The creations have been created and are on their way, so come see what's popping up at The Crocheted Moon. The making of a small bee village! This wonderfully small creation has been in the making for a long time. I am very excited to show and offer you these mini bee characters. My daughter has been my 50/50 co-designer on this project. She sketched out the design, we did a mom & daughter yarn spree, and I changed 2D paper into 3D yarn! There will be five hive villagers to start out with, with specifically designed clothes and colors for each. You would not believe how many different skeins of yarn we needed for each little bee...or maybe you would lol. They will also each come with a little card describing their important role in the hive. The card will look a little something like this....VVVVV Later I hope to add a hive that will act as home and carrying case for our mini friends. Get to know the Bees of Honeycomb No hive ever exists without their queen - Meet the Queen of Honeycomb Hive. She is adorned with her golden scalloped crown, rosy cheeks, and her ruffley gown done in her hive colors of Jade Blue & Boysenberry. And no Queen exists without her gaurd - Meet Hive Guard of Honeycomb. He is fashioned for duty with a scowl to keep unwanted visitors out and is accompanied by his guards uniform done in pewter gray, edged in the hive colors of Jade Blue & Boysenberry, and lastly it is embellished with the hive insignia of a hexagon and starburst. Who gathers the pollen for the honey? - Meet Mr. Worker Bee. He is the reason we have the saying "Busy as a Bee" and you can't miss him as he buzzes around town in his multi-colored shirt that resembles all the colors of the flowers he visits every day. And what kingdom would be complete without the vitality of youth - Meet Baby Bee. This very tiny bee is just too irresistible especially when it's wrapped up in it's super soft blankie. Last, but not least is the hives dutiful caretaker - Meet Nurse Bee. She is pristine in her white apron and nurses hat. She cares for all her tenants at the hive but definitely has a soft spot for the swarm of Baby Bees. When can I have my own hive? Like our friend Little Bigfoot, these amazing little characters will be available starting in Sept 2022. You can preorder them during the month of September and then a limited number of them will be sold at the fall event going on at the Sandy Expo in November. #bloggingthemoonCM #comingsoon #cmhoneycombhive Plush & Collectibles Check out more from The Crocheted Moon

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. Interested in crocheting? Want to know where to start? Last year I posted blogs about the 3 general crochet stitches (single, half, double), how to choose your yarn, what type of hooks are fantastic to use, and how to start circular projects, so I thought I would put these topics and a few more in a chronological order for people who are interested in starting to crochet. Crochet has a wonderful history starting in Ireland and different European countries and making its way over to the good ol' U.S. of A (scroll to the bottom for related posts). It has a beautiful and practical use, and makes for a good hobby if you want to keep your hands busy or create awesome gifts...so lets begin! No. 1, pick your project You thought I was going to say materials, uh. Nope, in my mind it's picking your project. Once you pick your pattern it will list the materials you need (we will review in a later post), but knowing where to find patterns and what the skill level is a great starting point. Where to look With today's technology finding patterns is unlimited! But, if you are an old fashion gal like me and like the book form you can go to any craft store such as Michaels, Joannes, or Hobby Lobby, which are the popular ones near me, or any Super Store like, Walmart or Target, that has a craft section. You can find an array of different craft books including crochet like the one featured in the pic on the right-----> If you are not able to get to a physical store, or just don't want to, you can shop online. <----------Take a look at this pic and you'll see in the search bar you can type "where to buy crochet books online" (or something along those lines) and you'll get a list of places that offer books online. I would stick to sites you are familiar with or a recommended site from someone you trust. The 3 big sites listed in this picture are Amazon, Barnes N Noble, and Ebay. You can also find good books from sellers on Etsy. If you're ok not having a book, because, well, it's faster and easier to download a pattern, I love searching on Pinterest or Etsy. You can lose a whole day looking on Pinterest though, so beware! ONE MORE THING...if you are buying a book make sure to look all the way through the book to see if the projects are your style and at your current skill level. Sometimes the cover looks fun and inviting, but when I look through it I find there is really only 1 or 2 patterns I like out of the 125 pgs, unfortunately that wouldn't be worth buying. I LIED, ONE MORE THING...Another secret place to look, you may not know, is on the back of your ya rn labels. When you buy a skein it comes with an information label wrapped around it, and sometimes on the back it will come with a free pattern or have a web address where you can get free patterns. Score, 2 for 1!! What is my skill level? Read through the skill level chart below to see where your skills may fall. Most projects will list the level or have a picture presentation on how difficult or easy it may be. Ok, you've got your start...on your marks...get set...go find your project! #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #begincrochet

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 'pear' things together. Today she wants to find something that shows how big of "Jack & Sally" fan she is. How to 'pear' your fan wear! Fanny is a fan of many things including one of the best movies, "Nightmare Before Christmas" (side note: did you know Tim Burton did not direct Nightmare Before Christmas...it was actually a director named Henry Selick). She is super excited that CM has Jack & Sally merchandise, but what to wear it with....grab your winter weather outerwear (any will do) & watch the short clip below to get a glimpse of the different things you can do the Jack & Sally scarves, earflap hats, and beanies. #bloggingthemoonCM #fashionpairs #jackandsally Movie Time! More fall/winter outerwear from CM

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. Say it with me...waa-tl...wattle! Besides being fun to say and creating images of fat little penguins (waddling) across the frozen snow, it is a beautiful stitch that works well for baby blankets, scarves, and dishcloths giving it a fun, squish feeling! To do this stitch you should be familiar with chaining, single crochet, skipping stitches and double crochet. Here are the instructions for this stitch: CHAIN Multiple of 3 ROW 1 Starting in the 3rd chain from the hook, *work SC, CH 1, DC. Skip two chains. Repeat from * across the row. When 3 chains remain, skip 2 and work 1 SC into the last chain. CH 2 and turn. ROW 2 Skipping the first two stitches, start in the first chain space with *SC, CH 1, DC. Skip two stitches. Repeat from * across the row ending with 1 SC in turning chain. CH 2 and turn. REPEAT ROW 2 I also found this wonderful video tutorial posted November 15, 2016 by Mama in a Stitch that shows the steps to creating the wattle stitch: Video Instructions Examples of the Wonderful Wattle Stitch Below are some beautiful examples of using the wattle stitch in blankets, washcloths, and handbags all done in a variation of great colors. #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #wattlestitch Check out The Crocheted Moons Fall/Winter Selection!

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. S-e-d-g-e, not Sage The puff like, shell pattern that this stitch creates really caught my eye. When I looked into this pretty stitch I found you only need to know basic crochet knowledge of chaining, single, half double and double crochets. You will be crocheting multiple stitches into one stitch and skipping stitches. As a result, the puff that is in this pattern appears due to three stitches into one. If this is all "Greek" to you (and even if you speak Greek) I found several illustrations that beautifully show the steps to this mesmerizing stitch: Add a little Sedge to your life! Look for the Sedge Stitch in beautiful items like these: hot pads, washcloths, dish towels, & pillows cases (the featured items below are not sold at The Crocheted Moon): #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #sedgestitch Check out The Crocheted Moons Fall/Winter Selection!

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. Old World Traditions I love living in the United States for many reasons, but during the holidays it usually has to do with all the traditions we've adopted. You don't have to travel the world to find different cultural experiences, you can probably walk next door to your neighbors where they each have their own way of celebrating that has been passed down through their family line. The love of hand crafted items is one that has been prevalent in my family for generations. We are full of crafters, sewers, crocheters, and cross stitchers. Infact, right now in my dining room is a colorful tree full of hand crafted ornaments made by family members. It started long before I could safely hold a glue gun and every Christmas we made an ornament to add to our collection. I have continued the tradition with my children, which is what go me thinking on the meaning and history of these well known Christmas decorations. Handmade Ornaments from Around the World-Denmark These fun ornaments may not be crocheted but they are fun for the family, easy to make and come with a great history. Julehjerte are a traditional Danish Christmas tree ornament made from interwoven red and white paper, the same colors as the Danish flag. Jule means Christmas, and hjert means heart, giving us Pleated Christmas Hearts in English. The oldest known julehjerte were made by Hans Christian Andersen , a famous Danish author know for his fairytales, in 1860. Children in Denmark make these at school and at home with their families every year. You can make this wonderful symbol of love for your Christmas tree by following the simple instructions below. To make Julehjerte, you’ll need two contrasting colors of paper, scissors and the template. Traditionally, they are made with red and white paper. The paper should be sturdy enough to hold its shape and hold candies, but not so stiff that there is no flexibility in the weaving. The one above was made with scrapbooking paper that wasn’t as stiff as cardstock. Use the template found here and get a little extra help with the tutorial found here . I’d recommend trying one first before making one with your kids – it’s fairly easy once you get the hang of it, but it might seem a little confusing at first. Once complete, you can even fill them with Christmas goodies like chocolates and candy! Common Ornaments and Their Meanings The Christmas Star: When Christ was born there was a great and shiny star in the sky and the star that we use to decorate our trees today is representative of the original Star of Bethlehem, Candy Canes: Are shaped like Shepherds crooks and Around 1900, the red stripes and peppermint flavoring were added. Christians believe that the red stripes represent the blood that Jesus shed on the cross and the peppermint flavoring represents the hyssop plant that was used for Biblical purification, Angels: Of course are to watch over us and keep our family and homes safe, but it also represents the angel that appeared in Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus, the angel Gabriel who told Mary she would give birth to Jesus. Now, Christmas tree ornaments have come to really represent the interests of each individual family and carry our own significant meanings. #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #ornamentspart2 Poinsettia or Christmas Star The Poinsettia is considered by the ancient Aztecs to be a symbol of purity, and in today's society is known as the December birth flower which symbolizes good cheer and success. They are also said to bring wishes of mirth and celebration and commonly come in colors of pink, red, white, or variegated. As a Christmas treat to you this year you can make your symbols of good cheer as ornaments or clips to use on hats or clothing.

Check this spot for new updates or changes to The Crocheted Moon or our products. Need ideas for stocking stuffers? There's a new page added to the CM shopping menu just for Christmas. It has all items from CM that were made to be stuffed in your families stocking this season. Check out the new page below! #bloggingthemoonCM #CMupdates #stockingstuffers Stuff your stocking here!

The creations have been created and are on their way, so come see what's popping up at The Crocheted Moon. So mean he's cute...? Good ol' Mr. Grinch is one of Christmas' enduring symbols of great change in the human heart, so we can't help but love him, right? Of course we do! So, fingers crossed, I hope to have a hat and scarf out before Christmas to celebrate this guy...grinch. This is what I have started, minus a few tweaks and adjustments here and there, and a whole lot more fun pics to see! #bloggingthemoonCM #comingsoon #grinchitup Check out more great Christma Items Here

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. Hot & Spicy for the cold weather! Fanny doesn't want to be a cold fish, let alone, a cold pair! She is looking for some great outerwear pieces that will keep her sung & looking fantastic at the same time. CM has a collection of stylish hats, like the Static Wave Beanie, the Rustic Slouch Hat, the Flowering Bobble Beanie, and the Aviator Beanie complete with aviator goggles, that is a match made in heaven when you pair it with our popular Paw Print scarf that comes in Spa, Silver Grey, & Sage. Now all you have to do is raid your closet and dust off your best coats and jackets, or if you need an excuse, go shopping and pick up the next hottest style of jacket this season. Watch the quick and fun video below to get your next winter fashion idea! #bloggingthemoonCM #fashionpairs #winterouterwear Movie Time! More fall/winter outerwear from CM

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. Griddle Stitch & I'm not talking about cookin' The Griddle Stitch is a beautiful stitch that is created by using a combination of simple crochet stitches. The fantastic thing about crocheting with a combination stitch like this, is that it looks the same on both sides, no "wrong side" & it still looks gorgeous. When your project is complete it will have a soft, bumpy look and feel to it. To me it makes things look more "vintage". How to work the stitch: ROW 1 Starting in the 2nd chain from hook, *work 1 SC. In the next stitch, work 1 DC. Repeat from * across the row. The last stitch made will be a DC. CH 1 and turn. ROW 2 Starting in the first stitch, *work 1 SC into the top of the DC of the previous row. 1 DC into the top of the next SC. Repeat from * across the row. The last stitch will be a DC. (Always DC into SC. Always SC into DC.) CH 1 and turn. Griddle me up some lovin'! What can't you make....below are some great ideas of what to use this fabulous stitch in like scarves, blankets, beanies, & earwarmers to name a few. The adorable Candy Corn Beanie is my creation & is sold on The Crocheted Moon website. #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #griddlestitch Check out The Crocheted Moons Fall/Winter Selection!

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. Round & round we go! I'm not talking about an exhaustive argument with yourself, I'm talking about making a circle. So, if you're tired of making squares and rectangles and would like to soften up your projects the magic ring is truly a magic way to begin. Unlike squares that are crocheted in rows (flipping back and forth between front and back), the circle or any cylinder type project is done in rounds...well because you go around and around lol! How to start your round ONE Ring of Chains Method: A lot of people just starting to learn crochet will use this method because it's the simplest to use. To start you chain 4 stitches and then use a slip st to connect the two ends and make a ring. Then depending on what stitch you're use (SC, HDC, DC) you'll stitch the number you need for your pattern, into the center of the ring. Pros: use to use Cons: leaves a hole in the middle Advantage: if your design requires an opening in the middle TWO Magic Circle Method: For this method you start with a loop and then make a slip knot around the loop. Once you have your slip knot you cans start adding your stitches around the loop. As you go around the loop you will notice that there is tail hanging down from the loop you created. Once you have the number of stitches you need you pull this tail tight until the hole in the middle closes up. After tightly closing your circle you join the round by slip stitching in the your first stitch. Pros: no open holes in the center and makes your work look more finished Cons: slightly harder to learn than the "Ring of Chains" Method Advantage: can use on any circular project (socks, hats, placemats...) that requires a ring to start THREE Chain Method: Start by chaining however many chains you need for your stitch, plus one. For example if you're using single crochet stitches you would chain 1 + 1 = 2, or if your using double crochet stitches you would chain 2 + 1 = 3. Then you would continue by making your first stitch in the chain farthest from the hook and so on until you have the number of stitches needed for your project. However, the slip knot you use to make your chain can cause a gap in our circle. But never fear you can remedy this by picking out the slip knot and pulling the remaining tail tight like you would if you were using the "Magic Circle". Pros: A versatile ring to use. You can leave the hole in the center if needed, or tighten the center. Cons: you have to add an extra step to tighten the circle unlike using the "Magic Circle". Advantage: can use on any circular project (socks, hats, placemats...) that requires a ring to start Picking favorites So out of the 3 methods above I really favor the "Magic Circle". I love the finished look of it and in my opinion it's actually the sturdiest circle to use and more often than "knot"...wink, wink...will not come undone. And the biggest reason....there is NO HOLE in the center of your project! I can't tell you how much that bugs me! Side note, unless you need the hole. #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #circlesofmagic In the spirit of giving! Since November IS the month of GIVING & GRATITUDE I am attaching a 2 for 1. You can use the same pattern to create festive placemats and matching coasters. Not a bad deal!! FALL-FETTI PLACEMAT & COASTERS

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. Figuring out an age old question If you were like me especially in the beginning, you were standing in the yarn isle starring from the massive wall of yarn back to your phone while trying to do some math in your head (math was my worst subject in school). Well....no more! I found this nifty chart on Pinterest and immediately pinned it. You can tailor it to just about any project you’re doing to get a general idea of how much yarn you're going to need. If this chart does not suit your fancy, you can definitely google one and find something that speaks to you. The first thing you need to know as you're looking at your chart is the meaning of the yarn weights and the numbers related to them. Super Fine 1: Super fine yarn is lightweight and typically used for baby items, sock patterns, or shawls. Lacy items often fall under this category, as this type of yarn works best for creating delicate pieces. Fine 2: Sport weight yarn works best for items such as socks, wraps, heirloom sweaters, and other delicate accessories. It is also used for lightweight afghans. Light 3: Slightly heavier than a fine weight yarn, this weight is used for items such as garments and heavier baby items. Medium 4: Worsted weight yarn is the most frequently used. It is easy to work with (making it great for beginners), approximately double the weight of DK or sport yarn, and ideal for working up afghans. Bulky 5: Bulky yarn is about twice as thick as worsted weight. It usually works up quickly when using large needles/hooks, and it’s great to use when making sweaters, scarves, rugs, and throws. Super Bulky 6: Super bulky yarn is a thick yarn that works up quickly. It is most commonly used for cowls, scarves, and hats. Jumbo 7: Jumbo yarn is the thickest yarn weight, added in 2014 to classify the super thick yarns that began to appear on the market. Jumbo yarns are great for arm knitting and work up quickly. The wonderful thing about yarn weights is that the scale is pretty universal. If you are using one brand of yarn on a project and by some tragic fate you run out and cannot get it, you can use another brand with a similar color and the weight should match. You can even change the look of your project by using a different yarn weight to suit your style or use multiple yarn weights to give it a cool texture. What's the second thing I need to know? Make sure that once you choose the weight, you take the time to create a gauge swatch following the pattern to see how the stitches will look in the different weight and to ensure the project will turn out the size you want. A gauge what what...? In the picture below you can see the yarn weight, what size knitting needles you need and what size crochet hook (for this yarn you would use a 5mm hook). Around the hook size you see measurements in inches and centimeters. To decode this you look at the left side that says 4in x 4in and the top says 10 x 10 cm. At the bottom you see 13 sc and on the right side you it says 14R. This means that if crochet 13 Single Crochet stitches across and make it 14 rows high it should measure the stated measurements in inches and centimeters. If you're crochet swatch does not match, then you are either using the wrong size hook or you need to adjust your project measurements accordingly because it could require more or less yarn. Simple, right? Of course it is! Yarn weight brought to life! Here are some examples of items offered at The Crocheted Moon that show the different yarn weights and how you can mix and match them. #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #yarnweight