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.

This is the place for all your Spring Expo updates and the newest items. This is your Summer go to piece! On the go or a lazy summer day this cover-up will be your warm weather go to! Pefect for the pool, yoga class, over tees & shorts while running around town, or even used to add extra style to a cute summer dress. The mesh stitching makes it lightweight and airy, but gives you enough coverage when needed and will not feel heavy when damp. It has a scoop neck, poncho style sleeves and slits on the side for extra flexibility. The unique yarn coloring also makes it one of a kind. No matter the chosen color, you will not get the same design twice. So toss it in your suitcase, purse, or beach tote and feel confident you always have a piece that will make you look great! #bloggingthemoonCM #springexpo2022 #cmsplashandgo Amazing Color Schemes In order: Crimson Poppies, Obsidian Daydream, Peacock, Gerber Daisy Click Here Take a gander below at at the great items that will be offered this Spring at the Expo Facebook Countdown...25 days and counting!

This is the place for all your Spring Expo updates and the newest items. What a Dapper Little Gentlemen This vest is too irresistible to pass up! It's made with a lightweight yarn that makes it perfect for Spring and Summer weather. The design mirrors a basket weave and is accented with copper buttons down the front. It works well with long or short sleeve dress shirts, polos, t-shirts, slacks, or jeans. So, if you're little guy needs a comfortable way to dress up formally or casually, look no further. #bloggingthemoonCM #springexpo2022 #cmboyvest Click Here Take a gander below at at the great items that will be offered this Spring at the Expo Facebook Countdown...67 days and counting!

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. How to "V" Stitch The V-stitch (also called a rope stitch) is a simple and versatile stitch and what more could you want in a stitch. The V-stitch, is made by crocheting DC, ch 1, DC into the same stitch. It creates attractive zig zag pattern, crisp corners for square patterns, or amazing rows of columns or mesh work. Double, Double, Your Enjoyment! If you want a closer knit V-stitch pattern for things like blankets, sweaters, or washcloths you simply just add an extra Double Crochet stitch on both sides of the 'V'. Just like this... Double or single it's a fun stitch to use and play around with. Whether you're new to crochet or a long time crocheter and like to experiment with your own patterns, you can't lose! #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #vstitches

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. Berry-tastic! The crochet berry stitch is a variation on a cluster stitch (several double crochet stitches gathered together in one stitch). I love that it's fairly simple, but creates a fantastic texture. It's not as textured as the bobble stitch (see Flowering Bobble Beanie or Witches Hat), so it's a good in between. Coming up berries It's plain to see why choosing the berry stitch is a great choice. The pattern gives any item a wonderful "quilted feel" with it's square design. Which is why I chose this specific stitch to create items such as the Santa Baby Cocoon. #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #CMevenberrystitch

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. Picot Me Pleased! What is a Picot stitch in crochet? Picots are pretty little round-shaped crochet stitches that add a decorative touch to an edging. You can also use picots to fill an empty space in a mesh design. You see them quite often in thread crochet, but you can also make them with yarn. Picot 2 ways... As mentioned in the above paragraph, you can use picots as a pretty scalloped border or you can work it in throughout your pattern and it gives it a "knobby" sort of texture. I used this delicate, simple stitch on a summer dress and also on The Crocheted Moon's newest arrival, Wilbert the Lamb: CM's mascot. The picot stitch added a nice wool look and feel to the head and body. Below you can look at the diagrams to see how the Picot stitch is done. #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #picotmepleased