The Switchbacks – March 2022

Welcome to the Switchbacks — the very best of crochet, books, music, and little luxuries from March 2022. Keep reading to be inspired this Spring.

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Here at High Desert Yarn, you’ll find a space that encourages women to pursue a creative lifestyle, and connect to the natural world out their front door. So, that brings us to The Switchbacks — the best way to climb a mountain, but with a ton of stops to rest, snack, and take in how far you’ve traveled.

Crochet artists have been busy bees this month.

From the blog hops, bundles, and new patterns… one big trend emerged — SPRING.

Well, “Spring” might not be exactly a trend.. but you know what I mean right? Winter is melting away, and fresh bits of plants are popping up everywhere. If it’s not a trend, then it’s definitely a vibe.

At High Desert Yarn, we kicked off the month with one last cold weather make — the Turquoise Canyon Bulky Scarf. But quickly transitioned to crocheting with cotton yarn. The Explorer Zippered Pouch, Explorer Market Bag, and Arvensis Pot Holder were released in quick succession of each other.

My go-to cotton yarn of the season is the Paintbox Yarns Aran Cotton available at Love Crafts. Browse all the beautiful colors here.

Keep reading to find out what other crochet designers were up to in March.

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Fresh Crochet Patterns

1. 3D Flower Granny Square by Cosy Rosie UK

Have you ever wanted to learn how to crochet a 3D granny square? Those designs are mesmerizing! Cosy Rosie UK is offering this beautiful square for free on her blog. Click here to learn more about this design.

2. Barbed Mug Rug by Regina P Designs

You’ll love the texture in this mug rug! It features the Spiked Double Crochet and uses a worsted weight (category 4) yarn. Make your new mug rug with the free pattern here.

3. Sweet Stripes Boho Bag by Green Fox Farms

This boho bag Lisa designed is fantastic! It’s stylish, unique, and could easily be found in differently styled wardrobes. But the surprise on the inside is even better! Click here to find out the surprise.

4. Spring Gnome by Katie Gerrtis

Who isn’t better to celebrate Spring than a gnome?! This bright + floral gnome will look great on a table, bookshelf, or even as a special guardian of freshly potted pansies. Learn more about this crochet pattern here.

5. Hippie Soul Sweater by Lambent Crochet

One trend that stands out in fashion is the Granny Square. From bags, coasters, tank tops, pillows, and sweaters… you can make nearly anything with a classic granny square. The Hippie Soul Sweater has a groovy vibe — learn more about the crochet pattern here.

6. Amigurimi Flowers + Vase by Green Fox Farms

Another brilliant crochet pattern from Lisa at Green Fox Farms. if you’re an amigurumi enthusiast, I highly recommend adding this one to your pattern collection. These would make a lovely gift for anyone who enjoys a pretty petal. Personally, these would make a lovely gift for my grandmother in a senior care home– a zero maintenance bouquet for her to enjoy. Click here to learn more about this pattern.

7. Waggle Dance Bee Blanket by Elimee Designs

Have the bees returned to your neighborhood yet? The return of the bees is one of the first signs of Spring! This crochet blanket reminds me of my buzzing neighbors searching for the first spring blooms. See what the buzz is about here.

8. Nain Sweater by Me n My Hook

This beginner crochet pattern is an ideal transitional wardrobe piece for Spring. One day in March could be cold, windy, and rainy.. the next could be warm, calm, and sunny. Pair the Nain Sweater with jeans and boots on a chilly day, or with stylish shorts and sandals on a warm day. Click here to find the free pattern.

Playlist on Spotify

Enjoy this new playlist for Spring! It’s a little bit of folk, soul, pop, and vintage all rolled into one. Some songs may use adult lyrics, so listen with caution. Pop your earbuds in and give it a listen here.

Crochet Tips + Roundups

Crocheting in the Spring can get tricky. Making cozy, snuggly hats, scarves, sweaters, and blankets may feel tired.. and awfully hot! So, what do you make when the weather starts to heat up? Browse these roundups for inspiration, and learn new crochet tips!

1. Amigurumi for Beginners 10 Top Tips by Cosy Rosie UK
2. 16 Free Crochet Patterns for Easter by Cosy Rosie UK
3. 25 Crochet Patterns for Spring by Cosy Rosie UK
4. 18 Cute Easter Patterns by Green Fox Farms Designs

March Events

From Blog Hops to CALs, get the scoop on fantastic events that happened in March. Some events are still ongoing, and some have ended. Not all is lost if an event has ended! If an event included a bundle, there’s a chance you can support the designers with a purchase of the pattern bundle. Also, an expired blog hop makes for a fantastic roundup! Save it on Pinterest so you can come back to it later.

1. Monthly Mosaic Mystery CAL by Juniper and Oakes

This ongoing event is incredibly fun to watch unfold! If you’re interested in learning something new in crochet, I highly recommend this event Erin put together. Her designs are gorgeous, and I love seeing the SURPRISE each month! Click here to learn more about this CAL.

2. Bouquet of Flowers CAL by Sunflower Cottage Crochet

What a perfect way to kickstart Spring — with a floral blanket! Now, before you write off crocheting a blanket this time of year.. this one is made from individual squares. So, you won’t be entirely covered in your yarn masterpiece until it’s time to join them. Click here to join the CAL.

3. Springtime Blog Hop from Crochets by Trista

This freebie blog hop is full of fresh patterns ready to get on your hook! This event is over, but it’s a great place to find inspiration for your next market bag, light weight shawl, or kitchen decor. Browse all the featured patterns here.

Bookworms Unite

Besides crochet + yarn, books are my next favorite thing to collect. That library in Beauty & the Beast… yeah, that’s in my dream home. This year I’ve dived into some fantastic reading! Here are a few Notable Mentions that you might like as well.

The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia

Admittedly, I highly disliked this story until the very end. However, I couldn’t stop reading it to see how it ended. That tells me something of the author’s writing ability! If you like fast, fiction reads set in the modern era, this one is worth checking out at your local library.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Now, this story has hooked me. I’m listening to this novel as I cook dinner, and weave in the ends of projects. Jane Eyre is a classic, but her story is riveting. You can listen to this audiobook for free on Spotify here. PS the narrator is fantastic!

Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham

Hands down, this novel is my favorite read of 2022. It’s a throwback to the 1990s, and set in the fairytale land of New York City. Lauren Graham is a whimsical writer, and her character, Franny, will become your new favorite. If you’re looking for a quirky, throwback read, this is it!

My top book buying tip — look at Thrift Books first. Most of bought books come from this secondhand online book seller.

That’s a wrap for the Switchbacks – March ’22

If you like this roundup format, please let me know! Comment on this post with your favorite from this list, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Weekly Trail Guide — the HDY newsletter.