Big and bulky is IN! And chevrons never go out of style. Combine to two... and you get the Big Bold Chevron Cowl - a free crochet pattern here on Moogly!
#MooglyCAL2016: Afghan Block #4!
Welcome back - it's time for block 4 of the 3rd Annual Afghan Crochet-Along here on Moogly! This week's square is a fun and pretty square that's easy to adjust for size!
Survey Reveals Knitting & Crocheting #1 Hobby to Try in 2016: Guest Post
I thought this was very exciting - and who can resist a fun infographic!? Please enjoy this guest post by 10x Digital and Coupon Box!
No longer considered an out-dated diversion to help housewives wile away the hours, over the past 15+ years, knitting and crocheting have become popular pastimes, enjoyed by crafters across various generations. In fact, the Craft Yarn Council estimates that over 38 million people worldwide participate in these creative outlets.
Hookin On Hump Day #113: Link Party for the Yarny Arts!
We've made it halfway through February - Spring will come eventually! But in the meantime, cozy up with your yarn and the fab inspiration you can get from the latest Hookin On Hump Day! Thank you for joining me, and my cohost Kara from Petals to Picots for another round of fantastic crochet and knitting links and patterns. We share the best crochet and knit projects from around the web twice a month. Hookin on Hump Day is hosted here on Moogly, as well as on Petals to Picots - and the featured projects from each round are featured on both our sites and social media shares! Here are the projects that your clicks and Kara put together this round!
Coming Soon.... Crochet Crocodile Stitch, by ME, on Craftsy!
Go Big or Go Home Lion Brand Yarn Giveaway on Moogly!
This month Lion Brand is running a fantastic "Go Big or Go Home" sale on 11 of their biggest, thickest, chunkiest yarns - 20% off, right on their site (click here to see the sale)! And to celebrate (and help keep you warm this winter), they are giving away one skein of each to one lucky Moogly reader!
Zodiac Crochet Appliques Set #2: Aries, Taurus, and Gemini
Whether you believe in astrology or not, this applique set is a lot of fun! These appliques are a great addition to whatever you like - and if astrology isn't your thing, they stand alone as a ram, bull, and little girls! In 2016 I’m creating applique patterns for the entire zodiac – 3 at a time. The first set, including Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces can be found by clicking HERE. And below you'll find the patterns for the second set: Aries, Taurus, and Gemini!
Crochet Toolkit: Designer Tips & Tricks - Craftsy Class Review and Giveaway!
I recently got the chance to meet Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby - one half of the ultra talented Shibaguyz! It was so fun getting to know Shannon, and learn more about his design process. So when he told me he had a new Craftsy class coming out, I knew it was on my must watch list!
Moroccan Basket Video Tutorial
The Moroccan Basket uses a stitch pattern that has been well documented here on Moogly, complete with it's own video tutorial. But it starts off with one change, and that's causing a bit of confusion! So here is a video tutorial for that pesky Round 7 - right and left handed of course!
Chunky Crochet & Bulky Knits - Stay Warm With 10 Free Patterns!
Okay, February is here to let us know that winter wasn't just a passing phase. It is C.O.L.D. here in Iowa! So I've put together a collection of 10 free patterns - 5 knit, and 5 crochet - all made with bulky or super bulky yarns, so you can warm up fast!
LickinFlames Shawl Pin Giveaway on Moogly!
When I was at TNNA last month, I was delighted to meet Brenda and Jim Atchison - the dynamic duo behind LickinFlames! They were such fun, and their shawl pins, buttons, and yarn bowls were gorgeous. And they have very generously offered to giveaway 5 of the shawl pins here on Moogly!
Cloud Cover Beanie
I love the way super thick yarns are popping up all over - and one of the latest is Lion Brand Color Clouds! It's a lovely Jumbo "7" yarn, and it was crying out to be a new hat pattern here on Moogly - a knit one at that!
#MooglyCAL2016: Afghan Block #3!
Welcome to block 3 of the 3rd Annual Afghan Crochet-Along here on Moogly! This week's square is fun, quick, and very easy to follow!
Hookin On Hump Day #112: Link Party for the Yarny Arts!
A February - cold and dreary, but also the month for lovers! Probably because it's too cold to go outside! Luckily, that means more time for crochet and knit projects, so I'm not complaining. Thank you for joining me, and my cohost Kara from Petals to Picots for another round of fantastic crochet and knitting links and patterns. We share the best crochet and knit projects from around the web twice a month. Hookin on Hump Day is hosted here on Moogly, as well as on Petals to Picots - and the featured projects from each round are featured on both our sites and social media shares! Here are the projects that your clicks and Kara put together this round!
Love + Leche Valentine's Gift Bag Giveaway on Moogly!
I love love love Love + Leche! If my hands aren't typing, they're holding yarn - and in winter, that means dry skin, rough cuticles, and even cracking and bleeding if I'm not careful. But Love + Leche has the cure for that - and they're giving it away as a Valentine's Gift to one of you!
Love Wiggles Trivet
Love Wiggles is a trivet, a table decoration, a textured bit of crochet craftiness that will inspire you to get creative and celebrate love! And it's just plain fun to make!
Knit? Nope! This Is Crochet - and FREE!
Crochet is one of the most versatile yarn crafts out there. It can be iconic and easily recognizable, and it can mimic other crafts too - like knitting! Here are a few of my favorite free crochet patterns that will have you asking... "Are you sure that's not knit?"
Herringbone HDC - Increases & Decreases
I made a video for the Herringbone Half Double Crochet a while ago - it's an interesting stitch that's sort of like a slip stitch with a single crochet stacked on top! It's fun to make and it led to a reader question - how do you increase and decrease with this stitch? So... here's how to increase and decrease with Herringbone HDC!
Candy Lifshes of Meladora's Creations: Designer Showcase!
It’s time for January’s Designer Showcase! I like to wrap up each month by having one of my favorite designers share a bit about themselves, and then I follow it up by sharing my 5 favorite free patterns that they've designed! This month I’m excited to share some things from the lovely Candy Lifshes - the blogger and designer behind Meladora's Creations!
25 Stylish Knitted Slippers: Review and Giveaway!
I met Rae Blackledge last year and she was warm, funny, and delightful - so I jumped at the chance to review her latest book, 25 Stylish Knitted Slippers! And even better, I get to give away a copy to one lucky reader!
Fates Square - 6"
The Fates Square is a fun 6" afghan square - you can mix and match it with other squares, make a blanket with as many Fates Squares as you like, use it to make a tote - whatever strikes your fancy!
#MooglyCAL2016: Afghan Block #2!
Welcome to block 2 of the 3rd Annual Afghan Crochet-Along here on Moogly! This week's square is so pretty - and from one of my favorite crochet and crockpot bloggers!
Garden Arches Babyghan: Pattern Release!
I designed Garden Arches Babyghan last year for I Like Crochet magazine, the June 2015 edition. And now I get to offer it for sale all on it's own!
Photo courtesy of I Like Crochet [Read more...]
Hookin On Hump Day #111: Link Party for the Yarny Arts!
Brr, it's cold out there! Perfect weather for crocheting and knitting though, and that's what we're here for! Thank you for joining me, and my cohost Kara from Petals to Picots for another round of fantastic crochet and knitting links and patterns. We share the best crochet and knit projects from around the web twice a month. Hookin on Hump Day is hosted here on Moogly, as well as on Petals to Picots - and the featured projects from each round are featured on both our sites and social media shares! Here are the projects that your clicks and Kara put together this round!
Fun & Fantastic Textured Crochet Stitches: Craftsy Class Review and Giveaway!
Fun & Fantastic Textured Crochet Stitches is a new Craftsy class aimed at the advanced beginner - covering textured stitches! It's taught by designer Beth Graham, and I watched it just last week - and now I get to give one enrollment away to one of you!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. [Read more...]
Zodiac Crochet Appliques Set #1: Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces
Whether you believe in astrology or not, knowing your sign can be a lot of fun! And a zodiac applique can be a great addition to a newborn's baby blanket too - or a hat, sweater, tote bag, or whatever you like! So in 2016 I'm creating crochet zodiac appliques - 3 at a time! Here's the first set: Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. [Read more...]
ChiaoGoo Crochet Hook Giveaway!
I'm a crochet hook hoarder. I admit it. If there's a new hook on the market, I've gotta have it. A new material to try? Gimme! And one of the very first non-aluminum hooks I tried years ago was bamboo - and it was a revelation! So I'm excited to have a Premium Bamboo hook from ChiaoGoo to give away to one lucky winner!
Working Into a Slip Stitch
Most of the time when you make a slip stitch, you don't come back and work another stitch into that slip stitch. But there are also times you will want to work into the slip stitch - and this technique will make it a bit easier!
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Lion Brand Heartland Thick & Quick Giveaway!
This past Friday I shared my latest pattern: the Moroccan Basket. And now I get to give one lucky winner the yarn to make their own, in the latest giveaway on Moogly!
Moroccan Basket
I knew I wanted to make a basket, and I knew I wanted to use Lion Brand Heartland Thick & Quick... and when I started crocheting, the Moroccan Basket just flew off my hook!
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Double Layered and Twice as Nice
The Moroccan Basket brings back one of my favorites - the Moroccan Tile Stitch - and pairs it with chunky yarn in a handy and attractive basket that works up fast! The basket is lined with another layer of crochet, making it even more useful and sturdy. And I think it looks better for it too!
Moroccan Basket
Add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites
US - K, 6.5mm hook - Furls
350 yds Lion Brand Heartland Thick & Quick (100% acrylic, Super Bulky (6); 125 yds/114 m; 5.01 oz)
Color A: Katmai - 2 balls
Color B: Acadia - 2 balls
Gauge: 3 rnds = 4" across
Finished Size: 8" diameter x 7" tall
Helpful Tutorials:
Moroccan Tile Stitch in the Round
Moroccan Basket Instructions
Liner: (make this portion first, with Color B)
Round 1: Make a magic circle, ch 2 (does not count as a st), dc 12 in the ring; join to work in the round. (12 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2dc in each st around; join. (24 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, dc in the first st, 2 dc in the next st, *dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st; repeat from *, join. (36 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, 2 dc in the first st, dc in the next 2 sts, *2 dc in the next st, dc in the next 2 sts; repeat from *, join. (48 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2. dc in the next 3 sts, 2 dc in the next st, *dc in the next 3 sts, 2 dc in the next st; repeat from *, join. (60 sts)
Round 6: Ch 2, 2 dc in the first st, dc in the next 4 sts, *2 dc in the next st, dc in the next 4 sts; repeat from *, join. (72 sts)
Round 7 - 14: Ch 2, dc in each st around, join. (72 sts) After Round 14, break yarn and finish off. Turn this bowl Wrong Side out, so that the Right Side will face up when inserted in the Outer.
Outer: (make this portion second, then add the liner when instructed)
Round 1: With Color A, make a magic circle, ch 2 (does not count as a st), dc 12 in the ring; join to work in the round. (12 sts)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2dc in each st around; join. (24 sts)
Round 3: Ch 2, dc in the first st, 2 dc in the next st, *dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st; repeat from *, join. (36 sts)
Round 4: Ch 2, 2 dc in the first st, dc in the next 2 sts, *2 dc in the next st, dc in the next 2 sts; repeat from *, join. (48 sts)
Round 5: Ch 2. dc in the next 3 sts, 2 dc in the next st, *dc in the next 3 sts, 2 dc in the next st; repeat from *, join. (60 sts)
Round 6: Ch 2, 2 dc in the first st, dc in the next 4 sts, *2 dc in the next st, dc in the next 4 sts; repeat from *, join. (72 sts)
Round 7: (CLICK HERE for a video tutorial for this round) Ch 2, dc in next st (counts as dc2tog), ch 1, dc2tog in same st as 2nd half of previous st and next st, *dc2tog in next 2 sts, ch 1, dc2tog in same st as 2nd half of previous st and next st; repeat from *, join to top of 1st dc2tog, pull up loop and remove hook. (24 ch-1 sps)
Round 8: With Color B, join with sl st and ch 4 in 1st ch-1 sp of previous round, dc in the same ch sp (V st made), *(dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp; repeat from * to end, pull active loop and working yarn of Color A to front of fabric, then join to top of ch 3, remove hook from loop, pull up loop and remove hook. (24 ch-1 sps)
Round 9: Replace hook in active loop of Color A, ch 4, dc between first and last V of the row before the previous round (NOT in the ch sp, but between the dc2tog sts), *(dc, ch 1, dc) in the next sp between dc2tog sts of round before the previous round, enclosing previous round; repeat from *, leave working yarn and active loop of Color B behind fabric, join to top of ch 3, remove hook from loop, pull up loop and remove hook. (24 ch-1 sps)
Round 10: Insert hook in the ch sp of the first V st of the previous round, replace hook in active loop of Color B and pull it through the V to the front, leaving working yarn behind, ch 4, dc in the ch sp of that first V, *(dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp; repeat from *, pull active loop and working yarn of Color A to front of fabric, then join to top of ch 3, remove hook from loop, pull up loop and remove hook. (24 ch-1 sps)
Round 11: Replace hook in active loop of Color A, ch 4, dc between first and last V of the row before the previous round (NOT in the ch sp, but between the Vs), *(dc, ch 1, dc) in the next sp between V sts of round before the previous round, enclosing previous round; repeat from *, leave working yarn and active loop of Color B behind fabric, join to top of ch 3, remove hook from loop, pull up loop and remove hook. (24 ch-1 sps)
Round 12: Repeat Round 10.
Round 13 - 18: Repeat Rounds 11 - 12. Break Color B after Round 18.
Round 19: Repeat Round 11.
Round 20: Insert Liner into basket, Wrong Sides together. Continuing with Color A and working through both Outer and Liner in each st, ch 1, *sc in next dc (and next st of liner), sc in ch-1 sp (and next st of liner), sc in next dc (and next st of liner); repeat from *, join. (72 sts)
Round 21: Ch 1, sc in next 5 sts, ch 10, skip 10 sts, sc in next 26 sts, ch 10, skip 10 sts, sc in last 21 sts; join. (52 sc, 20 ch)
Round 22: Ch 1, sc in each st and ch around; join. (72 sts)
Round 23 - 24: Ch 1, sc in each st around; join. After Round 24, break yarn and finish off. (72 sts)
And that's it! The liner adds a solid interior so the basket isn't see through at all, as well as making it sit up pretty. And the handles are just the right side for carrying it wherever you need it to be! I hope you enjoy this free crochet basket pattern!
The Fine Print
Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2016, all rights reserved. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share this pattern with others. If you wish to make items for sale from this pattern, or translate it to another language, please visit the About page for details. Thank you to Lion Brand Yarn for providing the yarn for this pattern!
#MooglyCAL2016: Afghan Block #1!
Welcome to the Third Annual Afghan Crochet-Along here on Moogly! Every year it gets a little bit better, and I'm so excited to spend 2016 CAL-ing with you!
Allure Fiber Wash Review and Giveaway!
I'm heading out soon to my first conference of 2016 - The National Needlearts Association convention in sunny San Diego, California! And I wanted to freshen up a few pieces of crochet wear before my trip. So I gave Allure Fine Fabric and Fiber Wash a try - and I've got some to give away too!
Hookin On Hump Day #110: Link Party for the Yarny Arts!
Happy New Year! It's time for the first Hookin On Hump Day of 2016! Thank you for joining me, and my cohost Kara from Petals to Picots for another year of fantastic crochet and knitting and yarny artistry! In 2016 we'll continue to share the best crochet and knit projects from around the web twice a month. Hookin on Hump Day is hosted here on Moogly, as well as on Petals to Picots - and the winners each round are featured on both our sites and social media shares! Here are the projects that your clicks and Kara put together this round!
10 of the Best FREE Moogly Crochet Patterns in 2015!
The past year had it's ups and downs, and the end just snuck right up on me! But one thing I have to show for it is a whole lot more patterns. So I thought I'd share 10 of my Hottest free crochet patterns from the past year!
Announcing the 2016 Moogly Afghan Crochet-Along (and finishing up 2015!)
The Moogly Afghan Crochet-Along for 2015 was another huge success, and I think it was a big improvement over 2014 as well. So I'm super excited to get to announce the 2016 Moogly Afghan Crochet-Along - back and better than ever!
Nifty Needle Case
This year I'm making a resolution I make every year - to get and stay organized! And a super fun way to start is by making something pretty for your craft supplies... Introducing the free Nifty Needle Case crochet pattern!
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What is the Nifty Needle Case?
The Nifty Needle Case keeps your yarn and tapestry needles in one place - that isn't the carpet! Easy enough for beginners and handy for all, this free crochet pattern can even store a small pair of scissors - making it the perfect grab and go item for your crochet bag!
Getting organized can be both fulfilling and enjoyable. Why not begin by creating a personalized accessory that caters to your specific needs? The Nifty Needle Case is an ideal project for this purpose, offering a charming solution to keep your sewing, yarn, and tapestry needles neatly stored and easily accessible.
Designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, the Nifty Needle Case ensures that your needles are no longer misplaced or left in inconvenient places - like between the couch cushions! This compact case is beginner-friendly and versatile, capable of accommodating a small pair of scissors and a few stitch markers alongside your needles. Its portable nature makes it a perfect addition to your crafting kit, ensuring that your essential tools are always within reach.
Be sure to add this Pin to your Crochet Pinterest Board!
Nifty Needle Case
Add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites
US - F, 3.75 mm hook - Furls
55 yds Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (Worsted/10 ply; 100% cotton; 186 yds/170 m; 3.53 ounces)
Colorways: Tangerine (40 yds) and White (15 yds)
1" Button
Stitch Markers - Clover Lock Ring Markers
Gauge: 11 sts x 10 rows = 2" in sc, but gauge is unimportant as long as you get tight, solid fabric
Finished Size: 7" x 4" unfolded; 3" x 4" folded
Helpful Links and Tutorials:
NIFTY NEEDLE CASE INSTRUCTIONS
PART 1: This is the inner (white) portion.
Row 1: Ch 11, skip the ch closest to the hook, sc in the remaining 10 chs; turn. (10 sts)
Row 2 - 19: Ch 1, sc in each st across; turn. (10 sts)
Row 20: (edging round) Ch 1, sc in each st across, then turning corners and working around piece, sc along side, bottom, and last side, joining to first sc of row; break yarn and finish off.
PART 2: This is the outer (tangerine) portion.
Row 1: Ch 21, skip the ch closest to the hook, sc in the remaining 20 chs; turn. (20 sts)
Row 2 - 14: Ch 1, sc in each st across; turn. (20 sts)
Row 15: Ch 1, blo sc in each st across; turn. (20 sts)
Row 16 - 30: Ch 1, sc in each st across; turn. (20 sts)
Row 31: Ch 1, blo sc in each st across; turn. (20 sts)
Row 32 - 38: Ch 1, sc in each st across; turn. (20 sts)
Row 39: Ch 1, sc in the first 8 sts, ch 4, skip 4 sts, sc in the last 8 sts; turn. (16 sts, 4 chs) NOTE: This creates the button hole - you will need to adjust the number of sts skipped/chained if your gauge or button is different.
Row 40: Ch 1, sc in each st and ch across; turn. (20 sts)
Row 41: Ch 1, sc in each st across; turn. (20 sts) THEN before proceeding with the next row, attach Part 1 to the center panel of Part 2, as shown in the photos, using stitch markers to hold it in place.
Row 42: Ch 1, sc in each st across, then turning corners and working around piece, sc along side working through both Part 1 and Part 2 in center section, sc along bottom, and sc along last side working through both Part 1 and Part 2 in center section, then join to first sc of row; break yarn and finish off.
Assembly:
Sew button to first section of Part 2, opposite the button hole. Weave in all ends.
And that's it! The white inner part isn't attached on the sides, making it that much easier to put the needles in/out, and leaving a space to slip a small pair of scissors as well! I can't wait to see what you all make with this pattern - it's ripe for personalization! Add appliques, surface crochet initials, or even sew on a patch or extra fun buttons, it's up to you. Here's to a more organized craft room!
The Fine Print
Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2015, all rights reserved. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share this pattern with others. If you wish to make items for sale from this pattern, or translate it to another language, please visit the About page for details. Thank you to Lion Brand Yarn for providing the yarn for this pattern!
Hookin On Hump Day's Best of 2015!
We have seen so many fabulous projects this year at Hookin' on Hump Day! Today we are looking back at the top links from 2015. Thanks to all of you who link up and visit for making Hookin' on Hump Day such a success. We can't wait to see what you have for us in 2016!!
Diamond Tweed Stitch
The Diamond Tweed Stitch pattern is a beautiful stitch that is surprisingly simple to make - the trickiest part is knowing how to make dc decreases! Here is how it's done!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. [Read more...]
Janaya Chouinard of Charmed by Ewe: Designer Showcase!
It’s time for December’s Designer Showcase! I like to wrap up each month by having one of my favorite designers share a bit about themselves, and then I follow it up by sharing my 5 favorite free patterns that they've designed! This month I’m excited to share some things from the ultra talented Janaya Chouinard - the blogger and designer behind Charmed by Ewe!
Warm Cabled Headband/Ear Warmer
It might be chilly outside, but that doesn't mean you want hat head! The Warm Cabled Headband has great style that doubles as a cozy ear warmer - it's all in how you wear it. And it looks great either way!
Disclaimer: this post includes affiliate links. [Read more...]