Recently, Red Heart Yarns sent me a gorgeous bag full of yarn to try out, and it's been SO much fun dreaming up what to do with all the new yarns. The first one I got a chance to play with was Red Heart Boutique Swerve, in the Fizzy Colorway. It's being sold as a scarf yarn, but I saw something fun for summer - the Swerve Crochet Clutch!
Yarn shopping - is there any such thing as enough yarn? Using this roundup of the weekly deals and coupons at the craft stores will help you save money and time - and that's something we could all use more of!
Many of these sales only last through the weekend, so be sure to click on the name of the store for current prices if you’re shopping next week! Make sure too that you know your craft store policies – many take competitor’s coupons, and this can really pay off! Please note that the JoAnn and Craftsy links in this article are affiliate links - but that doesn't change your prices at all!
The Artfully Simple Infinity Scarf was probably the most popular pattern I came out with this past season, and it's still super popular months later! With any luck, it'll continue to be a big hit. I made a video showing the Basics of the Artfully Simple Infinity Scarf a while back, but it took me a little time to make a video to demonstrate how to make the button tie. But no more waiting - the video is ready!
Welcome to Hookin On Hump Day #42! I don't know how you do it, but each week's links just get better and better! Amazing stuff, and I'm always blown away and excited to check out your blogs! It's getting harder and harder for Sara from My Merry Messy Life and I had to figure out who to feature each week! Thank you all so very much for linking up!
My Merry Messy Life and Moogly co-host this fabulous link party, and every week we highlight both the most clicked link and those that we feel deserve to be in the spotlight. These links will get twice the exposure - featured on both blogs and on our social media sites, so joining up is a great way to get your site seen. If you've joined up before, or if you're new to Hookin On Hump Day, please take the time to read the link party rules below - they've been updated! Now let’s get to this week’s highlights!
Once again, a reader request has inspired me! Facebook fan Brittanee asked if I had a pattern roundup of unique afghans... and I realized that that was a topic I hadn't covered! I don't know if this is what she was looking for, but I do know that I found some unusual crochet afghan patterns that inspired me, and that I'm excited to share with you - and of course, they're all free!
Flip flops, aka thong sandals, are an iconic piece of summer clothing. And while summer isn't here yet (and it's REALLY not here yet for some of us), it will be soon! So now's the time to get ready and think warm thoughts. Love 'em or hate 'em, nothing says summer like the these ultra casual shoes. Here are 10 free crochet patterns that celebrate flip flops!
Did you know that flip flops style shoes date back to the ancient Egyptians? The Greeks and Romans wore them, though the Romans wore them with the toe strap between the second and third toes - hard to imagine if you're used to the current style! Although many prefer sturdier shoes for daily wear, I hope most of you can find something to love in this roundup! Do you wear flip flops? Prefer them plain or prettied up? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Be sure to check out and like the Moogly Facebook page to get the latest updates, links, and sneak peeks. Moogly is also on Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram – come join the fun! You can contact me via the Facebook page or at TamaraKelly@mooglyblog.com.
Inspiration is a funny thing. The Rainbow Pocket Market Bag was brewed up in my brain as a crazy combination of Earth Day, the Beatles' Yellow Submarine, my constant struggle with getting organized, and the desire for a little color in a cloudy rainy week! And the result is a free crochet market bag pattern that's useful all year long!
Prefer an ad-free PDF? You've got options!
Prefer the free blog version? Keep scrolling!
To make this fun reusable bag I used a couple of specific crochet techniques, and I've included links to them in the bullet points of the pattern. I also borrowed the mesh pattern from the Artfully Simple Infinity Scarf - though worked in rounds, not spirals. I've also learned from all of you that both short and long handles are popular - and included directions for two different types of handles!
The twist with the Rainbow Pocket Market Bag is the double layer at the bottom, which lets the whole bag fold up into a handy size to throw in your tote or car! So let's get to that crochet pattern!
Add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue
US - I, 5.5 mm hook
US - F, 3.75 mm hook (optional, for making button)
200 yards Bernat Handicrafter or Lily Sugar'n Cream (4-Worsted, 100% cotton)
120 yards Color A, 10-40 yds each of Colors B-G
Button (optional, if you choose not to make your own)
Sateenkaarilaukku.pdf - (Finnish) courtesy of Laura Rankonen - thank you Laura!
Rnd 1: Starting with a Magic circle, ch 2, work 12 dc into the circle. Join to the first dc with a sl st. (12 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join to the first dc with a sl st. (24 sts)
Rnd 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 * to end. Join to the first dc with a sl st. (36 sts)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in the first 2 sts, 2 dc in the next st. *Dc in the next 2 sts, 2 dc in the next st. Repeat from * to end. Join to the first dc with a sl st. (48 sts)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, dc in the first 3 sts, 2 dc in the next st. *Dc in the next 3 sts, 2 dc in the next st. Repeat from * to end. Join to the first dc with a sl st. (60 sts)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, dc in the first 4 sts, 2 dc in the next st. *Dc in the next 4 sts, 2 dc in the next st. Repeat from * to end.This circle should be approximately 7 ½" across. Break yarn and use the Seamless join to join to the 2nd dc of the round. Weave in ends. (72 sts)
Rnd 1: With Color B, start with a Magic circle, ch 2, work 12 dc into the circle. Break yarn and use Seamless join to join to the 2nd dc of the round. Weave in ends. (12 sts)
Rnd 2: With Color C, use the Standing dc to join to any st. Dc in the same st, then work 2 dc in each remaining st around. Break yarn and use Seamless join to join to the 2nd dc of the round. Weave in ends. (24 sts)
Rnd 3: With Color D, use the Standing dc to join to any st, then work 2 dc in the next st. *Dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st. Repeat from * to end. Break yarn and use Seamless join to join to the 2nd dc of the round. Weave in ends. (36 sts)
Rnd 4: With Color E, use the Standing dc to join to any st. Dc in the next st, then work 2 dc in the next st. *Dc in the next 2 sts, 2 dc in the next st. Repeat from * to end. Break yarn and use Seamless join to join to the 2nd dc of the round. Weave in ends. (48 sts)
Rnd 5: With Color F, use the Standing dc to join to any st. Dc in the next 2 sts, then work 2 dc in the next st. *Dc in the next 3 sts, 2 dc in the next st. Repeat from * to end. Break yarn and use Seamless join to join to the 2nd dc of the round. Weave in ends. (60 sts)
Rnd 6: With Color G, use the Standing dc to join to any st. Dc in the next 3 sts, then work 2 dc in the next st. *Dc in the next 4 sts, 2 dc in the next st. Repeat from * to end. Break yarn and use Seamless join to join to the 2nd dc of the round. Weave in ends. This circle should be the same size as the Color A circle, though very slight differences are okay. (72 sts)
Place the two circles Right Side together, with the Color A circle on the bottom, as shown below.
Insert hook through a st of both circles, and using Color A yarn, sc through both layers for 56 sts.
Then, sc through the remaining 16 sts of Color A's circle ONLY. Join to the first sc with a sl st. (72 sts)
Rnd 1: Ch 3, and dc in the next st. Ch 5, skip 4 sts. *Dc in the next 2 sts. Ch 5, skip 4 sts. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st to the top of the first dc (skipping the ch 3).
Rnds 2 - 15: Ch 3, dc in the next ch sp. Ch 5, skip the rest of the ch sp and the next dc. *Dc in the next dc, dc in the next ch sp. Ch 5, skip the rest of the ch sp and the next dc. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st to the top of the first dc (skipping the ch 3).
Rnd 16: Ch 1, work 2 sc in first st. Work 4 sc in each ch sp and 1 sc in the top of each dc st around (skipping the ch 3). Break yarn and Seamless join to the 2nd sc of the round. (72 sts)
(I used only 5 colors for the handles, so use the 5 you like best - or add another round!)
Rnd 17: With Color B, join to any st of Round 16 and sc in each st around. Break yarn and Seamless join to the 2nd sc of the round. Weave in ends. (72 sts)
Rnd 18: With Color C, join to any st of Round 17 and sc in each st around. Break yarn and Seamless join to the 2nd sc of the round. Weave in ends. (72 sts)
Rnd 19: With Color D, join to any st of Round 18 and sc in the first 12 sts. For Short Handles, ch 14; for Long Handles, ch 50 (or longer if desired). Skip the next 12 sts, sc in the next 24 sts, ch same amount for second handle (14 or 50), skip the next 12 sts, sc in the last 12 sts. Break yarn and Seamless join to the 2nd sc of the round. Weave in ends.
Rnd 20: With Color E, join to any sc st of Round 19. Sc in each sc, and sc in the BLO of each ch around. Break yarn and Seamless join to the 2nd sc of the round. Weave in ends. (76 or 148 sts)
Rnd 21: With Color G, join to any st of Round 20 and sc in each st around. Break yarn and Seamless join to the 2nd sc of the round. Weave in ends. (76 or 148 sts)
Use the F hook and any color of yarn.
Rnd 1: Starting with a Magic circle, work 6 sc into the circle. Join with a sl st.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, and work 2 sc in each st around. (12 sc) Break yarn and use Seamless join to finish off. Embellish with Surface Crochet or embroidery sts if desired. Sew to multicolored circle at opening, as shown.
To make the loop:
With Color A, ch 15 or long enough to get loop around the button of your choice. Sew both ends to the Color A circle opposite the button, as shown.
The Fine PrintNow you can take a little rainbow everywhere - and never be without a bag when you need one! Reusable bags are definitely the way to go, and I never head to the store without them! I hope you've enjoyed the pattern for the Rainbow Pocket Market Bag - I look forward to seeing your photos on Facebook and Ravelry!
Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2013. 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 bags for sale from this pattern, please visit the About page for details.
Did you go yarn shopping last week? I know a lot of us snagged that sale cotton at Michaels! And there are more deals available this week! Using this roundup of the weekly deals and coupons at the craft stores will help you save money and time - and that's something we could all use more of!
Many of these sales only last through the weekend, so be sure to click on the name of the store for current prices if you’re shopping next week! Make sure too that you know your craft store policies – many take competitor’s coupons, and this can really pay off! Please note that the JoAnn and Craftsy links in this article are affiliate links - but that doesn't change your prices at all!
The Standing Double Crochet stitch is one I came to late - and I wish I'd known about it years earlier! It's not a stitch that you'll usually find specified in a pattern, and as such it has no standard abbreviation. What it is, is a technique - one that will allow you to start a new row on a crochet project without having to use the telltale "join with a slip stitch and chain 3" - and I can't wait to share it with you!
Welcome to Hookin On Hump Day #41! WOW!I don't know how you all do it, but this week was even more amazing than the last! Going through all the links was absolutely inspiring, and Sara from My Merry Messy Life and I had a super hard time coming up with a short list! Too many fantastic crafters out there, and we're so impressed with all of you - and honored you linked up!
My Merry Messy Life and Moogly co-host this fabulous link party, and every week we highlight both the most clicked link and those that we feel deserve to be in the spotlight. These links will get twice the exposure - featured on both blogs and on our social media sites, so joining up is a great way to get your site seen. If you've joined up before, or if you're new to Hookin On Hump Day, please take the time to read the link party rules below - they've been updated! Now let’s get to this week’s highlights!
Mother's Day is less than a month away, so if you're planning to crochet a gift it's time to get started - at least with the planning! Every mother is different - we moms are people too! So it's hard to make a list that will please everyone, but I'm going to give it a shot... Here are 10 free crochet patterns for Mother's Day, designed specifically with mom in mind!
A while back I made a video tutorial on Broomstick Lace, and showed you just how easy this stitch can be. Though it looks intimidating, an experienced crocheter should be able to master it in an evening - probably less! And a new crocheter with the motivation to tackle this technique is sure to succeed. Once you've got it down, you can make all sorts of things with broomstick lace - and here I've gathered some of my favorites!
The Pampering Massage Soap Saver is a big hit - for gift giving, for craft fairs, for anyone who enjoys a little luxury. And it inspired one crafter to request a matching back scrubber! So I've happily translated this stitch pattern into the Pampering Massage Back Scrubber, and I've gone one step further, and designed a matching washcloth! Make all 3, tuck them in a basket with some gorgeous soaps, and you'll have the perfect gift set!
Another week, another dollar, another skein of yarn! How's you yarn budget faring so far this year? Saving up for something special, or is it all yarn all the time? Either way, you can make that cash go further by using this roundup of the weekly deals and coupons at the craft stores to save money and time this weekend!
Many of these sales only last through the weekend, so be sure to click on the name of the store for current prices if you’re shopping next week! Make sure too that you know your craft store policies – many take competitor’s coupons, and this can really pay off!
Alternative Double Crochet, also called Alternate Doubles, or Extended Half Double Crochet, is a simple and interesting take on the standard double crochet stitch.
But it's easy to confuse with the phrase "alternating double crochet" - which usually means working dc stitches in the back and front loops. No, this video tutorial is about the Alternative Double Crochet stitch, usually abbreviated Alt dc. Let's take a look at how it's done.
It's time for Hookin On Hump Day #40! It was a big big week for links, with a great variety of projects - I wish we could feature them all! Sara from My Merry Messy Life and I co-host this fabulous link party, and every week we highlight both the most clicked link and those that we feel deserve to be in the spotlight! These links will get twice the exposure - featured on both blogs and on our social media sites, so joining up is a great way to get your site seen. If you've joined up before, or if you're new to Hookin On Hump Day, please take the time to read the link party rules below - they've been updated! Now let’s get to this week’s highlights!
Ruffle yarn (aka mesh yarn) is the newest entry to the novelty yarn market, and there are several competitors out there: Premier Starbella, Red Heart Boutique Sashay, Spinrite Pirouette, Bernat Twist 'N Twirl, and more added every day. Primarily they're used to make twisty ruffle scarves - just the other day I spotted one such scarf on a local celebrity! And while the twirly ruffle scarves are very pretty, you can bet that designers have been hard at work thinking up other fun uses for this yarn. Here are 16 free knit and crochet patterns that use ruffle yarns in new ways!
Nearly a year ago I did a roundup of 10 free crochet patterns that you can make with 10 yards of yarn. And recently I got a request for even more ideas! Well you know I love requests, and who doesn't love a tiny pattern to use up odds and ends? So here you have it: 10 more free crochet patterns that use 10 yards of yarn - or less!
Most crochet cowl and scarf patterns have warmth and winter in mind, but this pattern is different. The Summer Lace Cowl is open, light, airy, and stylish - perfect for warmer weather! It won't keep you toasty, but it gives you the great look of a big button cowl combined with appealing crochet lace. And the construction gives you several styling options!
Spring cleaning time - or if you're in the Southern Hemisphere, time to stock up for the winter! Time to reboot the stash, donate the stuff you'll never use and refill the shelves with yarns you love. But don't be an April Fool - use this roundup of the weekly deals and coupons at the craft stores to save money and time this weekend!
Can you believe it's the fourth month of 2013 already?! This year is flying by! I visit Pinterest every day, and it's like I can see the seasons changing in the pins - brighter colors, fresher food recipes, and lovely outdoor photos! I love it!
Pinterest has lots of great ideas, but it’s easy to overlook some great ones (and not everyone pins!). Not to mention cutting through the spam and the clutter! So here are some of the ones I think are worth a closer look. The first 5 pins are ones I pinned to the moogly board, the last is always a bonus pin from one of my other boards!
So let's get to those pins!
It's time for Hookin On Hump Day #39! It was Easter week so there were lots of egg and bunny themed projects, but lots of other good stuff too. And even with Spring on the horizon, afghans are still a favorite project! It was lots of fun for Sara from My Merry Messy Life and I to look through all the links! We co-host this fabulous link party, and every week we highlight both the most clicked link and those that we feel deserve to be in the spotlight! These links will get twice the exposure - featured on both blogs and on our social media sites, so joining up is a great way to get your site seen. Now let’s get to this week’s highlights!
I've collected 40 crochet food patterns and broken them into categories for you - it's the biggest roundup I've done to date! Mix and match and you'll have a yummy basket of goodies to please any kid, or kid at heart!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.
Amigurumi patterns are always fun to make, and crochet food items are particularly popular. They also make great gifts - especially for a small child who's ready for their own toy kitchen. This roundup was originally put together in 2013, so lots of the links have changed and been updated, and some of the patterns pictured are no longer available. But I've gone through all of them as of August 2025 and updated with new links and patterns, so you still have 40 fabulous free crochet food patterns to make below!
One important note before you start - amigurumi and crocheted playthings with small parts should not be given to children under the age of 3! Better safe than sorry! Now let's dive in!
And that's just the tip of the iceberg! This is a huge roundup, with lots of links to dozens of different sites, but many of these designers offer a long list of free amigurumi patterns and free crochet food patterns in particular - so be sure to take a look around and see all the great things each site has to offer!
Be sure to check out and like the moogly Facebook page to get the latest updates, links, and sneak peeks. Moogly is also on Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube– come join the fun!
Crochet tote bags are one of my favorite projects! They're fun, useful, and it feels so good to bring my own bags to the store and farmer's market. Heck, in some places it's the law! Whether it's a trip to the beach or a milk run to the closest mega mart, carrying a bag you crocheted yourself is uniquely satisfying. There are tons of patterns for totes and grocery bags, but here are 10 of the best crochet tote bag patterns - some of which I've made, and others I hope to in the future! Lots of styles to choose from, so I think you'll find some to love too!
The Birch Bark Basket is perfect for home decor that's inspired by nature, farmhouse style, cabin living - anywhere cozy!
This easy crochet pattern is almost more of a technique and tutorial - you can crochet big baskets, small baskets, gift baskets... You get the idea! And each one will have you thinking of a walk in the woods.
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.
Prefer the free blog version? Keep scrolling!
This crochet basket pattern as written is pretty big - I find it to be a great storage basket for my other current yarn project! And better looking than plastic baskets too. At about 43" around, it holds a lot!
But this pattern is super easy to downsize. Just crochet the base to the dimensions you desire and work the sides using the technique outlined below.
Add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites
This stitch pattern is made using a variation of tapestry crochet.
The main color (Color A) is held doubled (two strands held and worked as together as if they were one) and worked in single crochet stitches.
Each stitch is worked over a single strand of Color B, enclosing and hiding it behind, or in back of the row. Color B might peek out from the back, but shouldn't be visible from the outside of the basket.
Then, when you wish to add a stripe of Color B to the pattern, you pull the strand to the front of your work and let it hang. Continue making sc stitches as before, with Color B hanging loose in front of your work. This could be for just 1 stitch, or it could be for as many as 10 - it's up to you!
Then when the stripe is done, pull Color B back behind the next stitch and continue as before, enclosing it in each stitch. Be sure to give a tug to Color B once in a while to make sure it doesn't sag - but don't pull so tight that the main color fabric buckles either.
The length of each stripe and its placement is completely up to you. Birchbark trees have random (to our eyes) stripes, and like a tree, your basket should be your own unique work of art! Before starting mine, I looked at pictures of birch trees for inspiration, and then just proceeded to add stripes whenever I thought it was a good time to add them. There's no right or wrong to this, so have fun with it!
Row 1: Holding yarn from both ends of the skein of Color A together, ch 36. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and each remaining ch. Turn. (35 sts)
Row 2 - 40 (or until roughly square): Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (35 sts)
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in each st across row (place marker in first st and move up with each row), then turning to work into the left edge, sc 36 sts across, then turning again sc in each starting ch, then turning once more, sc 36 sts into other row edges. Join with a sl st to first sc made in this round. (142 sts)
NOTE: Exact st count isn't actually important here so much as using the right number of stitches for the size basket you're making and your own gauge. If it works and looks better to use a different number, then please do!
Round 2: Ch 1, and laying the end of Color B along the inside of the basket, sc evenly all around the basket, holding Color B behind the stitches and working over it to enclose it in each st. Join to first sc of round with a sl st.
Round 3 - 29 (or until the basket is desired height): Ch 1 and sc in each st around, enclosing Color B as before, except when bringing Color B forward to create birch bark pattern (see above for more information on this technique). Join each round with a sl st in the first sc of the round.
NOTE: On Rounds 13 and 26 I joined to the 2nd sc of the round and then in Rounds 14 and 27 I worked a st into the sl st. This technique maintained the st count while pulling the joining line back to the left. This is optional, but if you do not do this you'll need to adjust the placement of the handles from the stitch counts listed below.
Round 30: Ch 1, sc in the first 12 sts of the round, ch 11, skip the next 11 sts, sc in the next 60 sts, ch 11, skip the next 11 sts, sc in the last 48 sts.
NOTE: These are the stitch counts that worked out for me, if you are making a different size or didn't adjust the joining line as noted above, you will need to move the handles around to suit your project.
Round 31: Ch 1, sc in each st and ch to end. Join with a sl st in first sc.
Round 32: Ch 1, sc evenly around. Join with a sl st in first sc.
Round 33: Ch 1, sl st in 2nd st and each st around. Break yarn and use seamless join to finish off.
Easy, chic, and right on trend in home decor. This crochet basket looks great in a cabin in the woods or in a modern loft - and in a suburban split level in Iowa. The neutral colors and inspired by nature design make it a really neutral piece that still has lots of character.
So tell me what you think! I love reading your comments! And if you make a Birch Bark Basket, hop over to the Moogly Facebook page and share a photo! We’d love to see it!
PS - Curious about the WIP inside the basket? That's a Blackberry Salad Striped Baby Blanket - another free crochet pattern here on Moogly! This one is made in Knitpicks Comfy Worsted in Bison, Peapod, Carrot, Marlin, Sea Foam, White, and Lilac.
Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2013. 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 baskets for sale from this pattern, please visit the All About Moogly page for details.
Is it a wash cloth? Dish cloth? Small towel? It's whatever you want it to be! The only thing I know for sure is that the Ripple Puff Crochet Cleaning Cloth is a fun and easy crochet project. And the finished result is very pretty!
I used self striping cotton yarn to really highlight the waves and texture in this crocheted dish cloth (er... wash cloth), but I think it would look pretty in solids too. The finished cloth as written is about 9" x 10" - a great size with lots of uses. The loop is made as part of the edging, so it's completely optional. This pattern would also make a great potholder or trivet - just use the yarn held doubled and it'll be twice as thick! Easy crochet patterns like this are perfect for making your own.
Can you believe it's almost April already!? The year is flying by, and with any luck the projects are flying off your hooks and needles. Soon it'll be time to start planning what to make for holiday gifts! Eek! Is your stash ready? If not, use this roundup of the weekly deals and coupons at the craft stores to save money and time this weekend!
Treble crochet stitches have their upsides (So much height in one row! Tons of drape!) and their downsides (Whoa holey fabric!). Linked Treble Crochet Stitches are fantastic because they have the height of regular treble crochet stitches, without the holes - and for added value, some nifty horizontal lines to spice things up. They're usually abbreviated as LTR, and here's how they're made.
It's that time again... Welcome to Hookin On Hump Day #38! This week there was some stiff competition! Lots of Easter and Spring themes, and so many gorgeous projects for the home! I've had that on my mind too, as you'll soon see! Sara from My Merry Messy Life and I co-host this fabulous link party, and as usual this week we picked our favorites to highlight - not that it was easy! These links will get twice the exposure - featured on both blogs and on our social media sites, so joining up is a great way to get your site seen. Now let’s get to this week’s highlights!
I've shown you my favorite free crochet dress patterns for women, now it's time to look at all the gorgeous designs available for girls! As a girl of my own and several nieces, I know that dressing young girls is a lot of fun. Whether it's a casual day dress or something more formal, there's sure to be a free pattern for it. Here are 12 free crochet dress patterns for girls that I think deserve special notice.
Crochet dresses can be fun and flirty, or prim and proper - and fun at any age! More and more patterns for these beautiful creations are coming out, and it's so exciting looking though them all! It's going to be tough to narrow it down, so I've decided to focus on dresses that can be worn as dresses (though they may require a slip), in a wide variety of styles. No swimsuit cover-ups, for those go here. And for this roundup, grownups only - for crochet dresses for girls, stay tuned! So without further ado, here are my top 10 free crochet dress patterns for women!
For the next 23 hours or so I'll be participating in the Itty Bitty Blogathon, a mini event from the BiAnnul Blogathon Bash people! It's my first time doing anything like this, and I really really hope improves the Moogly blog - both back end and front end!
So if you see some changes or extra posts from me today, I'll be completing challenging tasks and (hopefull) working ahead a bit! I might be asking some questions of the more tech savvy readers too. Mr Moogly, aka Geoff, is off snowboarding with my oldest son all day, and I'll be here trying to figure out some of this stuff all on my own!
So bear with me, hit refresh if something looks funky, and if worst comes to worst, rest assured it'll all be over in less than 24 hours...
As usual, if you need to get a hold of me this weekend, message me on the Facebook page or at TamaraKelly@mooglyblog.com - I'll be checking in regularly! And be sure to sign up for the newsletter if you haven't already. Sign up is the blue form in the left column, and newsletters go out once a week on Saturday mornings. Lots of good stuff in there, you don't want to miss it!
After last week's successful debut of the Moogly Crochet Alphabet, it quickly became clear that I needed to make some crochet numbers to match! So without further ado...
March isn't just a month - it's the start of Spring! And that means new projects, new colors, and new yarns! It's good to freshen up the stash, but it's also good to stay on budget. So use this roundup of the weekly deals and coupons at the craft stores to save money and time this weekend!
Blocking knit and crochet projects is something that a lot of people don't do - and usually that's just fine! While many projects would benefit from some blocking, lots do just fine without it.
However, there are times when blocking is definitely required. Lacey items, thread work like doilies and snowflakes, and small projects that curl up all benefit greatly. Blocking lace and thread lets you see the pattern, and in the case of snowflakes it's done with glue - making that shape and pattern permanent! You can also block items by just getting them wet and shaping them to dry, like you would with a favorite sweater.
The method I want to show you here is Steam Blocking for Cotton and Acrylic. This method can be gentle or "hard." Depending on how you handle your iron you can get very different results. A light touch, just holding the steam right above your items gives you a gentle, relaxed block. You can shape and reshape and work with your fabric to get it right.
Welcome to Hookin On Hump Day #37! Sara from My Merry Messy Life and I co-host this fabulous link party, and we’re so happy to see all the new links and projects every week! There's so much talent out there, and it's amazing seeing so much of it all together in one place.
At the end of every week we highlight the most clicked link, as well as links that we agree deserve more attention. So many links last week! It was a lot of fun to looking through all of them, and we're so glad you all linked up! Now let’s get to this week’s highlights!
A while ago I rounded up a list of great shrugs for women - which prompted a request for crochet shrugs for little girls! These little vests and boleros are a great layer for weather that's just a little cool, and a sweet addition to any outfit. Not only that, but in these sizes they're quick projects to make! Here are 10 free crochet shrug patterns for girls that will make any crafter and her little girl proud.
The nautical look is back in style, though it's so classic most would say it never left! Clean lines, bright blues, and graphic shapes typify this look, and crochet fits right in. Sophisticated and uncluttered, I can't get enough! Let's take a look at some fantastic free patterns that exemplify nautical crochet!
Nautical Top by Patons: Can you believe this is a free pattern? Made in DK weight yarn, and offered in sizes XS to XL.
Beside the Sea by Mary Thomson, a Ravelry download: A wavy stitch pattern and small accents make this blanket ready for a seaside picnic!
Starfish Dishcloths by Mary Ann Frits on Red Heart: This is the updated version of a vintage pattern - a great classic look for your kitchen or bath!
White Waves Coasters or Doilies by Jennifer Scott, on Gizmo Fiber Arts, via the Internet Archive: A few of these on the coffee table will add just the right nautical crochet touch!
Sea Breeze Top by Lion Brand Yarn: A flattering empire waist and sizes Small to 2X make this top a perfect fit.
Sea Pennies by Julia Crossland, on Julia Crossland: Join as you go, but lots of ends to weave in. And worth it for this gorgeous pattern! Since each "penny" is added as you go, you can make this any size or shape you please. UPDATE: The site seems to be missing/broken, but you can see an archived version here.
Sea Breeze Skirt by DROPS Design: So lovely! Sized up to a XXXL and embellished with Mother of Pearl buttons, it's just perfect for the nautical look.
Sailboat Dishcloth by Lily / Sugar'n Cream: Can't get much more nautical than this free dishcloth pattern!
Anchor Applique by Claire Martin from Horizontal Designs: Add a nautical touch to any project with this applique!
Anchor Applique by Kara Gunza, on Petals to Picots: This one is very cool too - and new for 2014!
Now on Moogly, check out the Nautical Crochet Coasters!
The Tasty Little Chevron Bag fits the bill here too! It's a very pretty and preppy look - fresh faced, bold, and ready for warm breezes!
Almost any pattern, with the right color and lines, can fit a nautical themed room, or give your outfit a bit of nautical flare. What do you think?
Be sure to check out and like the moogly Facebook page to get the latest updates, links, and sneak peeks. Moogly is also on Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube – come join the fun!
I love buying yarn! So many possibilities, so many projects. If you love yarn too, you don't have to blow your whole paycheck on yarn - use this roundup of the weekly deals and coupons at the craft stores to save money and time this weekend!
There are several baby sweater patterns here on Moogly that start with a top down yoke, with increases in the four corners that are later joined to create the armholes.
It's a simple technique, but the first time you make a sweater like this it can be a bit of a mystery! I've had a couple of requests for help understanding how these armholes are made, so I'm happy to have been able to make this video!
So if you'd like to make the Mini Moogly Sweater, Baby in Bloom Sweater, Summer Breeze Baby Sweater, or the Sven Sweater, but need a little help getting started, this video tutorial is for you! In fact, you might find yourself designing your own...
As you can see, the first few rows of stitches are made in a sort of rectangle, with increases in the four corners. It's very important to use stitch markers to keep these lined up! These markers also tell us where the "armpits" will go. When it's time to make the armholes, you crochet to the first marked stitch, make a specified number of chains, and start crocheting again in the second marked stitch - skipping all the stitches in between. Then you crochet all the way over to the third marker, make the same number of chains, and start crocheting again in the fourth marker. Crochet to the end of the row, and you'll have made two armholes!
It doesn't matter what stitch, how many rows, or how many chains the pattern calls for, the technique is the same. It turns a flat rectangle into the top of a sweater, with the chains in the armpits and the short sides of the rectangle becoming the tops of the shoulders. Even though I've done it over a dozen times, it still feels a little bit like magic when it happens! Anything more than the simplest origami has always been a mystery to me, so if I can do this, you can too! I hope this helps you "see" how a top down sweater in this style gets started. There are lots of different ways to start a sweater, but this one is definitely my favorite! Thanks again for watching!
Be sure to check out and like the moogly Facebook page to get the latest updates, links, and sneak peeks. Moogly is also on Pinterest, Twitter, Tumblr, and Google+ – come join the fun! You can contact me via the Facebook page or at TamaraKelly@mooglystore.com.
