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 Like any good craftsmen or hobbyist the right tools are a must. There are a few variations on what people like to use or what is available to them, but mostly you'll need: yarn (of course), crochet hook, scissors, yarn needle, measuring tape, & stitch markers. There are a few other tools that are not a 'must have', but can make some crocheters lives a little easier, like a stitch counter or a gauge meter (helps you gauge the correct size of your stitches). Tools, Tools, where are the Tools? This is going to be a quick blurb. The tools you need aren't too hard to find. If you're a web suffer then you can get all of your tools online, just make sure it's a safe reputable site like Amazon, Etsy, or Ebay. If you're a physical location kind of gal because you love browsing through all the arts and crafts at the store you can find what you're looking for at places like Michael's, Hobby Lobby, or Joanne's (or whatever full service craft store is closest to you). A few good secondary stores, or if you're in a bind store, would be Walmart or Target. They have a few odds and ends on hand. If you can't find what you're looking for at the physical locations most of these craft stores have a website that offers more of a selection and sometimes they run 'online' promotions that give you a good discount. You have them, now what? We'll start off easy...scissors and yarn needle. Scissors are pretty straight forward. Like sewing you want to a good pair of fabric scissors that won't fray your yarn when you cut it. In addition to my fabric scissors (that my kids have been warned with their life NOT to touch!), I also have a pair of yarn snippers just like the one featured in the pic. I love the cap that comes with it for added protection, for yourself and your projects, when you're not using it. Yarn Needle helps finish off work by weaving in all the leftover tails hanging about. Even when I crochet the tails into my piece as I am working, I still like to weave the last little bit into the back of the piece for extra durability. I feel it holds the loose ends tighter so they do not slip out of your project and it comes unraveled when you wear it, use it, or wash it. To weave your tails in, pick the appropriate size needle for your yarn, thread the tail on the needle and weave it through a section of the loops on the back of the piece....easy peasy! Next we'll move on to the measuring tape and the stitch markers. The measuring tape, plain and simple, is used to measure your project when you need to make a certain size. You can get them at any craft store for around a dollar and they come in a variety of colors. Stitch marker is any object that allows you to keep track of a specific spot while you are crocheting. For example, sometimes when you crochet a circular pattern you don't always fasten the two ends of the row together before you start the next one. You crochet more in a spiral that does not have a clear stopping or starting point. The stitch marker can keep track of your starting point for you. They can also be used to help you keep track of how many rows you have crocheted by fastening the marker to the edge around the first stitch of the row. I usually mark my rows in sections of '10' for easy counting. Like the measuring tape, the stitch markers are plastic and come in several different colors. However, my preference is using actual safety pins in varying sizes for different projects. I like the safety pins better because they have a point, which I feel makes it easier to fasten to your projects especially if it's a tight weave or a small project with fine yarn; and it allows me to poke it in my pant leg or arm of my chair until I need it again :) Now to the heavy hitters, so to speak. The most important items that you'll need to even begin your project. Let's start with yarn. In recents posts I have gone over how to pick your yarn based on what you're making so if some of this sounds familiar that's why. But it never hurts to do a bit of a refresher. The first thing we did was pick our pattern and at the top right before the instructions begin you should see a section that list your materials and what type and size of yarn you need. If the exact brand of yarn is not available to you or you have a preferred brand you like using, you can choose a similar yarn that matches the color you need and the size number that is listed with it (ex: 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 list how many balls of yarn or skeins you need for the project. If you look under the yarn listed as 6....it stats you need 2 balls of yarn. To your right I have included a chart that shows different items you can crochet and how much yarn you would need based on the thickness of the yarn. Now that you have selected the right yarn, you will need a tool to use it with. And since you all are very smart, I know, you know, you need a hook! There are as many varieties of crochet hooks as there are grains of sand and picking a fun design to match your own personal style is half the fun of crocheting! However, I am only going to quickly cover the basics of choosing your crochet hook because earlier last year I posted a blog about crochet hooks with more details. I will add the link to that blog along with a few others at the end of this post. So, in my opinion some of the most important decisions about choosing your hook is the size you need and comfort while crocheting. Back to our example pattern...once again under materials you can find the size of hook you need for your project and in this case you would need a 8mm hook or a 'L' hook. Hook sizes can be referred to by millimeters or a letter reference. A 'L' hook is 8mm and the most common size of hook is a 'H' hook that is 5mm. The quickest and easiest way to match the letter reference with its size is to simply look it up on Google.....OR.............. You can take a gander at the hook conversion chart below: Real quick before we move on, another place that will show the size of hook needed, is on the yarn label itself. When you buy yarn it comes with a label that has a ton of great info about how to best use it. This label shows a 5mm hook is recommended for a medium weight (4) yarn. Now, that doesn't mean you have to use a 5mm hook with this weight of yarn. When you become familiar with hook sizes and yarn weights you can experiment using different sizes to give you a tighter or looser weave to your project. Ok, now to the comfort portion! And yes, like a good pair of shoes, comfort does make a big difference. No matter what size of hook you're using, the type of tip, or your grip...if you love to crochet you must do it in style and comfort. The motion of crocheting after a while can unfortunately start to cause joint pain. So, my husband, being the wonderful guy he is, did some research and found these ergonomic hooks with special handles that help alleviate soreness from repetitive action. And you must believe they did exactly what they claimed, so much better than the simple steel hooks. But they too have their merits. You can find them at just about any store with a craft section and they are a good price range especially for beginner crocheters. Alright, I am hoping you did not just use this post to fall asleep with ;), but before you log off, check out the related links to choosing your crochet hooks, yarn weights, and few others that will help you understand the tools of the trade better. #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!

The creations have been created and are on their way, so come see what's popping up at The Crocheted Moon. A sweet treat for your dapper gentlemen! A new style, but the same great quality. I am always looking for ways to update and perfect CM's products. I have been experimenting for a while with the construction of these little buggers and I am very pleased with my newest design. The bowties in the Sweetheart collection are a "Double Winged" style and instead of a single piece for each bow they are made as a circular band giving them a double layer that keeps the edges from turning up at the corners and holds its shape better. The fastener on the back is still the double prong clip that makes attaching it to the shirt's top button quick and easy. Available sizes are Toddler (2-4yrs), Child (5-12yrs), and Adult (13yrs and up). Also for your color selection you will have a choice of Cherry Red, Crystal White, and Night Sky Black and they will be available both online and at the upcoming Lehi Farmers Market Valentine Event....just in time for the holiday of Love, Valentine's Day! #bloggingthemoonCM #comingsoon #sweetheartbowties Get your sneak peek here Valentine's Vendo Event Info Take a look at more great CM accessories

Check this spot for new updates or changes to The Crocheted Moon or our products. Heartbreak.... The fabulous silky, soft Romantique yarn that Little Bigfoot and Magic the Unicorn are made out of has been discontinued :( Unfortunately this can happen when a store discontinues a line of yarn and gets new ones in. This means the original Mystic Friends are now in limited quantities. I only have 4 of each left. But there is hope! The line will not be discontinued, but revised. I did find a yarn that should make a swell replacement. It is by Yarn Bee and called Ethereal Eyelash. The colors will be similar, but slightly darker than the Romantique colors. Here's what the yarn looks like and I can't wait to test it out on our little friends. #bloggingthemoonCM #CMexclusivedesigns #magicandbigfoot

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!