Think Spring Cotton Crochet Coasters -- Free Pattern

Oh the joys of spring...crocuses and tulips in bloom, birds chirping, warming temperatures and buds on trees. I'm completely caught up in the joys of spring. The month of March was a busy one. In addition to being in the States to visit my family for several weeks, I also finished and published my latest crochet pattern eBook, Four Infinity Scarf Patterns to Keep You Warm, and created my Lazy Daze Poncho design.

With the arrival of April, I was ready for a quick crochet project to give me some satisfaction while I work on my next crochet pattern eBook and a long-term project (my Cath Kidston-inspired giant granny afghan). What better way to celebrate spring than with flowers?

Which led to the creation of my Think Spring Cotton Crochet Coasters!

There are a lot of beautiful crochet coaster patterns out there. I've tried a few that I liked and have tried some that didn't give me the results I was looking for. In the end, I decided to design my own so I could have a quick-to-crochet pattern with an attractive, versatile look. Here's the free pattern so you can whip up a few for yourself or as a lovely, springtime gift.

"Think Spring" Cotton Crochet Coaster Pattern

Supplies:
Hook size - G
Cotton yarn of your choice, I used Bernat 100% Cotton Yarn in Smokey Wine, and Sugar 'n Cream in Ecru.

Ch 6, join with slip stitch to form ring.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first DC). DC 19 times into ring for total of 20 stitches. Join with slipstitch.

Round 2: Ch 4 (counts as first DC and first Ch 1). *DC in the next stitch, Ch 1*. Repeat from * to * all the way around. Ch 1, and join the last stitch to the first with a slipstitch.

Round 3: Slipstitch to a Ch 1 space. Ch 3 (counts as first DC). DC again in the same space. *Ch 1, 2 DC in the next Ch 1 space*.  Repeat from * to * all the way around. Ch 1, slipstitch into the first stitch. Fasten off.

Round 4: Using your second color, join in a Ch 1 space with a slipstitch, SC in the same space. *Skip the two DCs and DC five times into the next Ch 1 space. Skip the next 2 stitches and SC into the next Ch 1 space*. Repeat from * to * all the way around to create 10 flower petals. Fasten off, sew in your end.

 Let me know what you think of my new crochet coaster design, and enjoy your springtime crochet and craft projects! And don't forget to stop by and enter my giveaway! The contest closes Wednesday night (April 3rd).

Today I'm Linking Up With:

Moogly Hookin' on Hump Day
VMG 206 Brag About It Link Party
Oombawka Design Weekly Link Party
Small Things Yarn Along Wednesday
Crochet Addict UK What Are You Doing Wednesday?
Easy Life Meal and Party Planning Four Seasons Blog Hop
Krafty Inspiration Thursday Link Party 
Skip to My Lou Made by You Monday Link Party 
Craf-o-Maniac Sunday Soiree Link Party

Think Spring -- Yarn Colors & Crochet Projects

At exactly 12:57pm, the winter season will be over and it will be time to think spring! I have to tell you, since I arrived in Chicago two months ago to visit my family, I've been clinging to the knowledge that spring would eventually arrive. Finally, the big day has arrived. Even though it's still somewhat chilly in the Chicago area, signs of spring have been showing up, like the robins singing their songs as I take my walk.

In an effort to make myself feel more spring-like, I've been turning to some delicious, yarny colors and crochet projects that scream "Spring" (and summer) to me.

A basket full of yarn for an upcoming Cath Kidston-inspired afghan.

Four skeins that remind me of Scooby Doo's Magic Machine. Designated for a summer afghan.

Cotton yarn for springtime baby bonnets...

and spa cloths

While happily dreaming about springtime while choosing all the above yarny delights, I've also been working on my first official springtime project -- my Lazy Daze Poncho, which is an upcoming pattern and original Go Crochet Crazy design!

When I work on a new design, I like it to be perfect because I know other crocheters are putting their trust in me when they follow my patterns. From the first stitch to the last, I've loved the yarn I'm working with and the design I've come up with. With great anticipation and excitement, I finished my poncho this past Monday, only to discover that it was about 2 feet too long. And not in the way that could be helped by unraveling a few rows. I had to unravel the entire thing. But I believe if you're going to do something, do it right! Especially when other crocheters will use the pattern. So, after going back to the drawing board with my design measurements, I'm now more than halfway done with my poncho-in-progress.

Five skeins -- crocheted, unraveled, rolled up and reworked again.

Do you have any spring-theme projects coming up or ones that you're working on now? How about some deliciously spring-colored yarns you're anxious to use? Let me know in the comments what you're working on and be sure to come back tomorrow through Sunday for the Spring Fling Link-a-Long where I'll invite anyone with spring-themed blog posts from the categories of crochet, crafts, home & gardening, DIY, cooking and decor to join the party. I can't wait to hear about and see all the spring things you're working on! Yay for springtime!!