moons ago my husband and I were just starting out with absolutely nothing to our name. We were young adults and had just landed our first apartment which happened to be a government rental. We applied for assistance and paid rent that reflected our income. I was pregnant with our first child and spent my days shopping at our local goodwill trying to fill our new home with furniture and decor while also scoring great deals on clothes. (Half off clothes on Sunday! Woot Woot!) 

As the months went by and my sweet Thomas found better employment, we relied less on Uncle Sam and eventually weened completely. 

Happiness was all around us even through those rough patches. We finally moved into a rental house and stayed there for a little over two years. Things after that became tough because of our own ignorance. While Thomas had a great job and even scored management position, we racked up so much debt and dare I say it... opened up 3 credit cards. Ouch. Living was tough. And I refused to apply for food stamps because why should we benefit from someone elses hard earned money because we were living beyond our means? We shouldn't. We were just going to have to learn the hard way. We sold things that we really didn't want to just to keep the lights on. We both did odd end jobs to put food on the table. I crocheted and sold somethings here and there so I could buy my kids things they needed. We desperately needed a way out but there just wasn't a light at the end of the tunnel.

  Back in December, I took the kids out to my dads place out on the lake. We were playing a very extreme and competitive game of Monopoly when our conversation went to an RV that he had been trying to sell. Something in my head just clicked. Income Tax season was coming up and our expected return was just about enough to cover what he was asking. Could this be our way out? Our pathway to financial freedom? Could I really raise my two kids in an RV? This was possible. So I told my pops that I wanted it and he laughed. I said "No dad, I am serious." He said ok then and that was that. Our lives were about to be forever changed and the idea of living small made me anxious and not in a bad way. While there are many downfalls to living in an RV there are many upsides too such as less to clean, less energy consumption, less places to put things you don't really need. You really only have room for your necessities, you know, like my ever expanding yarn stash. 

  So here we are in present day spending less on rent and utilities, living small and chipping away at our debt one paycheck at a time all while remaining happy and grateful for the beautiful life that God has given us. 

As for my crochet, I am planning on selling full time and even designing my own patterns. Crochet is something that I have loved ever since I was a little girl and it is actually one hobby that I can say I have mastered. So here's to Hooks And Happiness and new beginnings! I hope you follow me along this wonderful journey!