Idle Hands

Katherine Heigl showing off various colored yarns at Purl Soho in New York

I’m always looking for new projects to embark on (despite the fact I’m rarely done with the project at hand!) and thought I’d share my favorite finds with you all. As soon as the weather finally turned towards the lovely summer temps I’ve been pining for, I put down my bulky yarn, giant needles and cozy blanket patterns so I could start looking for a lighter project that better suited the warmer weather. Here’s what I found. I hope something in this list inspires those of you, who like me, can’t bare to have idle hands! Enjoy!

I love a summer project that I can easily do while sitting by the pool.
I love a summer project that I can easily do while sitting by the pool.
Katherine Heigl knitting by the pool

Summer Craft Projects

This linen baby vest from Purl Soho is adorable in that “I like to dress my baby like a tiny professor from Harvard” way and a quick, perfect for summer knitting project.

These baby bloomers also from Purl Soho are perfect for those lovely summer days when all you want to do is sit in the sun and watch the baby crawl around in the grass.

I love this gorgeous polka dot summer scarf pattern from Church Mouse Yarns. It’s elegant and perfectly diaphanous for summer wear.

Also from Church Mouse Yarns is this super cute crochet bucket bag. Perfect for strolling through the farmer’s market or toting your summer read and sunscreen to the beach or pool.

For an easy summer sewing project I love this simple hooded towel from Pretty Prudent. I’ll have to do one for each of the kids in coordinated colors so they look cute and matchy in our pool pics!

These outdoor portable cushion rolls would be perfect for my kids to lay on by the pool if all the lounge chairs are taken by the adults, as they so often are!

This gorgeous summer Pom Pom throw looks relatively simple to do and incredibly useful, especially up here in Utah where our nights can get a bit chilly.

For summer inspired home decor projects I love these crochet watermelon coasters and these totally adorable crochet lemon coasters. These gorgeous pink throw pillows look like a really fun project that could be individualized by dying the fabric whatever summer color inspires you the most!

I couldn't resist choosing three different colors for the linen baby vest. Now I just have to start knitting!
I couldn't resist choosing three different colors for the linen baby vest. Now I just have to start knitting!
All three yarns plus the needles fit perfectly into a small project bag that I can easily take with me anywhere this summer.
All three yarns plus the needles fit perfectly into a small project bag that I can easily take with me anywhere this summer.

I’ll be thrilled if I manage to complete even two of these projects! Hopefully a few of them inspire your DIY summer. Happy crafting! XOXO, KT

Katherine Heigl knitting by the pool
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18 Comments

  • Hasan Kart

    It’s good to see you happy, Katie.
    I love you very much and I expect new projects. Happy Days.

    July 28, 2017 at 10:15 am Reply
  • Syuzanna

    Dearest Katherine,
    Thank you again for starting my morning with inspiring reading! I’m currently knitting a white blanket for my up-coming baby. I grew up in Armenia and knitting/sawing/ etc was a part of my daily life, however, due to busy lifestyle I had given up on those activities up until now:) your DIY projects are always fun and they remind me of my artistic side that needs to be fed once in a while so that I don’t completely lose myself in a routine lifestyle.
    Love you,
    Syuzanna

    July 28, 2017 at 10:46 am Reply
  • Sandra Oranje

    Ooh wow I so envy you. All that yarn behind you. I just want to take a basket and fill it with all great colors. I’m a crocheter ( is that even a word? Hahaha) and have been looking through your links with ideas. That bag is my favorite and need to find me some nice yarn. I didn’t know what to do and it was calling to me to do something so you came just in time. The last thing I made were teddy bears. For the girls of my friend and for the kids of Eric Christian Olsen and Daniela Ruah actors of NCIS: LA. They where in Germany in May so my friend gave them my gift and they loved it. If your kids also want one just let me know what color and I will do the rest. 😉 Thanks for the ideas. xoxo

    July 28, 2017 at 10:54 am Reply
  • Monica

    This somehow takes me to the Christmas spirit!!! So now I want to start getting the presents ready!!!! and you look gorgeous!

    July 28, 2017 at 12:22 pm Reply
  • Erin

    I just wanted to tell you how excited I get when I receive the e-mail that there is new content on your blog! I appreciate that you take the time to share your amazing life with all of us. Your craft projects really inspire me! Those watermelon coasters look like fun. I recently took a pottery wheel class and for some reason it made me think of your adventure with the plates you made for Mother’s Day. 🙂 Let’s just say it was WAY harder than it looks! I went in expecting to make a lovely pasta bowl and after 2 hours, I had a cereal bowl. I’ll be sure not to glaze it poopy brown! Keep enjoying your summer and time with your beautiful family!

    July 28, 2017 at 1:16 pm Reply
  • Diane

    Love your projects!! I am also one of those people who has to keep my hands busy so this does inspire me!! And by the way, I am also starting a new one before I’m through !! Would love to know a reference to the large bulky blankets you do in the winter. Also I love your new series on TV; it is a keeper !!

    July 28, 2017 at 1:28 pm Reply
  • Leeann

    Love these posts and loving your blog!

    July 28, 2017 at 1:32 pm Reply
  • Tamara McWilliam

    Love it! I think i’ll try the lemon coasters 🙂

    July 28, 2017 at 1:40 pm Reply
  • Jule Carter

    love this!!!! you are so domestic!! love following you on your blog!!!

    July 28, 2017 at 2:55 pm Reply
  • Autumn Neely

    Everything is so cute! I tried making a scarf while on bedrest with my first daughter . It’s not pretty but it works. Lol . It’s been three years and in feeling inspired again. I might give it another go. Thank you.

    July 28, 2017 at 4:51 pm Reply
  • Jeanette

    Hi Katie,
    Love seeing your projects. I have quite a few going on myself. My favorite are the C2C afghans, adult to baby, they are a breeze to make and always turn out perfect. Thank you for sharing!

    July 28, 2017 at 6:39 pm Reply
  • Karin Pike

    you’re not alone in having more projects on the needles than hands to work them 😉 There’s just something about the lure of a new project when you can almost taste the finish of an old one, isn’t there?

    July 28, 2017 at 8:58 pm Reply
  • Danielle G.

    Hi Katherine,

    I really liked this post. I am going to make the baby vest for a friend that is having a baby boy in the fall. I typically have a few knitting patterns on the go as well. One of my current projects is knitting an afghan for my sister’s new home to put in her family room. I am hoping to be able to knit her some placemats as well, but I have a feeling that will become a Christmas present for her this year as I am only halfway through the blanket and she is moving into her new home at the end of August.

    Happy knitting and crocheting!

    Danielle

    P.S. Do you have any crochet patterns you would recommend for a beginner to crocheting? Thanks!

    July 29, 2017 at 1:46 am Reply
  • Sarah Santos

    BRAZIL LOVE YOU❤

    August 1, 2017 at 4:37 pm Reply
  • mia

    you’re kidding me, Katie. how did you get that body back only months after you gave birth?? 🙁 lol

    August 3, 2017 at 7:08 am Reply
  • Sinead Yau

    I am so glad I came across your blog, lovely lady!! I get to experience the real you – offscreen. I will always love you so much from Knocked Up though – one of my favourite go-to movies. You, Seth and the resyt of the clan were a delight to watch. xoxo

    August 8, 2017 at 5:26 am Reply
  • Sarah

    Love this post! I’ll have to add these patterns to my already out-of-control project list. 🙂 That’s a great little knitting bag you have in your pictures, I think I need it – what kind is it? I have a little problem when it comes to bags, I can never have enough (yarn too of course… running out of places to hide my stash).

    August 11, 2017 at 2:09 am Reply
  • Alison Hall

    Yummy projects! TFS!

    October 20, 2017 at 1:14 pm Reply
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