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. One loop here, one loop there, loops are everywhere! To simply crochet it is basically loops, twists, and knots, but when you put all those in the right place you can get some pretty amazing patterns. Two of these amazing stitches are the Single Crochet front & back loop. To make both of these stitches is simple. For the front/back loop stitch you: Insert your hook into front loop only, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through two loops on hook & for the back it is the same except you Insert your hook into back loop only. That's it, that's all there is to it! Below is a sample of a regular Single Crochet, Single Front Loop, & Single Back Loop. You can see how the small change in where you insert your hook can change the pattern. The Front Loop is a wonderful stitch to use if you want variation in your pattern, but don't want a 3D look to it. It's a nice flat stitch that reminds me of railroad tracks. I have recently used the front loop in my Men's Cotton Ties, and Mesh Bowties. I have used a #10 crochet thread and am in love with how the stitch makes the ties look like a textured knit fabric. Take a look for yourself! What to do with a Back Loop Now the back loop is a very nice stitch if you are wanting a 3D effect such as ribbing around sweaters, vests, and hats. When you add your ribbing you can use a smaller hook size to give it a more snug fit and with sweaters it gives it that nice fitted look at the bottom. #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #frontandbackloops Check out more from The Crocheted Moon!

Check this spot for new updates or changes to The Crocheted Moon or our products. New and Improved! Take a quick gander at the new Crocheted Moon logo design. It's more personalized with an adorable fluffy mascot, but the poor dear doesn't have a name...for shame! So I need your help so our fluffy little lamb chop doesn't stay nameless. Post your name ideas to the tag below and then we'll put the nominees to a vote starting in September. #bloggingthemoom #cmupdates #newlogo

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. My Grandma isn't Square....! A granny square is a single square piece created with yarn by using the crochet method. It is done by working in rounds from the center outward. Granny squares are traditionally handmade & resemble coarse lace. There isn't a limit to the maximum size of a granny square, crocheters usually create multiple small squares (called "motifs") and assemble the pieces to make clothing, purses, Afghan blankets, and other household decor. The Granny Square apparel peaked in the 1970s. & went through the 1980s. Children & Adults alike could be seen wearing Granny Square vest, shorts, hat, & wrapped in the famous style of the afghan. Although particular color & pattern schemes for Granny Squares change with time, this motif is a staple among us crocheters. Multicolor Granny Squares are an effective way to use up small amounts of yarn left over from other projects and basic granny square motifs do not require advanced skills to make. Early History In wikipdia.org I found an early example of a traditional granny square, designed by a Mrs. Phelps, was published in the April 5, 1885 edition of Prairie Farmer.[3] She wrote: I have been trying a new crocheted pattern for an Afghan, which is on the principle of the crazy work so popular now. It is made in strips of the desired length, and with two of the blocks, which I have brought, forming the width (fig. 2). The long strips are crocheted together with a double chain stitch which is twisted, and of any two desirable colors. The small blocks can be sewn or drawn together, so as to make a perfect square, this joining being done on the wrong side. The idea is to have the blocks appear as one straight strip. Use Germantown wool, the colors of the block being bright and varied to one’s taste, but the outer edge of each is black. The "crazy work" she refers to is crazy quilting, which was a popular trend at the time. During this era, it was traditional for women to use black ribbon on the borders between crazy quilt squares[4] - much like the black borders of a traditional granny square. The granny square motif reappeared in the 1930s, and the pattern was featured in publications such as Fleisher's Afghans. Fly Your Stars & Strips In honor of our nation's holiday I found several great examples of patriotic Granny Squares. They're a simple and fun to decorate.....attached is an easy peasy pattern just for you! Once you master the pattern try switching up your colors for beautiful pieces like these examples: #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #patrioticgrannysquare

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 have fun in the sun while looking very sun worthy....come along with me while we take a look at Cover-ups that are not just for the pool side and sun hat's that go anywhere. Help Fanny Dress for the Sun Fanny loves the sun, but hates having to change every time she goes somewhere else during the day. Don't worry Fanny The Crocheted Moon has just the thing. Try out the "Splash & Go Swimsuit Cover-up" & the "Fun in the Sun Wide Brim Hat". Take a sec to watch the video for more info & maybe even a quick laugh! Perfect Pairing Splash in Go Swimsuit Cover-up & the Fun in the Sun Wide Brim Hat was literally made to go together. Pair together the Crimson Poppy cover-up/Daffodil Sunhat, Poppy Fields cover-up/Velvet Blush Sunhat, Peacock cover-up/Mint Sunhat, & Obsidian Daydream cover-up/Overcast Sunhat. For clothing options with the Crimson Poppy color scheme: blacks, whites, reds, oranges, or yellows really make the vibrant colors pop. The Poppy Fields color scheme: whites, grays, or any variety of pastel colors go beautifully. The Peacock color scheme: royal blues, purples, mint/teal greens, & blacks accent them perfectly. And the last color scheme, Obsidian Daydream: any color you want. That's the awesome thing about neutral colors! #bloggingthemoonCM #fashionpairs #CMcoverupandsunhats Versatility and Sizes The Splash in Go Swimsuit Cover-up comes in a variety of sizes from baby to adult. The Fun in the Sun Wide Brim Hat is adult sizes only. You can use the cover-up just about anywhere: the pool, beach, before/after yoga or working out, running errands (if you like more coverage around town you can slip on a pair of shorts or leggings underneath), or a fun summer event day/evening. It packs well, will never wrinkle, and is amazing for to pack for trips. Similarly, the Sunhat is just as versatile and easy to wear and care for. It's defining quality is the brim that is reinforced with flexible wire that helps it keep it's shape no matter what. Just a quick tidbit...I make special requests. I so have to have it! If you're like Fanny the Fashion Pair you are sooooo excited to get your hands on your own perfect summer cover-up and matching hat. Just click below and pick your color scheme now!!

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. Simple and Quick This time of year starting in September is what I call the "Gauntlet", because you are constantly jumping, dodging, and weaving through all the school, fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, winter, & Christmas events (hmmm, did I leave anything out...) that occur this time of year. And the sweetest two words you can hear right now is "Simple and Quick". This is my quick tutorial on how to do a crocheted beanie, which makes for great easy gifts. You'll get a easy to follow chart you can save on how to start your beanie and a PDF file to download that has print outs and instructions on how to get the correct size. #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #CMsimplebeanie

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. An Interesting and Industrial Beginning Crochet's origins and development are documented by CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) member Ruthie Marks in her article, History of Crochet. Ms. Marks originally provided this history of crochet in Chain Link issues starting in September 1997. Her complete history is posted with her permission. This article is a quick highlight on how crochet was started. If you'd like to read more about this versatile handiwork you can click on Ruthie Marks link above "History of Crochet". No one is quite sure when and where crochet got its start. The word comes from croc, or croche, the Middle French word for hook, and the Old Norse word for hook is krokr. According to American crochet expert and world traveler Annie Potter, "The modem art of true crochet as we know it today was developed during the 16th century. It became known as 'crochet lace' in France and 'chain lace' in England, but the bottom line is that there is no convincing evidence as to how old the art of crochet might be or where it came from. It was impossible to find evidence of crochet in Europe before 1800. There are several theories from researchers like writer/researcher Lis Paludan of Denmark. She has three main theories about the start of crochet: One: Crochet originated in Arabia, spread eastward to Tibet and westward to Spain, from where it followed the Arab trade routes to other Mediterranean countries. Two: Earliest evidence of crochet came from South America, where a primitive tribe was said to have used crochet adornments in rites of puberty. Three: In China, early examples were known of three-dimensional dolls worked in crochet. And for some countries, crocheting was a literal life saver for them. For the people of Ireland, it pulled them out of their potato famine, and threw them into abject poverty. They crocheted between farm chores and outdoors to take advantage of sunlight, and after dark, they moved indoors to work by the light of a candle, a slow-burning peat fire or an oil lamp. Ironically, buyers abroad were unaware that their delicate collars and cuffs were made in primitive dwellings under poverty-stricken conditions. However, this handiwork did not just belong to the women, but the men also joined in. They were organized into crochet cooperatives. Schools were formed to teach the skill and teachers were trained and sent all over Ireland, where the workers were soon creating new patterns of their own. Families relied on their earnings from crochet, which gave them the chance to save up enough to emigrate and start a new life abroad, taking their crochet skills with them. When these industrial emigrants arrived in the Americas, the women who were already busy with their spinning, weaving, knitting and quilting, could not help but be influenced to include in their handiwork the crochet skills of their new neighbors. Even though there are still some unanswered questions on how and when crochet really began, just knowing the small amount of history we already have, makes this beautiful, and wonderful craft, a skill worth learning! #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #historyofcrochet

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. Unusual & Quirky Crochet Facts In the late 1800s, men's and women's hairstyles required the use of oily pomade. Consequently, crochet became more popular as people put little sewn pieces on top of expensive furniture to protect them from the pomaded heads. Crochet became increasingly popular in the 1920s when women stopped wearing corsets and began to crochet lacy underwear. Artist Nathan Vincent crocheted and knitted an entire locker room. He has also knitted taxidermy busts, urinals, guns, and tools. His goal is to represent masculine objects in a new and softer medium. Over 2,000 women from 14 countries met in India to create the world's largest crocheted blanket. The mega-blanket measured approximately 120,000 square feet, or about the size of one-and-a-half football fields. While crochet has proven health benefits, injuries do occur. Health professionals even have a medical code to note when a crochet injury has occurred: CODE Y93D1...(I didn't know I was in such a dangerous profession! ;) ) **All the fun facts were gathered from: #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #crochetfunfacts And now for some Easter Fun! I came across and adorable little Easter pattern I wanted to share with you. If you are just starting to decorate or you just need a little something extra to add to your decorations, try this cute bunny pattern. You can turn them into ornaments to hang from a tree, make a garland, or stack them up in a an Easter Basket. Either way, it's a quick and fun way to add whimsy to your holiday.

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. Pill Body Collectibles - Baby Yoda "Grogu" It all started in a "land far, far away"...I know that quote has been used over a thousand times, but what can I say. If you are a Mandalorian fan, and even if you're not, there is no way you have not fallen in love "Grogu". I am pretty sure I have more pictures of him than my kids. The first time I saw that little green guy I vowed to re-create him as close as possible to the actual puppet. From this desire stemmed what I call "yarn sculpting". It is a technique I created to help me give more detail to facial features. Speaking of features, I think two of his best are his adorable bendable ears, and his cabochon marble eyes that my daughter hand paints for me. I also hand picked yarn colors and textures that would best resemble his robes. Finally I chose a "pill" shape for his body to make him more huggable and squishable. The shape is perfect for wrapping your arms around. All in all for my first Pill Body design I think Grogu is out of this world! #bloggingthemoonCM Hashtag your ideas! If you have a favorite character you would like to see as a Pill Body Collectible, share it under #pillbodythis

Check this spot for new updates or changes to The Crocheted Moon or our products. They're Here! If you've been falling the Fall Lineup videos then you've been waiting to all the new Crocheted Moon items coming out for fall. Well...wait no longer my faithful moonies because not only do you have a great selection, you're getting 10% OFF all Fall and Halloween clothes, accessories, and home decor until the end of September. BUT, that's not all - if you are a member of The Crocheted Moon's FB group, "Blogging the Moon" you'll receive an additional 10% OFF because all members get an automatic 10 off any new item. To join go to your group tab on your FaceBook page and look for "Blogging the Moon", and click join. The code for the additional 10% will posted on the page. I can't wait to help you get even more savings! #bloggingthemoonCM CLICK HERE FOR SAVINGS: https://www.thecrochetedmoon.com/fall-winter-fashion, https://www.thecrochetedmoon.com/halloween-1, https://www.thecrochetedmoon.com/home-decor-1

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. Huggable, loveable, Wilbert... From this, ---------------------------------------------------> <---------------to that! I want to give another shout out to Jacqueline Elliot, who is a native of Northern Ireland, for winning the naming contest for our irresistible little lamb, Wilbert. The name suits the little guy. I looked at a lot of lamb and sheep pics to get an idea of what I wanted to do, but nothing was sitting right. Then my daughter found the yarn "Forever Fleece". It is a polyester based yarn that feels like wool and I knew I wanted Wilbert to be as fluffy to the real thing as possible. Yarn in hand I went home to find a stitch that would compliment it...I tried this stitch, that stitch, this pattern, and that pattern, and then the light bulb went on! Wool is kind of knobby, what stitch is knobby, the picot stitch!!! (more info about picots in blog heading "Stitch of the Month") It worked perfectly. So get ready to count some sheep because this lamb wants to follow you home :) #bloggingthemoonCM #CMmascot #huggablewilbert

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. Simple, but Splendid! Throughout the year I have been highlighting different crochet stitches, but I have not talked about the stitches that make all other stitches possible. It's a triple threat of the basic, but necessary. First comes the Single Crochet (SC), Second, the Half Double Crochet (HDC), and Third, the Double Crochet (DC). There are longer stitches besides the Double, like the Triple, however these are the 3 you use the most. As you can see in the very top picture each stitch increases in height and spacing which determines how solid your crochet piece turns out. "So, what increases the stitches height?", you ask....the amount of loops on your hook and how many times you pull the yarn through those loops. Single will only have 2 loops on the hook and you'll pull the yarn through both loops only once. Half Double will have 3 loops on the hook and you'll pull the yarn through all 3 loops at once. Double will also have 3 loops on the hook, but you only pull yarn through the first 2 loops, (leaving 2 loops on the hook) and then you'll pull yarn through again on the last 2 loops. OK OK...enough technical, what kinds of things can you make with these 3 fabulous stitches? You can make anything! If I need something to be more sturdy and solid, say like for plush, I will use the SC stitch. If I want something to be more soft and pliable, like a blanket, than you can use the DC stitch, which will also save you time because you are crocheting with a bigger stitch. The Cheron Rose dress and Paw Print Scarf were both done with DC stitches, the Static Wave Beanie was done with all 3 stitches so I could get the wave pattern, and Baby Yoda, Lucky the Leprechaun, and the Baby High-tops were done with SC stitch because I need I more closed off pattern that acted more like fabric. Once you learn these stitches there will be no limit to what you can create!! #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #CMtripthreat

The creations have been created and are on their way, so come see what's popping up at The Crocheted Moon. Father "Gnomes" Best! Sometimes it comes out once in a while, sometime it's buried deep, & sometimes it's right there on the surface....but wherever our dads keep it, they do have a soft, whimsical side. Indulge this side of your hero, protector, friend, confidant, & coach this Father's Day. Our Father Gnome is decked out in fun details complete with a cotton shirt and lapels, a silk tie, fabulous mustache, and a nifty pocket where he keeps the money...or gift card. #thecrochetedmoon #cmbloggingthemoon #fathergnomesbest FROM THIS TO THAT...... Grab some plastic from your dad's fav store, charge some money to it, and slap it in Father Gnome's back pocket. It's a handmade gift given by you that he'll cherish plus a little extra fun! More to Come No worries Moon Fans, there is more to come. "Dapper up" your gentlemen with handmade cotton thread ties & bowties. You can look for the new Father's Day items starting next week and take advantage of FREE SHIPPING for all Father's Day orders placed between 6/1/2022-6/19/2022. And...don't forget one of genres cutest little guys, Baby Grogu! Perfect for all your guys of any age. Click the the box below to see the new features added to this iconic little dude.