In need of a good DYI project or want to brush up on you crochet knowledge, well my dears, you have come to the right place. What's the Difference? While the finished results can appear similar, the two crafts have some differences, and you may find that you are better suited for the tools and techniques of one craft over the other. Like me, I find that trying to knit is like trying to walk, chew gum, and pat your stomach at the same time LOL! But, here I'll explain the pros and cons of knitting and crocheting along with the differences between the two crafts. I’ll talk about which option is easiest, and fastest as well as the types of patterns each craft creates. By the end you will find all the information you need to make a well-informed choice if you are looking to start a new hobby. Knitting and crocheting differ mainly in their techniques. In knitting, loops are formed by moving one needle to another using two long needles. A fabric is created by stacking rows on top of each other with stitches that are held onto the needle. The loops in crochet are formed directly onto the fabric using a single hook. Each loop is created one at a time, and it's more like knotting than stitching. Enter, the pros & cons Let's talk advantages 1. Knitted Fabric Makes Better Clothing This is probably the biggest advantage of knitting has over crochet. Knitting creates a soft, stretchy fabric that is tends to be more desirable when creating clothing and is a denser and finer. 2. There Are More Knitting Patterns Available Knitting offers more variety than crochet. You can find a knitting pattern for almost anything and you can even knit the same things you can crochet. More than just a wid variety, there are several different styles to choose from. 3. There Are Fewer Basic Knitting Stitches When it comes to knitting, you don't have to master many stitches or techniques like you do with crocheting. There are only two stitches you'll need to learn: knit and purl. and disadvantages... 1. Knitting Can Be Harder to Learn Knitting has fewer stitches, but it can be harder to learn for absolute beginners. Working with two needles can feel complicated at first, and it’s much easier for stitches to fall off knitting needles than crochet hooks. 2. Knitting Mistakes Are Difficult to Fix Even if you've been knitting for years, you'll still make mistakes. You might accidentally drop your stitches, use a the wrong technique at the wrong point in the pattern, or lose track of how many rows you've knitted. These mistakes can be hard to spot, and very frustrating to fix. 3. Knitting Is Slower Than Crochet Knitting is usually much slower than crocheting because knitting takes more stitches to create the same amount of fabric. You can knit a project with chunky yarn and large needles in a few hours, but finishing an adult-sized sweater using fine or medium-weight yarn can take several weeks. 4. You Can’t Use Knitting Needles for Two Projects Simultaneously This is more of an inconvenience than a disadvantage, but you can’t use the same pair of knitting needles for two projects simultaneously. Because you carry your loops on your knitting needle, you must finish your current project before using that pair of needles on another. However, but when you crochet you can start and stop as many projects as you want using the same size crochet hook. Tools Make the Person! Knitting always uses two needles to create stitches, while crochet always uses a single hook. Both the needles and hooks come in a variety of styles and sizes for convenience and comfort. Knitting needles come in three types: straight, circular, and double-pointed. Back-and-forth knitting is done with straight knitting needles. With circular and double-pointed needles, you can knit socks or sweaters in a tubular shape. For crochet hooks the design usually doesn't vary except when you do Tunisian Crochet and then you use a very long hook that looks like a knitting needle, but has the usual curved end. How you choose what hook you use depends on the size of your project and the type of comfort you need while crocheting. Below are examples of several different designs including what a Tunisian hook looks like. At the end of this blog are also a couple links on how to choose your crochet hook and other tools you'll need while crocheting. Other materials you would use for both crocheting and knitting is a tape measure, stitch markers, yarn, scissors, a pattern, and if you choose, a stitch counter. Best suited for.... Quick Side Note: Crochet can also create beautiful clothes, especially sweaters, shawls, hats, mittens, slippers, and baby clothes. To make your crochet more flexible like knitting you can either use a thinner yarn or a large hook and that adds a wonderful softness and flexibility to it. To Sum it Up Lastly, you'll benefit from dabbling in both crafts, regardless of the one you choose. As you can see from the differences outlined above, neither of them is objectively superior. You can make anything with either craft, including accessories, clothing, and decorations. So, there's no wrong decision when it comes to choosing between the two. #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #crochetvsknitting

Ever wonder why certain crochet stitches are better for some patterns and not others? Does using a particular stitch really make a difference in the finished product? Even if you are not a crocheter, having a little bit of stitch knowledge can help you pick the best quality product. This year I want to find new stitches I haven't used yet. Come along with me as I explore new and fancy stitches and what projects they are best used for. Weaving in the Fun! When I think of outstanding cozy patterns for fall, the Basketweave is the first to come to mind. It is a classic and timeless style that will keep you in fashion year after year. Crocheting the Basketweave stitch is not hard, but it does require knowledge on the anatomy of the Double Crochet stitch. The Double Crochet is a tall stitch that looks like a vertical fence post, and in fact that is what the middle of the stitch is called "a post". You do not go into the top of the stitch when you make a basketweave; you either insert your hook from the back of the post to the front, or from the front to the back. When you make a basketweave, you don't go into the top of the stitch; instead, you insert your hook from the back to the front or from the front to the back. The stitch will be wrapped around the post which makes the Double Crochet look like it is either in front of or behind, like an actual woven basket. You will work the pattern in rows. And once again thank you Daisy Farm Crafts for the easy to follow instructions and video! Written Instructions: Make a chain in multiples of 8 then add 4. In the 4th chain from the hook, (the chain 3 counts as first DC ) DC into each stitch across. Ch 3 and turn. FP DC (front post double crochet) around the next 4 DC ‘s. Then, BPDC (back post double crochet) around the next four. Alternate to the end. You should have one DC left (the turning chain) and in that one, do a regular DC into the top of the stitch. (Not around the post) chain 3 and turn. FPDC around the post of the next 4 DC , BPDC around the posts of the next 4 and repeat across. The last stitch will be a dc into the top of the turning chain. Repeat this two more times, or until you feel like a square is made. If you use chunky yarn two rows might be just fine. To make a new row of blocks that are the opposite, after the chain three and turn, start with a BPDC around the post of the next 4 stitches, then FPDC around the post of the next four stitches. The ends will always finish with one DC into the top of the turning chain. Mastering this technique gets you one step closer to understanding how cables are made. Try it out! And good luck. Here is a video clip of the basketweave stitch: Daisy Craft Farms Limitless Possibilities There really is no limit to what you can create with the Basketweave stitch...sweaters, scarves, gigantic blankets, baskets, purses, vests, pillows....so so much more! #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #basketweavestitch Check out The Crocheted Moons Fall/Winter Selection!

The creations have been created and are on their way, so come see what's popping up at The Crocheted Moon. Who doesn't love a good snug n' cuddle? My good friend Maddie Foster, you may remember her from Maddie Foster Photo, placed a special request for her new baby niece Violet. Violet's mom and dad are decorating her room in butterflies, and Maddie wanted to give a soft butterfly plushie to compliment the sweet decor. I jumped at the chance to make something for her and decided this little guy was too cute to be a one time thing, so she, along with many others to come, will be offered on The Crocheted Moon's website as a new plushie line "Snug N' Cuddle". What makes them so cuddly? You have probably seen these cuddly type plushies in several spots and offered by several crocheters. They are a simple, but fun plush that you can take anywhere with you, snuggle up on the couch with, or even use them to decorate for the holidays. What makes them so popular is the irresistible chenille yarn that is used to make these cuties. So keep a watchful on CM's horizon for Miss Butterfly and her friends! #bloggingthemoonCM #comingsoon #snugncuddleplushies More irresistible CM Plush

Check this spot for new updates or changes to The Crocheted Moon or our products. New way to pay! With Google Pay, you can now pay for your purchases on The Crocheted Moon in 2 quick steps. After you have clicked on the cart icon and you're on the check out screen, you'll see a list of options to pay. At the bottom in white letters, click on "More Payment Options". Once you click on the link you'll see a button for GPay. Click on that and fill out all the necessary info to make your purchase. Easy, Peasy, Lemon Squeezy! Other accepted forms of payment #bloggingthemoonCM #CMupdates #googlepay

Check this spot for new updates or changes to The Crocheted Moon or our products. Spreading the News Fact, a referred customer is 18% more loyal than a customer acquired by other means. Referred customers are 4 times more likely to refer more customers and customers referred by other customers have a 37% higher customer retention rate. It all sounds great to me...but how does referring customers benefit you? Well, let me tell you. It's mostly about trust. Especially now days when a large amount of shopping is done online and not in person. If we love something we can't wait to share it with as many people as we can and we wouldn't send people we care about to places where they would be swindled, given poor product, or made to feel unhappy or unsafe. Your referrals create an atmosphere of trust, loyalty, and yes happiness for all. The more people you refer, the better I can make adjustments to The Crocheted Moon that allows me to keep offering fantastic customer service, perks for being loyal members, and to always offer high quality products you love. How do I help? It's simple, go to The Crocheted Moon's website, select more on the menu bar, go down to referrals, fill out and submit the referral page, and if you're already a member you earn 25 points towards rewards. If you're not a member yet, check out the type of rewards you can earn and then take a few seconds to join by clicking on the 'log in' icon on the menu bar. It will take you to the log in page where you can sign up. All your info is kept private and you can choose who sees it and who doesn't, kind of like Facebook. #bloggingthemoonCM #CMupdates #CMreferrals Referral Form Shortcut

Wondering what all your wonderful clothing pieces from The Crocheted Moon would look fantastic with...look no further. Here we'll show you what you can pair your pieces with, whether it's other items from the shop, or your own closet. Get ready to look great and feel confident! Meet Fanny the Fashion Pair. Our little friend loves clothes and accessories galore, but doesn't always know how to 'pair' things together. Today she wants to find something cool, but warm that will help keep her toasty in the cold weather. See what fun combinations you can make with hats, scarves, and your fav jackets and coats. Spooky & Cute, what a perfect pair! Fanny is super excited for Halloween and has been searching for perfect Halloween items to make her holiday spooktacular!! Well step inside little pear and bring your friends because The Crocheted Moon has just the thing for you and them. Ready, Set, Pair!... It wouldn't be a ghoulish holiday without Jack and Sally. Choose a dashing Jack scarf or loveyly Sally one and pair it with the unbeatable Jack Earflap Hat. Need a little something extra for few special monsters? You will be more popular than the witch with the candy house when you pair the mini cauldron in either black, lime green, or purple with a bag of good ol' candy corn. This fun plush already comes as a pair with it's little pumpkin pouch and your choice of ghost or black cat. You can't go wrong with Pumpkin Poppers (recently renamed Lil' Spookies). You could also mix it up even more by getting one of each of the Lil' Spookies and 2 cauldrons in different colors. Fill one pumpkin pouch with candy and put the Spookie plush in the cauldron, put the candy in the other cauldron and keep the other Spookie with the pouch...endless fun! #bloggingthemoonCM #fashionpairs #halloweenfun Shop for your Halloween here!

Ever wonder why certain crochet stitches are better for some patterns and not others? Does using a particular stitch really make a difference in the finished product? Even if you are not a crocheter, having a little bit of stitch knowledge can help you pick the best quality product. This year I want to find new stitches I haven't used yet. Come along with me as I explore new and fancy stitches and what projects they are best used for. Feminine Circles The beautifully delicate pattern of Catherine's Wheel Stitch caught my eye as I was searching for new stitches to highlight. I just love the swirls that the alternating circles make and the fact you could do a whole project with this pattern or just use it as a decorative border. The crochet pattern is created using the Single and Double crochet stitch and while the execution of this pattern is an intermediate level, the stitches used are easy and basic. So, if you're still at a beginning skill level, don't shy away from a challenge, and if you're intermediate, to high then this a perfect pattern to add to your arsenal. How to Make Once again for the written instructions and illustrations I will be posting from my favorite fellow crocheter, Daisy Farms (daisyfarmcrafts.com/catherines-wheel-stitch). For her example she uses a medium weight yarn and a 5mm hook. Written Instructions: Start with 27 chains. Pattern repeat is 10 + 6 + 1. That means you can make a chain any multiple of 10, then add 6, then add one for the turning chain. Repeat rows 2-5 for the pattern to continue. And, change colors however you wish. Video Instructions Daisy Farms What to Make, What to Make.... Afghans, of course! I think you can make a blanket out any crochet stitch, but the Catherine's Wheel gives it a more delicate touch. You can also do wonderful shawls, scarves, or do it as a granny square and make coasters and hot pads. #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #catherineswheelstitch

Below you will find unique creations and patterns I have designed exclusively for my customers. I go into the "hows" and "whys" you won't find them anywhere else. Exclusive CM Collections There is a new category under the 'Shop' tab called "CM Collections". Why the new tab? I added the new category to show case several of The Crocheted Moon's collections. What makes these collections special is each collection follows a theme and special storyline along with collector cards that come with some of them. When you go to the collections page you find that each item is labeled with their own collection name which makes it easy to see what characters and accessories are in each line. CM's Current Collections: 1. Pill Body Collection...This is CM's first collection and it consists of Baby Yoda (Grogu) and Harry Potter. This collection is defined by the shape of the body which resembles a pill capsule. This unique shape makes each character in it's line super huggable and easy for your little ones to carry under their arm. They are also marked by the handmade cabochon marble eyes created to reflect the real look an eye. 2. Honeycomb Hive...This is a miniature collection consisting of wee bee villagers, their queen, and their Hive. Each little bee is dressed to mirror the job their real life counterparts preform and come with a collector card that describes the role that bee actually has in the hive. 3. Mystic Friends Collection...This collection was started because of my good friend Ashley (gave me the quote for Little Bigfoot's card) who is a true Bigfoot believer. She loves anything and everything to do with Bigfoot, so I made her a little baby version, which in turn got my brain going about other crypto creatures....like the unicorn and Nessy. I wanted to use a different type of yarn that was silky and fuzzy and made these mythical creatures irresistible and squeezable. Each character is made with this trademark yarn and has some connection to mythical lore. They, like the Honeycomb Hive Villagers, come with a collectors card. Right now you can collect Little Bigfoot & Magic the Unicorn and I hope to add Nessy by the beginning of next year or sooner. 4. Nightmare Before Christmas...this collection just kind of happened lol! My daughter and several of my friends and customers are such big fans that I've made enough to make a collection. Currently you can purchase Jack or Sally scarves and Jack Earflap hats. Coming up for this Halloween season I have exciting news for NMBC fanatics, but first I have to give Elise Fisher a big shout out for the idea. It was her special request to come up with a Nightmare Before Christmas Gnome Set for her sister-in-law. The gnome set will consist of Jack, Sally, and Nero. #bloggingthemoonCM #CMexclusivedesgin #CMcollectiontab CM Collections

Check this spot for new updates or changes to The Crocheted Moon or our products. New Search Bar Due to the growing number of items on The Crocheted Moon's website, I have added a search bar to make finding them easier. Easy Use So the one thing you don't have to search for is the 'search bar', I placed it in the sites grey header where you can always find it. Click the black rectangle and type in what you're searching for. For instance, if I wanted to look up all the cute little bee villagers of Honeycomb Hive and their super sweet home, I would type in 'honeycomb' (as shown in the second picture). Once I typed in my key word it would pull up a list of all the items being sold or blog posts that had that exact word in it. Different Ways to Search The search bar in the header is a great way to do a quick search, but if you want a more in depth search you can go to 'More' on the header tab, and select 'Search Results' from the drop down menu. When you're on the search page you can search under ALL (2nd pic) which will search all pages no matter the content. PRODUCTS (3rd pic) that allows you to get more specific in your search and even look under certain categories and price ranges. BLOG POSTS (4th pic) that will only search under published posts from "Blogging the Moon". And also OTHER PAGES (5th pic) which will search pages like 'About', 'Vendor Events', 'Deals & Discounts', 'Subscriptions', and so forth. With so many ways to search you're sure to find what you're looking for, but if not you can always chat with me through the message app (black square, lower left corner), email me thecrochetedmoon@gmail.com, contact me on Instagram @thecrochetedmoon456, or message me through facebook.com/thecrochetedmoon. I am at the ready to help find what you need! #bloggingthemoonCM #CMupdates #websitesearchbar

Ever wonder why certain crochet stitches are better for some patterns and not others? Does using a particular stitch really make a difference in the finished product? Even if you are not a crocheter, having a little bit of stitch knowledge can help you pick the best quality product. This year I want to find new stitches I haven't used yet. Come along with me as I explore new and fancy stitches and what projects they are best used for. What Gingham Means to Me Stylish and classic, gingham crochet stitch is a great stitch for any project. By using two colors of yarn per row, you carry the second color through your stitches, making it much easier than it appears. When I see this pattern I think of picnics, ants, & watermelon and to me it is wonderful representation of summer, but gingham isn't just a great backdrop for summer. It can also conjure images of a roaring fire, crisp snow, reindeer, warmeth, and joy for the Christmas and winter holiday....or darling baby blankets draping over their cribs and beds, plush pillows stacked on couches...there really is no end to the use of gingham. Creating your own Gingham Style You can use any single, half double, or double stitch, as well as variations on either. Shopping for the yarn is the most challenging part of this gingham stitch. Purchasing the yarn is the most challenging part of this stitch. You’ll need to find two colors that are in the same family but separated by a few shades and in some cases, even when you hold the skeins together, you won't believe the colors will work together....but give it a chance. You might change your mind once you see the finished product. Another thing to remember when choosing your shades for your project is to get a light, medium and dark color. Most of the time I like to use white and then two shades of the same color. For example, white, light pink and dark pink like in the instructional video from Daisy Farm Crafts. Both the written instructions and video are for a gingham blanket, but you can tailor it to make it any size you want, even as small as hot pads. Written Instructions: Chain a multiple of 10 plus 1. Make the base chain in white and with a smaller size hook (H). Change hook size to (J), join light pink color with the chain one and turn. Start your next ten. SC with link pink, crocheting over the white yarn, when you get to the tenth SC, do not finish all the way with light pink, stop, pull up the white, pull through, and now do the next ten SC with white, crocheting over the light pink. Continue changing colors every ten stitches. Do ten rows. At the end of your tenth row, you’ll cut off the white, add in the strawberry, and alternate between strawberry and light pink. (You will be weaving in the white end, do not crochet over the white, you’ll join that back in after ten rows). MAKE SURE YOU DON’T ACCIDENTALLY MAKE A CHECKERBOARD There is certainly nothing wrong with checkerboard blankets, but if you’re trying to achieve the gingham look and it turns out like a checkerboard, you’ll probably be disappointed. The simple way to avoid this is to make sure that the medium color is always used in every row. For the first block of color, the medium color alternates with the dark, and in the next block it alternates with the light. If you alternate the white and the dark, your blanket will look checkerboard. (See the difference between the two pictures below). Video Instructions Daisy Farms Never enough gingham Feast your eyes on all these great projects you can do with the gingham stitch #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #gingham Check out The Crocheted Moons Fall/Winter Selection!

Below you will find unique creations and patterns I have designed exclusively for my customers. I go into the "hows" and "whys" you won't find them anywhere else. Hive Sweet Hive There's no place like home especially for the Honeycomb Hive villagers. They love their plush hive done in a soft yellow and adorned with their favorite color of flowers. The crown is secured with an antique gold magnetic snap that makes getting in and out easy and is also fastened in the back to the hive with three brass rings. The whole hive including the base is stuffed with premium polyester fill to make it soft yet durable and strong during play. The hive can hold up to 9 bees. Measurements: 12 ½” H x 9 ¼” W, 29” circumference at the widest part. #bloggingthemoonCM #CMexclusivedesgin #honeycombhivecarryingcase Hive Gallery Get your hive here! Under CM Collections tab. Scroll down to see all of CM collections and the new Honeycomb Hive Carrying Case.

The creations have been created and are on their way, so come see what's popping up at The Crocheted Moon. CM's Halloween Parade... Calling all cute, spooky, scary, creepy, mystical, magical, and hollo-licous to The Crocheted Moon's Halloween line-up! Welcome Back Returning again for another spook-tacular year.... Bobble, Bobble Toil in Trouble Witches Hat Color - Mood Mosaic (purples), Metallic Black, Strawberry Jam (reds/pinks) Size (head circumference) - Toddler 17", Child 19", Teen SM 20", Adult MED 21" Price - $22 Pumpkin Poppers (renamed: Lil' Spookies) Choice of: Ghost or Black Cat Measurements: Cat - 7” long (top of ears to bottom of foot), 5 ½” sitting, 3 ¼” width, 5 ½” body circum., 6 ¾” head circum. Ghost - 6 ½” long, 3 ½” width, 6 ¼” body circum., 6 ¾” head circum Pumpkin Pouch - 7” L x 4 ½” W, Circum 9” Price - $12 Harry Potter Measurements: 16” tall, 10 ½ “ wide from hand to hand, 16 ½” body circumference Price - $65 Jack and Sally Scarves Measurements: 6 ft long x 9 inches wide, 5" tassels on the ends Price - $25 New Kids on the Block Keep your eyes peeled for these new and exciting CM products: mini cauldrons (black, green, & purple) and also available with/or without candy corns Nightmare Before Christmas Gnome set (Jack, Sally, & Zero) Trick or Treat Bags (Frankenstein & Jack O'Lantern) Light up Ghosts #bloggingthemoonCM #comingsoon #newhalloweengoodies Get your Halloween goodies here!