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? Besides the direction in which you crochet, the shape and style of your project will influence whether you work in rows or rounds. Continue reading, and I'll demonstrate how to crochet using both techniques. Row, Row, Row your boat.... Boat meaning your crochet project of course! Rows are used for projects that need to be flat like, wash clothes, towels, scarves, blankets, or clothing. As you're crochet using rows, this is what your fabric will look like: It seems quite straightforward, and indeed it is. As you crochet, you'll work from right to left, and once you reach the end, you'll flip your piece to the other side. After flipping, you'll continue crocheting from right to left again. You'll repeat this back-and-forth motion until you achieve the desired number of rows or length. Keeping track of your rows is just as easy as crocheting them. Below, you'll see how to count each row, and a close look reveals how the rows appear different each time you switch sides. This variation can also assist in counting. Keeping track of the number of stitches is crucial to avoid accidentally increasing or decreasing them. To achieve this, count each stitch, which resembles a small 'V', across the top row. In summary, when crocheting a row, you work from right to left, turning the piece from front to back. Count the rows along the vertical edge and the stitches horizontally across the top. That's it! PROJECTS I HAVE CROCHETED USING ROWS Round and Round the Mulberry Bush We Go! Similar to the Mulberry bush, when you crochet in rounds, your project typically takes on a circular shape. Rounds are ideal for creating cylindrical items such as plush arms, legs, bodies, and heads. They are also suitable for making hats, Easter eggs, or balls. As you crochet using rounds, your fabric will appear like this: Rounds are as simple as rows, but when crocheting your piece, you will work in a leftward direction, much like driving a race car ;) You can begin your cylindrical project using either the magic ring or the chain method (click the link for further details). Know Your Crochet...The Magic of the Ring The magic circle is great if you need your project to have a top or bottom or both and the chaining method is perfect if the design is more open like the pic below: To quickly use the chain method, first chain the required number of stitches. Then, join the two ends of the chain by slip stitching the last stitch to the first stitch, forming a circle. Counting your rows is as easy as 1..2..3, literally you just count 1..2..3 (he he :)) In all seriousness, if you're using the magic ring for your rounds, here's how to count: Consider your magic ring (the center) as the first round, then count the rings as you move outward. As your project grows taller, continue counting the rounds. As illustrated in the picture to the left, a marker is used to keep track of the starting point of your first stitch, enabling you to count your rounds accurately. However, there is an alternative method to crochet your rounds without a stitch marker. Create your magic ring, and instead of proceeding with your stitches, slip stitch into the first stitch of the round to close the gap. Then, chain 1 (or 2, or 3, depending on the stitch you are using) and single (or half or double) crochet in the same stitch where you just slip stitched. This will serve as your first stitch for the next round. You can observe the difference in the picture to the right: Now all you have to decide is do I row, or do I round! #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #rowsandrounds PROJECTS I HAVE CROCHETED USING ROUNDS

The world and especially our little piece of it is full of skilled and talented small business owners. Wilbert and Friends highlights the special people I have come across in my own business dealings and feel they are extremely worth mentioning. Pictures are worth a thousand words... Especially Maddie's! Maddie is certainly noteworthy and I just wanted to mention her. It was so much fun having her take my daughter's senior pictures. Her photography skills will make your event stand out and be memorable, and she has a variety of packages that will meet your needs. Chelsah's Senior Pics: Here's Maddie! She introduces herself the best so in the words of Ms. Foster....Let me introduce myself. My name is Maddie Foster, I've been a photographer for over 8 years, but have done it as my only job for the last two. I love what I do! I am from Arizona, and moved to Utah for school in 2017. I left for a mission trip for my church to Atlanta, GA for a year and a half, and am currently getting my degree in business. Somehow I fit all that in while being a SAHM to my cute little baby boy who was born in 2022. My cute family of three is who is pictured above! What do I capture? My specialty is couples, weddings, families, graduation, and lifestyle photography. But I do a little bit of everything, including births! #bloggingthemoonCM #wilbertandfriends #maddiefosterphoto Contact me today Need a great, personable, skilled photographer, check out Maddie's work here and book your session now! https://maddiefosterphoto.mypixieset.com/ Watch Me! Photo Gallery Shop for Halloween

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 a mouth full! Besides being quite a mouth full to say the Wide Half Double Crochet Cluster Stitch (WHDC) The Half Double Crochet Cluster Stitch creates a dense but delicate looking fabric and seems to pair well geometric shapes, hats, blankets, or baby sweaters. Below are the written instructions and a video by Daisy Farm Crafts. I really like her style and think she makes great instructional videos. Written Instructions: YO, insert your hook in between stitch posts of previous row, YO and pull up a loop, YO, insert your hook into same space, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through all five loops on hook CHAIN Any number ROW 1 Starting in the 3rd chain from the hook, *YO, insert your hook, YO and pull up a loop. YO, insert your hook into same space, YO and pull up a loop. YO and pull through all five loops on hook. Repeat from * in each chain to end of row. CH 2 and turn. ROW 2 Starting in the space between the 1st and 2nd stitch, *YO, insert your hook, YO and pull up a loop. YO, insert your hook into same space, YO and pull up a loop. YO and pull through all five loops on hook. Repeat from * in each space between stitch posts of previous row, ending with the last stitch in between the final stitch post and the turning chain. CH 2 and turn. REPEAT ROW 2 Video Instructions More stitch worthy ideas for WHDC #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #whdcstitch 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. New and ready to go! You've heard me talk about this problem several times....discontinued yarn! But that is only half the problem...yarn stretches when weighted down, there was no pockets, the strap was too long, and the bag itself was too bulky :( What is a designer to do? The answer, keep trying my friends, keep trying. I have tested several different bag styles along with several different materials to make it more durable, but still cute and fashionable and eureka! We want to see! First, I started with the name of the bag. I thought Grandma's Roses would be an enduring sentiment to the past, but a bag like this needs a fresh, updated name like, ROSE GARDEN HANDBAG. I then chose a new silky, thread like yarn for the flower petals, a beautiful medium green yarn that accentuates the color of the flowers, and chose to stay with the great linen color for the overall bag. That's not all folks, I have also made the squares smaller (which makes the bag a wonderful medium sized purse), added a canvas lining with pockets, & at the behest of my daughter, gave the bag a leather strap instead of a crocheted one. The canvas lining and the leather strap will help tremendously with the yarn stretching out of shape. One last detail, I adorned the bag with a large wooden button for the closure, so no more pulling on your bag (and stretching further out shape) to fasten it closed. I didn't change everything though, the bottom of the bag is still made with a marled mocha color that hides the dirt and stains purses can attract as we toss them around and set them down in somewhat questionable places. #bloggingthemoonCM #CMexclusivedesgin #revisedrosehandbag Rose petal colors: Yarn for leaf motif: Bag color: Bag Straps: Get your new and improved Rose Garden Handbag here: As a whole, this bag looks beautiful, is more durable, and has a wide range of uses. It is with great excitement that I share with you the new and improved version!

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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. Boxed In This is considered a vintage stitch used in older patterns, but there's nothing out of date about the way this stitch looks. It is a simple stitch that makes a big impact and has gone by a few different names over the years, like, the crazy stitch, the crazy shell, or the brick stitch. It is also part of stitch collection called "brick stitches". Another example of "brick stitching" is corner to corner (C2C) crochet that is done on the diagonal, however, the box stitch is still done in the traditional manner of crocheting from side to side. To create this fun stitch you use basic crochet stitches to do it which makes it perfect for an advanced crocheter or an expert. Written Instructions: CHAIN Chain multiple of 5, plus 3 more (ex: ch 10 + 3 = 13 chains) ROW 1 Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work 1 SC. 1 SC into each CH across the row. CH 1 and turn. ROW 2 Starting in the 1st stitch, work 1 SC. 1 SC into the next st, CH 3. *Skip three stitches, work 1 SC into each of the next two stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the row. CH 3 and turn. (Turning chain counts as a stitch.) ROW 3 Starting in the space made by the chain 3, work 5 DC. Work 5 DC into each CH 3 space across the row, ending the row with 1 DC into the last SC. CH 1 and turn. REPEAT ROWS 2 AND 3 Video Instructions I found two great videos that shows a couple of different ways to crochet the box stitch. One is by Daisy Farms that was posted in 2021 and the second one was posted in 2019 by Kristina Crochet. Daisy Farms Kristina Crochet Breaking out of the Box No matter what style you choose to the box stitch in, it is a stitch that really does make a big impact. Here are some splendid examples. #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #boxstitch 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. 1..2..3..Start! To create what is known as "the starting chain," "foundation chain," or "base chain," follow these three simple steps. Regardless of the terminology, nearly all crochet projects begin with a starting chain, which consists of a series of loops beginning with a slip knot. Once completed, it resembles a long, straight metal chain. You then crochet the first row of stitches into this chain to begin forming your crochet fabric. In the remainder of this blog, we'll discuss the three steps that unlock your creativity. First and Foremost, the Slip Knot Creating a slip knot is the first step in many crochet projects. A slip knot is used to attach the yarn to the crochet hook, allowing you to start making chains. Begin by forming a loop (pic 1) , slide the hook under the yarn connected to the yarn ball, and bring the end of your hook around so the yarn wraps around it (pic 2) . Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook (pic 3) . It now resembles a loose knot, and you simply need to tighten it so the loop matches the size of your hook's shaft (pic 4) . You can adjust the knot's size until you start your chain by pulling up on the loop or down on the yarn strand attached to the yarn ball. Coming in Second... Understanding yarn placement is crucial! Before diving into the details, let's clarify some key terms: Working Yarn refers to the yarn connected to your yarn ball, which is the strand used for crocheting. Tension describes the tightness or looseness with which you hold your working yarn strand. In your dominant hand, hold the hook, and in your other hand, hold the working strand. The way you hold your working strand affects the tightness or looseness of your tension. Tension influences the appearance of your stitches. If you hold the yarn too tightly, your stitches will be small and tight, which can cause your project to pull and pucker, making it difficult to crochet the next row. Conversely, if your tension is too loose, your stitches will be too large, your piece will not maintain its shape, the measurements will be incorrect, and the overall look of the project can appear sloppy. Tension is not a difficult skill to learn; it just requires practice and finding the best way to hold your yarn. The image above shows four different methods of holding your working strand. I hold my yarn like the picture on the bottom row, left side, where the yarn is only wrapped around the pointer finger. Here are a couple of tricks I've learned: First, once your yarn is in position, do not grip the yarn. Let your fingers act as a guide to keep the strand steady while you crochet. Second, if your tension remains too tight or loose after practice, try using a different hook size. If your tension is too tight, use a hook size larger than recommended; if too loose, use a hook size smaller. Last but not Least Lastly, let's examine the chain itself. Similar to dissecting a worm or frog in school, we'll explore the anatomy of the chain. Take a look at the pic in the middle, starting on the left you have your slip knot you just learned how to do and the yarn tail from making the slip knot. Then you have your front and back loops that make the shape of an 'V', the backside of the chain (back bump), your working loop that stays on your hook, and finally your working yarn strand. The picture on the right shows what the front side (right side) and the backside (wrong side) of your chain will look like. You'll want to pay attention to what side is facing you because as you are chaining, you can get your chain twisted. It won't have a huge effect on your project, but you won't have a neat straight edge at the end. Now onto the fun part, making your chain. Once you have your slip knot in place, and your working strand comfortably situated around the other hand: (1) you'll slip the hook underneath your working strand and bring the end of your hook around so the yarn is wrapped around it, (2) pull the yarn through the loop on the hook, (3) repeat steps one and two until you chain the number you need. Counting the number of chains you need is simple. Like the chart below, you just count the FRONT (or top) loop. Naturally, the most effective teacher is experience and repetition. Practice creating chains multiple times to get accustomed to your tension and make crocheting feel more natural. #bloggingthemoonCM    #knowyourcrochet   #slipknotsandchaining #TheCrochetedMoon #CMcrochetLifestyle

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. Lovely, little, links This stitch has a wonderful woven look to it that is created by linking your double crochet stitches together in the middle of the post. By doing this you get the height of the double, but not the the thickness. It also eliminates the gaps and holes you can get with the double and makes a more solid piece of fabric. The written instructions to this handy stitch is below and below that from December 18, 2013 is video from Moogley that shows each step. Written Instructions: ROW 1 Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, insert your hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, *insert your hook into the next chain, yarn over and pull a loop. Repeat from * two more times, (or until desired height of stitch.) Yarn over and pull through two loops 4 times or until you have one loop remaining on the hook. To begin the next stitch, insert hook under horizontal bar, YO and pull a loop back through. Insert hook under next horizontal bar, YO and pull a loop back through. Continue inserting hook under each horizontal bar in same manner until you reach the chain. Insert hook into next chain, YO and pull a loop back through. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops until one loop remains on hook. CH 4 (or however many you need to match the height on the first row) and turn. REPEAT ROW 1 Video Instructions What to do, What to do? When I first saw this stitch I immediately thought of edging. Edging for sweater cuffs and bottoms, for blankets, heat pads, and dish towels. But...there are several other items you can make with this stitch like, bags, hats, rugs and pillows! #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #linkedstitch 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. Special requests are my specialty! It is true I love creating unique designs you can only find at CM, but I really love when I get special requests from you guys. Not just ideas, but a request that is just for you. I love stretching my imagination to come up with just the right thing. Below are some special requests that I have recieved over the last year: How do I put in my request? Go to The Crocheted Moon's website: www.thecrochetedmoon.com Then on the menu bar click on 'Shop' Under Shop, select 'Special Request Order Form' (it's the first tab at the top) Fill out the order form, but before you click 'Submit' read the Order Disclosure. It has the final details about your order and how you submit your payment. #bloggingthemoonCM #CMexclusivedesgin #specialrequest #bloggingthemoonCM #CMexclusivedesgin #pumpkinpoppers Watch Me! Photo Gallery Shop for Halloween

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. Tools of the Trade As with any skilled craftsman or hobbyist, having the right tools is essential. While there are some variations in personal preferences or available options, the basic necessities include: yarn (naturally), a crochet hook, scissors, a yarn needle, measuring tape, and stitch markers. There are additional tools that aren't essential but can simplify the process for some crocheters, such as a stitch counter or a gauge meter, which helps ensure your stitches are the correct size. Tools, Tools, where are the Tools? This will be a brief note. The tools you need are fairly easy to locate. If you're an online shopper, you can find all your tools on the internet; just ensure it's a safe and reputable site like Amazon, Etsy, or eBay. If you prefer visiting physical stores because you enjoy browsing arts and crafts, you can find what you need at places like Michael's or Hobby Lobby (or any comprehensive craft store near you). A few good alternative options, or if you're in a pinch, are Walmart or Target. They usually have some miscellaneous items available. If you can't find what you're looking for in physical stores, most of these craft stores also have websites with a wider selection and occasionally offer online promotions that can provide a good discount. You have them, now what? We'll begin with the basics: scissors and a yarn needle. Scissors are quite simple to understand. Similar to sewing, you'll want a good pair of fabric scissors that won't fray your yarn when cutting. Besides my fabric scissors (which my kids have been strictly warned not to touch!), I also own a pair of yarn snippers like the one shown in the picture. I appreciate the protective cap that comes with it, providing safety for both you and your projects when not in use. Yarn Needle is useful for finishing off work by weaving in any leftover tails. Even if I crochet the tails into my piece as I work, I still prefer to weave the final bit into the back of the piece for added durability. This ensures the loose ends are held tightly, preventing them from slipping out of your project and causing it to unravel when worn, used, or washed. To weave your tails in, choose the right size needle for your yarn, thread the tail onto the needle, and weave it through a section of loops on the back of the piece... easy peasy! Next, we'll proceed to discuss the measuring tape and the stitch markers. The measuring tape , straightforward and simple, is used to measure your project when you need to achieve a specific size. You can purchase them at any craft store for about a dollar, and they are available in a variety of colors. A stitch marker is any object that helps you keep track of a particular spot while crocheting. For instance, when working on a circular pattern, you may not always join the two ends of a row before starting the next one, creating a spiral without a clear beginning or end. The stitch marker helps you remember your starting point. They can also assist in tracking the number of rows by attaching the marker to the edge around the first stitch of the row. I typically mark my rows in groups of '10' for easy counting. Like the measuring tape, stitch markers are plastic and come in various colors. However, I prefer using actual safety pins in different sizes for various projects. I find safety pins more convenient because their point makes them easier to attach to projects, especially if it's a tight weave or a small project with fine yarn. Additionally, I can poke it into my pant leg or chair arm until I need it again. Now onto the essentials, so to speak. These are the most crucial items you'll need to start your project. Let's begin with yarn. In recent posts, I've discussed how to choose your yarn based on your project, so if this sounds familiar, that's why. However, a little refresher never hurts. The first step was selecting our pattern, and at the top, right before the instructions start, you should find a section listing your materials and the type and size of yarn you need. If the exact brand of yarn isn't available or you have a preferred brand, you can opt for a similar yarn that matches the required color and size number (e.g., 6 or 7 as shown below). 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 materials will also indicate the number of yarn balls or skeins required for the project. If you check under the yarn labeled as 6, it states that you need 2 balls of yarn. To your right, I've included a chart displaying various crochet items and the amount of yarn needed depending on the yarn's thickness. Now that you've chosen the appropriate yarn, you'll need a tool to work with it. Given your intelligence, I'm sure you're aware that a hook is essential! There are countless types of crochet hooks , just like grains of sand, and choosing a design that reflects your personal style is part of the enjoyment of crocheting! I'll briefly discuss the basics of choosing a crochet hook, as I wrote a detailed blog about crochet hooks earlier last year. I'll include the link to that blog and a few others at the end of this post. In my view, the most crucial factors in selecting a hook are the required size and the comfort during crocheting. Returning to our example pattern, you'll find the hook size needed for your project under materials. In this case, you would require an 8mm hook or an 'L' hook. Hook sizes can be indicated by millimeters or a letter. An 'L' hook is 8mm, and the most common size is an 'H' hook, which is 5mm. The simplest way to match the letter with its size is to look it up on Google... OR... You can have a look at the hook conversion chart below: Before we proceed, another place to find the recommended hook size is on the yarn label itself. When you purchase yarn, it comes with a label that provides a wealth of information on how to best utilize it. This label suggests using a 5mm hook for medium weight (4) yarn. However, this doesn't mean you must use a 5mm hook with this yarn weight. As you become more familiar with hook sizes and yarn weights, you can experiment with different sizes to achieve a tighter or looser weave for your project. Ok, now to the comfort portion! Indeed, just like a quality pair of shoes, comfort significantly matters. No matter the size of the hook, the type of tip, or your grip, if you love crocheting, you should do it with both style and comfort. Over time, the repetitive motion of crocheting can unfortunately lead to joint pain. So, my husband, being the thoughtful person he is, researched and discovered these ergonomic hooks with special handles designed to reduce soreness from repetitive actions. And believe me, they delivered exactly as promised, much better than the basic steel hooks. However, those have their own advantages too. You can find them in almost any store with a craft section, and they are reasonably priced, especially for beginner crocheters. Alright, I hope you didn't just use this post to drift off to sleep ;), but before you log off, take a look at the related links about selecting crochet hooks, yarn weights, and a few other topics that will help you better understand the tools of the trade. #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #crochetmaterials

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. Sprig! This stitches’ name brings to my mind winter scenes of crisp branches covered in berries, which I think is very fitting. This wintery stitch is used to create a firm, close pattern that is great for snowy outerwear like gloves, mitts, scarves, & cowls. It is also a lovely stitch for edging blankets, table runners, placemats, or washcloths... And the best part...The Sprig Stitch can be done by all skill levels. Here are the written instructions: CHAIN Multiple of 4, plus 3 ROW 1 Starting in the 4th chain from the hook, work 2 SC. CH 2 and in the next chain, work 2 SC. Skip 2 chains, *work 2 SC in the next chain, CH 2, 2 SC in the next chain, skip two chains. Repeat from * until there are 2 chains left. Skip over one and SC into the last chain. CH 3 and turn. ROW 2 Starting in the first chain 2 space, work 2 SC, 2 CH, 2 SC. *Skip 4 stitches, then work 2 SC, 2 CH, 2 SC into the next chain 2 space. Repeat from * across the row. End with 1 SC in the space formed by the CH 3 turning chain. CH 3 and turn. REPEAT ROW 2 I also found this wonderful video tutorial posted a year ago by Amanda Crochets that shows the steps to creating the Sprig stitch: Video Instructions Examples of the Splendid Sprig Stitch Below are some beautiful examples of using the Sprig stitch in bun hats, mittens, and washcloths. The mittens done the Sprig stitch are adorable! I may have to add my own variation of them to this year's winter collection. #bloggingthemoonCM #stitchofthemonth #sprigstitch 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. Interested in crocheting? Want to know where to start? Last year, I wrote blogs covering the three basic crochet stitches (single, half, double), selecting the right yarn, the best types of hooks to use, and beginning circular projects. I decided to organize these topics, along with a few additional ones, in a chronological order for those interested in starting to crochet. Crochet boasts a rich history that began in Ireland and various European nations before reaching the United States. It serves both beautiful and practical purposes and is an excellent hobby for keeping your hands busy or crafting wonderful gifts or for your own enjoyment. Let's get started! No. 1, pick your project You might have expected me to mention materials. However, I believe the most important step is choosing your project. Once you select a pattern, it will outline the materials required (which we will discuss in a future post). Understanding where to find patterns and identifying their skill level is an excellent starting point. Where to look With today's technology, the possibilities for finding patterns are endless! However, if you're someone who prefers the traditional book format, you can visit any craft store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby, which are popular options near me, or head to a superstore 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... when purchasing a book, ensure you thoroughly examine it to determine if the projects align with your style and match your current skill level. Sometimes, the cover may appear appealing and exciting, but upon closer inspection, I often find that only 1 or 2 patterns out of the 125 pages interest me, which unfortunately wouldn't justify the purchase. I LIED, ONE MORE THING... A hidden gem you might not be aware of is the back of your yarn labels. When you purchase a skein, it includes an information label wrapped around it, and occasionally, the back offers a free pattern or a web address where you can find free patterns. It's like getting two for the price of one! What is my skill level? Examine the skill level chart below to determine where your abilities might align. Most projects will indicate the level or include a visual representation of the difficulty or ease involved. Ok, you've got your start...on your marks...get set...go find your project! #bloggingthemoonCM #knowyourcrochet #begincrochet