A Note from the Editor

Where I come from, hay rides aren’t just a fun fall activity, they’re a rite of passage. I was six years old when my dad took me on my first tractor ride. We didn’t live on a farm, but we did have five acres filled with evergreen and deciduous trees, crab apples, and our own private garden of sun-ripened fruit including pears, apples and plums. For my first ride, we only went 10 mph, but to my 6-year-old self – cheeks reddened from the wind, smile wide – it felt like we were flying. The trees around us were barely touched with fall – mostly green leaves with just a punch of yellow and red bleeding through.

As I got older, tractor rides were replaced with trips to our local pumpkin farm: Jerry Smith Pumpkin & Produce. I remember how excited I would get when we’d drive by and see the property outlined with mini pumpkins. This was one of the first signs of fall in Kenosha, when the local pumpkin patches would open their doors and invite guests to sample various apple-baked goods, candy corn and pumpkin-flavored everything.

As an adult, fall remains my favorite season, but not just because I have a weak spot for pumpkin spice lattes. I love finding new patterns to make for the cool, crisp weather, whether that’s a new scarf, a cozy shawl or some colorful autumn décor for my home. To help you all prepare for the new season, we’ve rounded up some of the best projects that fall has to offer in this all-new issue. Get your little one all ready for Halloween with some of the cutest costumes ever, including my personal favorite, the Raucous Raccoon Set complete with a detachable tail. Or, add a hint of autumn to your home with the Japanese Maple Pillow. With shades of red, yellow and orange, this cozy project is reminiscent of freshly fallen leaves; plus, it looks great when paired with a grey or cream-colored sofa.

If you’re searching for new wearables, don’t miss our Fall-Tastic Scarves and Pieces of Autumn sections featuring cozy pullovers, shawls and scarves all bursting with bold seasonal hues.

Happy crocheting,

Caitlin Eaton

Design submissions and article ideas should be sent via email to submissions@ilikecrochet.com