There’s a moment, every year, when you feel the call.

Not the call of fashion, nor of duty — but of summer. The desire to escape to a seaside place, where tomatoes smell like sunshine, the sea tastes salty, and houses look like they were painted with watercolors. In those villages of pale stone and blue shutters, where time slows down and days taste like simplicity, the urge to create calmly is born. To bring crochet home, to the heart of summer.

Today I’m taking you with me on this little Mediterranean journey, and I thought I’d give you a preview of 3 projects we’ll explore in the coming posts — perfect for giving your beach house (or a friend's!) a handmade touch that smells of sand and salt.

Shell Beauty Pouch

Because even lipsticks need a vacation.

A beauty case, yes — but in the shape of a shell!

This project is a small masterpiece of style and practicality. Made with Ternes, it holds its shape but stays soft to the touch. Just a bit of patience and you’ll have an accessory that won’t go unnoticed.

Bring it to the beach with sunscreen and thermal water, or use it as a clutch for sunset aperitifs. Bonus: match it to your swimsuit colors or make it in sandy, coral, or mother-of-pearl shades.

Suggested colors: blush pink, golden sand, aqua blue.

Perfect yarn: Ternes or Sublime pearl-effect for a chic seashell vibe.

• sublime ternes

Crochet Sardine Trivet

A playful touch on your Mediterranean table.

Have you ever thought of turning a sardine into a crochet trivet?

My answer is: of course I have!

This project is a little tribute to Southern tables, to Vietri ceramics, spaghetti with clams, and checkered tablecloths. It’s fun, super easy to make even with leftover cotton, and instantly becomes the star of the show.

You can make just one, or a whole set to use as coasters or wall decorations.

Suggested colors: navy blue, off-white, silver gray.

Perfect yarn: Donny or EcoDonny (durable and washable).

• donny ecodonny

“Greek Palette” Bag

When your vacation becomes part of your outfit.

White, blue, and golden accents: the Greek palette is the new black for summer 2025.

So why not crochet it into a soft and chic bag, perfect for the city or under a beach umbrella?

The stitch can be simple, like single crochet or fan stitch, and the design minimal: bamboo or rope handles, drawstring or vintage button closure.

It’s one of those bags that makes you want to fly to Mykonos just to match it with a white pareo.

Suggested palette: chalk white, cobalt blue, light sand, soft gold.

Perfect yarn: Drake for a solid version, Viscoiggy for a lighter and more colorful one.

• drake drake
• drake drake

The thread that ties it all together?

Simplicity.

These projects don’t aim to impress with complexity, but with the feeling they leave in your heart.

They’re little pieces of sea, sun, and time for yourself.

Summer isn’t just about heat: it’s when creativity breathes, walks barefoot, eats fresh tomatoes, and finds inspiration in broken mosaics, fishing nets, and slow sunsets.

And if you too, like me, tuck crochet and yarn into your suitcase among sunscreens and romance novels… know that you’re not alone. We’re a beautiful constellation of creatives scattered across the world’s coastlines.

Where to find everything?

On Tessiland.com, of course.

Summer yarns, zippers, accessories, handles and endless inspiration await — even under the beach umbrella (sometimes the Wi-Fi there is better than 5G).

And now… go! Your crochet hook is craving sea breeze.

Happy summer.

Rosaria Tessiland®