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The Chain Stitch

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For those who are thinking about taking up crocheting, here's the very first thing you need to learn - how to crochet a chain!

How to Crochet the Chain Stitch: Right Handed Version

How to Crochet the Chain Stitch: Left Handed Version

In words, a chain stitch is when you "yarn over" the hook, and pull a loop through the loop that was already on the hook. That's it! Getting even chains takes a lot of practice, so don't be afraid to chain for miles and miles before you move to the next step. If you are trying to chain a certain number of chains, do not count the chain that is on the hook - just the ones that are off the hook already.

Now you can make necklaces, bracelets... try chaining using a chain as your yarn! It's only step one and you're already crafting. Stay tuned for more, we're making them as fast as we can.

Craftsy

Be sure to like moogly on facebook for fun links, sneak peeks, and to get all the latest moogly updates! TamaraKelly@mooglyblog.com

Cable Heart Gift Bag

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Cable Heart Gift Bag - free #crochet pattern to celebrate love! <3

Whether it's Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or just the day to make your love and affection manifest... you're going to need a gift bag! This free pattern has you covered. Creating a crochet gift bag shows you've gone the extra mile, and that you are giving a piece of your heart. Plus, it's reusable - love the earth too!

Prefer an ad-free PDF? You've got options!

Prefer the free blog version? Keep scrolling!

Cable Heart Gift Bag - free crochet pattern on Moogly!

Cable Heart Gift Bag

Add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites
*Want a gift bag without the hearts? Skip the front and make two plain backs!*

Yarn: any worsted weight yarn, 130 yds
- Examples in Bernat Satin (red) and Bernat CottonTots (pink - discontinued)

Hook: US-6 G hook, 4.25mm

Notions:
-1 piece of 4 ⅜ in x 1 ⅞ in cardboard or plastic canvas (cut slightly smaller than bottom)
-2 pieces of ribbon, approximately 6-8 inches long

Gauge: 16 st x 9 rows = 4inches in hdc

Abbreviations/stitches used:
-sc: single crochet
-hdc: half double crochet
-fptrc: front post treble crochet
-fptrc2tog: front post treble crochet two together

Instructions

FRONT:

CLICK HERE for a video tutorial for the FRONT of the bag!

Row 1: Ch 20. Hdc in second ch from hook, hdc to end. (19 sts) Ch1, turn.

Row 2-3: Hdc across. Ch1, turn. (19 sts)

Row 4: Hdc in first 7 sts, then fptrc around the center st of Row 2 (stitch #10). Hdc in next 3 sts, then fptrc around same center stitch of Row 2 (making "V"). Hdc in last 7 sts. Ch1, turn.

Row 5: Hdc across. Ch1, turn.

Row 6: Hdc in first 6 sts, fptrc around top of right post from Row 4, hdc in next 5 sts, fptrc around top of left post from Row 4, hdc in last 6 sts. Ch1, turn.

Row 7: Hdc across. Ch1, turn.

Row 8: Hdc 5 sts, fptrc around top of right post, hdc 7, fptrc around top of left post, hdc 5. Ch1, turn.

Row 9: Hdc across. Ch1, turn.

Row 10: Hdc 4 sts, fptrc around top of right post, hdc 9, fptrc around top of left post, hdc 4. Ch1, turn.

Row 11: Hdc across. Ch1, turn.

Row 12: Hdc 3 sts, fptrc around top of right post, hdc 11, fptrc around top of left post, hdc 3. Ch1, turn.

Row 13: Hdc across. Ch1, turn.

Row 14: Hdc 3 sts, fptrc around top of right post, hdc 3, fptrc around middle stitch (#10) of Row 12, hdc 3, fptrc around center of Row 10 again (making "V"), hdc 3, fptrc around top of left post, hdc 3. Ch1, turn.

Row 15: Hdc across. Ch1, turn.

Row 16: Hdc 5, fptrc2tog around the two right posts, hdc 7, fptrc2tog around the two left posts, hdc 5. Ch1, turn.

Row 17: Hdc across. Ch1, turn.

Row 18: Hdc across. Break yarn and weave in ends.

BACK:

Option 1, double sided bag: Make another Front.

Option 2, plain back:

Row 1: Ch 20. Hdc in second ch from hook, hdc to end. (19 sts) Ch1, turn.

Row 2-17: Hdc across. (19 sts) Ch1, turn.

Row 18: Hdc across. Break yarn and weave in ends.

SIDES (make 2):

Row 1: Ch 10. Hdc in second ch from hook to end. Ch1 and turn. (9 sts)

Row 2- 17: Hdc across, ch1 and turn.

Row 18: Hdc across. Break yarn and weave in ends.

BOTTOM (make 2):

Row 1: Ch 10. Hdc in second ch from hook to end. (9 sts) Ch1 and turn.

Row 2-15: Hdc across, (9 sts) ch1 and turn.

Row 16: Hdc across. Break yarn and weave in ends.

ASSEMBLY:

Sandwich the plastic canvas between two bottom pieces, and sc edges together, 60 stitches worked evenly around. (19 sts per long side, 9 sts per end, plus 1 extra in each corner.)

Using sc, attach the front, sides, and back together. (Approximately 22 stitches per edge.) Sc the body to the bottom sandwich. Sc all the way around top of the bag. Weave in all ends.

For the handles, you can use ribbon as shown, or crochet a chain, knit some icord... whatever you like! If you do use ribbon, I recommend tacking them down on the inside with a few stitches in a matching thread or some fabric glue. Now fill it with goodies, and make someone feel loved!

The Fine Print

Be sure to check out and like the moogly facebook page to get all the latest updates, fun links, sneak peeks, and more! Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2012. Please include links to this blog post if sharing this pattern with others, but do not repost or share the written pattern itself. You are welcome to sell items made from Moogly patterns - see the About page for details!

Tangerine Tango - in Yarn!

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Tangerine Tango is the Pantone Color of the Year for 2012!

It's gorgeous, and happy, and works year round. Granted, I'm pretty partial to the color - both my kitchen and living room fit the red-orange and orange-red families! But whether or not you're ready to redecorate, you can punch up your wardrobe and your living space with great accessories you make yourself in this fabulous color. Shawls, scarves, bags, purses, afghans, throw pillows, dishcloths... the possibilities are endless. To that end, here are some readily available yarns I found that feature lovely red-orangey Tangerine Tango-ish colors!
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My Top 5 Free Scarf Patterns

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It's a new week... and a new list! This time, I wanted to share some of my very favorite scarf patterns. I know, I just posted a cowl pattern, but if you believe that shadow-spotting rodent, we're going to need some options. There's a mix of knit and crochet, simple and complex, fancy and functional, and even one perfect for Valentine's Day!

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Diamond Crochet Cowl

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I've been admiring all the gorgeous crochet cowls out there lately - in stores, on Ravelry, and on my equally gorgeous friends. I couldn't resist creating my own version, and with Valentine's Day on the horizon, I decided you can't go wrong with diamonds!

free crochet cowl pattern diamonds cables winter scarf [Read more...]

Switching Colors for Striped Patterns

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Today's video is a quick tip / tutorial that shows you how to switch colors for striped crochet patterns, and avoid the odd little jog or color "bleed" that you can get if you finish the last stitch with the same color.

This technique is best used when you want to bring that color back again soon for another row, or when using single crochet sts. If you're adding a new color and want to cut the old color, try the Chainless Starting Double Crochet technique - which also works for treble crochet and taller sts!

Be sure to like moogly on facebook for fun links, sneak peeks, and to get all the latest moogly updates! TamaraKelly@mooglyblo.com

Build Your Craft Library: My Crochet Book Reviews

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Craft books and magazines are everywhere these days - online, at the grocery store, book store, yarn store, and craft store. As someone who both knits and crochets, I've started quite a collection of my own, though of course I want more! Here are a few crochet books I'd like to highlight for you this morning, in no particular order (hey, it's Monday, order is for later in the week). [Read more...]

Sweet Striped Arm Warmers

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Brrr! I don't know what the weather is like where you are, but here in the American Midwest, winter has finally hit. Lots of snow and bitter temps that make wearing your robe all day seem like a really good idea. Even the kids are feeling it, so let's do something to keep their cute little limbs toasty warm, eh? And bonus - this is a great stash buster, using only about 80 yards each of two different skeins!

free knit pattern, sweet striped armwarmers, fingerless mitts
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Bobble Stitch - dc5tog

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Finally! Remember last year, when someone in the comments asked for a video? And then this year, when I said I wanted to start making video tutorials? Well! It's taken much longer than expected, but what started with this...

...and included a whole lot of swearing, sweating, nervous laughter, and general crochet shenanigans, has born crochet video goodness!

There was much trial and error, a week of dithering on the music selection (what is "moogly music"? Anyone?), and suffice to say, I am so lucky I decided to marry a video production guy! We hope to make more instructional videos in the future... and now that we've got the basics hammered out, it should go a lot quicker!

Now, may I present, the first official moogly instructional video! How to crochet the Bobble Stitch, or dc5tog, as seen in the Blackberry Salad Striped Baby Blanket and Afghan!

Written Instructions for the Bobble Stitch

Bobble stitches are worked from the “wrong side” – meaning they pop out away from you as you work. They are worked much like a dc dec, but all into the same stitch. To dc5tog, work 5 dc all into the same stitch, leaving the last loop unworked on the hook each time. When you’ve got 6 loops on the hook, yarn over and pull through all 6 sts. Work tightly here, and as soon as you make the next (sc) st, the bobble should pop right out on the other side of your work!

Someday I hope to stop feeling like a doofus whenever I hear my own voice. And boy do I have a heck of a midwestern accent there, eh? But it was SO much fun, I think it shows how to make this type of bobble very well, and I can't wait to do more! Any requests? What stitches have you perplexed?

How to Crochet the Bobble Stitch, or dc5tog, a video tutorial in HD! #crochetDon't forget to like moogly on facebook for sneak peeks, early releases, insider info and photos, fun links and more! You can contact me at TamaraKelly@mooglyblog.com.

 

 

A Scholarship... for Knitting! (and a couple of sneak peeks)

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Hey all you knitters! You may have heard about Interweave Knitting Lab, four days of knitting classes, schmoozing, and other fun yarny stuff.

Interweave Knitting Lab, the event you've been waiting for, is a four-day knitting event that explores every facet of our complex craft.  Enjoy small technique and project-based classes, provocative panel discussions and fascinating lectures presented by knitting luminaries.  Special evening sessions and the Knitters' Market round out this exciting event-one unlike any other the yarn world has experienced!

Sure, great, you think... but who can afford that? I'm not made of money!
[Read more...]

Super Stripey Water Bottle Cozy

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Today's free pattern is one I came up with a while back - when my middle child started taking a lunch to school! Rather than a plastic thermos, we went with a stainless steel water bottle. Good for the environment, it fit perfectly in his lunchbox and didn't leak a bit. The one complaint we had was all the condensation. But that was an easy enough fix - with the Super Stripey Water Bottle Cozy!

water bottle cover free pattern knit

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Something a little different - please take a moment to read.

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Today is a big day for the internet. It's the internet blackout day to protest SOPA and PIPA. I'm not going to shut down today, but I DO urge you to join the fight against these bills that would destroy the web as we know it, silence free speech, and won't even do the job they are meant to do. Please consider going to this link and signing this petition. It takes only a few moments of your time.

End Piracy, Not Liberty

Bags Bags Bags! (Links, WIPs, and more)

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This month I've been working on getting things organized... including all my WIPs (works in progress). And there is one major type of project it seems I have the hardest time finishing - bags! I love bags and have made a bunch, so I thought I'd share some of what I think are the best knit and crochet patterns out there today. Some bags don't require much in the way of finishing - which I love!

Lacy V Shopping Bag #crochet free pattern

The Lacey V Shopping Bag is HUGE, gorgeous, and so handy! It's a repeat of just a few rows, but it's sure to impress!
[Read more...]

The Blackberry Salad Striped Blanket CHART!

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I've had a request for the charted version of the Blackberry Salad Striped Blankets. Now, I don't have that fancy crochet software, but I DO have a sharpie and paper. It's not the prettiest chart, but it should get the job done.

Obviously, this isn't a chart for a full sized blanket - more like a nice little scrubby washcloth. But it should give you the idea. The starting chain is a multiple of 4, plus 3 which count as the first dc. In the chart, it's 16 stitches (4 x 4), plus 3, for a starting chain of 19. So, for the Blackberry Salad Striped Baby Blanket, it's 112 stitches (4 x 28) , plus 3, for a total of 115 in the starting chain. For the Blackberry Salad Striped Afghan, it's 164 stitches (4 x 41), plus 3, for a starting chain of 167.

I hope this helps, and clears up any confusion! I know charts have helped me visualize a project more than once. Have a great weekend!

 

Ensalada de Moras (Blackberry En Español)

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The web is nothing if not a wonderful, multi-lingual, multi-national, muIti-craftual salad. I was recently contacted through Ravelry, by the brilliant Ana at Hasta El Monyo. It seems my Blackberry Salad Stiped Blanket pattern has caught the eye of those who prefer to craft in Spanish! Awesomely, Ana herself translates English patterns for her blog, and contacted me offering to do so. So I'm proud to present Ensalada de Moras!

Ensalada de Moras - Manta para bebe, modelo de libre, free crochet pattern baby
[Read more...]

Organized yarn stash? Sign me up!

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When it comes to most things, I'd like to think I'm a pretty organized person. A place for everything, and everything in it's place. To that end, about a year ago, I splurged on the Martha Stewart Living Shelves from Home Depot. I started with the most loving intentions, planning to keep my yarn stash well organized, sorted, and ready at a moment's notice. And maybe if Martha herself had come WITH the shelves, she would've kept me on track. But then, well, somewhere between yarn sales, holiday madness, and the vagaries of daily living... this happened.

The Shame! The Shame! *sob*

It starts out kind of okay at the top... and then deteriorates to a giant mess on the floor, where the only organization involved is "still in the bag." I'm not proud. I need help.

So today! I am happy to find that Amazon is giving away FREE KINDLE EDITIONS of Absolutely Organize Your Family, which is supposed to be "full of practical and effective solutions for all of your family’s organizational challenges." Will it help? I'm going to find out!

Our family loves our Kindles, but even if you don't have a Kindle of your own, Kindle books can be read right on your computer. Anyone out there read this one already? What did you think?

And speaking of the Kindle... look for a new free pattern from moogly on Friday the 13th! We're also in the process of editing some exciting videos that I think are going to add a lot to the site. It's a whole new experience for me, and I hope you will like it!

Stay up to date with moogly on facebook, for even more interesting links and craft ideas! And you can send pms through the facebook page to order your own, custom made, one of a kind moogly items!

Moogly 2012 is go!

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Welcome to the revamped moogly! New year, new look. Cleaner lines, less distractions, and more craft! There are lots of other fun things we have in store for you this year, including instructional videos (assuming the kids can be quiet enough to film!), more free patterns, and lots more posts and updates.

To kick it off, let's talk hats! This month has been all about hats for me, from soft light hats for those battling cancer, to slouchy beanies that bring out an Irish lass's eyes. There's nothing as satisfying as a quick project that can change your entire look, and hats fit the bill. Crocheted or knitted, hats are a wardrobe staple, a fantastic stash buster, and a great gift. This week I made a couple of lovely hats for two beautiful girls.

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There's still time to craft: Glitzy Boutique Bags and Lovely Snowflakes!

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Are you scrambling to finish up your crafting this week? I know I've got a few projects still on the hooks and needles, though fortunately at this point they're optional. What wasn't optional for me were the teacher gifts - and this year I needed 5! Without a lot of time or funds to spare, I came up with something I think they'll enjoy...

Sparkly, fun, and (soon to be) filled with treats, this pattern is perfect for beginners and easy fun for the experts. And so fast! The specs:
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Mini Moogly Sweater

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Looking for the Mini Moogly Sweater pattern? Please click here to go to the
NEW IMPROVED Mini-Moogly Sweater
for the latest, most updated version!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You'd think that babies would come with some warning. And they do, they do, at least in my experience. But when you aren't the one with the constant AHEM physical reminders, those 9 months just fly by! Before you know it, the imminent arrival is REALLY REALLY imminent... and as a crafter, you can't just run out to the big box store for some anonymous onesies! You must make something! A baby blanket is always great, but let's face it, they do take time. But a crocheted baby sweater? Perfect! Quick, easy, perfectly personalizable (it's a word, I decided), and they take just a little bit of yarn and a couple of fun buttons.

Over the years, I've come up with a fast and easy recipe for baby sweaters, and while I'll occasionally try something new, this is the design I come back to again and again.

Mini Moogly Free Crochet Newborn Cardigan Sweater Pattern

[Read more...]

Cyber Monday - Free Patterns to fill your gift list!

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It's Cyber Monday today, and everyone is online snatching up the deals. But when it comes to the yarn-worthy on your list, don't freak out - there's still time to craft for the holidays!

In years past I've made projects both big and small, for a variety of recipients. I've already highlighted some of my Favorite Fingerless Gloves patterns, so here are some more links for projects I've made and loved, in both knit and crochet. The links will take you all over the web, but the pics are all my own. Best of all, each of these patterns are fast and FREE!
[Read more...]

Quick post on a quick project - Shroom-inspired neckwarmer!

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After making the Shroom hat last week, I had a bit of yarn left over. Not a lot, but enough that I thought I could pull off something small. So, I did some Rav pattern searching, and came across the mochi neck cozy. To make it a better match for the Shroom hat, I changed the pattern repeats to:

Odd Rows: p2, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last two sts, p to end
Even Rows: k2, *p1, k1; repeat from * to last two sts, k to end

I also had only one button available right then, so I dropped the first and third button holes and just worked those rows like the rest. Et voila!

Shroomy Neck Cozy

It's got amazing stretch and will be perfect tucked under a coat collar on chilly days. It used just a little bit of yarn, so don't let those skein ends sit - you've almost always got enough to make something great!

Don't forget to Like moogly on facebook for more updates and to keep track of the latest blog posts and extras!

Shroom swatching!

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Lots of crafters, knitters and crocheters alike, hate gauge swatching. Why do all that work, just to pull it back out? When you're ready to start, you just. want. to. start. I was the same way for YEARS. And I had the Ughs to prove it. Impatience, I had it. But then there was the sweater sleeve that I could barely get past my wrist... I had to admit, it was time to start  swatching.
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Mystery doll models moogly threads!

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Well darlings, there are garden parties and there are garden parties, and only the very best garden parties are attended by that always perfectly proportioned plaything that stands just eleven and a half inches high.

The crème de la crème always do put on the best, and this event had our favorite figurine showing off not one but two of her newest dresses, custom creations from moogly. There was a bit of a kerfuffle when our inside gal was spotted with her camera, but before she had to make a quick exit, she managed to snap a few pretty poses for your pleasure. Of course we never name names, must preserve a girl's privacy, but every fashionista knows who she'll be wearing this fall!
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These are a few of my favorite... fingerless mittens!

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The leaves are changing, and it's gorgeous outside this week. With a 40 degree difference between morning and afternoon, it's all about layers and transitional clothing. And what's more transitional than fingerless gloves or mittens? Perfect for cool days and nights, chilly offices and homes, and just looking supah cool. Here on some of the ones I've made and loved.

1. Easy Victorian Shell Mitts (crochet) - I change these up a bit from the original pattern, lengthening the cuffs significantly. They're lacy, but warm! And easily scaled down for kids to boot. Fast and fun pattern, and free!

Easy Victorian Shell Mitts
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Happy Saturday!

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OH MAH GOSH YA'LL! Ok, I don't know where that came from. I'm from the Midwest fer pete's sake. Maybe buying that Paula Deen brand French rolling pin had unintended results. But my excitement will all make sense, when you find out that moogly has been featured on the amazing craft blog Tangled Happy! It's a great blog full of links to fun craft projects you can make for yourself or with your kids. My Blackberry Stitch Striped Baby Blanket is on there, and check out these:

How cute are those?! Perfect for the transition to Fall! There's so much crochet yumminess there you won't believe it. Thanks for the feature Tangled Happy, I'm honored to make the list!

Happy Autumn Northern Hemisphere!

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Does it feel like Fall where you are? Here in Iowa USA it's 47ºF this morning, and the kids wore jackets to school. I'm thinking about apple cider, warm cake, and hats and mittens!

With three kids and cold winters, it seems like we always have both too many hats and not enough. What we needed most last year though, was a hat that would work with my daughter's hairstyle! With long hair she wears her hair up to school nearly every day, but stocking caps and ponytails don't mix. So I went to Ravelry (of course) and found the Hannah pattern, a great free pattern by Blake Ehrlich! Here's my interpretation, modeled by my favorite daughter (ok, so the other two are boys, she's still a good kid).

So fun, and so practical! And now that I have an idea of how it's done, I'm thinking about adding the ponytail treatment to all kinds of hats! I don't usually wear ponytails myself, but I might for a new hat!

Need a ponytail hat for a lucky longhair in your life? Contact me at mooglyblog@gmail.com or on Facebook and we'll come up with a custom creation for you!

Blackberry Salad Striped Baby Blanket

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free crochet baby blanket pattern, striped, bobbles

About three years ago, I was lucky enough to become an aunty yet again, and to celebrate I decided to make a pretty little baby blanket for the new niece or nephew. I came up with this - the Blackberry Salad Striped Baby Blanket! And I'm sharing it here on Moogly!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.

Prefer an ad-free PDF? You've got options!

This button leads to the pattern on Etsy

Prefer the free blog version? Keep scrolling!

An Instant Hit!

I loved it, the new parents loved it, and my sister-in-law tells me even complete strangers remarked on it. I put it in my Ravelry notebook (a notebook I've sadly neglected lately), and it went crazy in the favorites, if I do say so myself. It’s cute, fun, and easy, and it’s time to share.

Ok, one more look. And can I say, they're still using it, and it still looks great!

free crochet baby blanket pattern, striped, bobbles

Blackberry Salad Striped Baby Blanket

Add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue

  • Yarn: 1449 yards total in 7 skeins of worsted weight yarn (original yarn has been discontinued)
  • Hook: 5.0mm (H/8)

I didn’t measure the finished product, but it was about the same size as other baby blankets we had around at the time - more than big enough to cover a newborn or infant carrier car seat.  In order to change the size, add or subtract in the chain row by multiples of 4 stitches. Go all the way down to 27 and make a scrubby washcloth! If you want to make an afghan, go here for details on the perfect Blackberry Salad Striped Throw!

As for the color changes, I used seven skeins in seven different colors, and in order to keep it random, I closed my eyes and reached into the bag each time I needed a new color. To make your own, change colors as desired every two rows. Prefer to plan ahead? Try this free Random Stripe Generator at Biscuits and Jam!

VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE

How to Bobble Stitch / dc5tog:
Click here for Bobble Stitch Video Tutorial!
Bobble stitches are worked from the “wrong side” - meaning they pop out away from you as you work. They are worked much like a dc dec, but all into the same stitch. To dc5tog, work 5 dc all into the same stitch, leaving the last loop unworked on the hook each time. When you’ve got 6 loops on the hook, yarn over and pull through all 6 sts. Work tightly here, and as soon as you make the next (sc) st, the bobble should pop right out on the other side of your work!

Blackberry Salad Striped Blanket Charted

Blackberry Salad En Espanol

INSTRUCTIONS

Chain 115.

Row 1: (RS) Dc in 4th ch from hook. (Starting chain of each row counts as first dc.) Dc in each st across to end. Ch1, turn. (113 dc)

Row 2: (WS) Sc into the first 4 sts, *dc5tog into the next st, sc in the next 3 sts.* Repeat from * to * until the end of the row, ending the row with 1sc in the top of the turning chain.

Row 3: (RS) Change to second stripe color. Ch 3, turn. Dc across row to the end, skipping the turning ch. Ch1, turn.

Row 4: (WS) Sc into the first 2 sts, *dc5tog into next st, sc in the next 3 sts.* Repeat from * to * until the last 3 sts. End the row with one more dc5tog and sc in the last 2 sts (final st in the top of the turning chain).

Row 5: (RS) Change color to 3rd stripe skein. Work as for Row 3.

Row 6  to end: Repeat Rows 2 through 5, changing colors on the odd-numbered rows, until you feel the blanket is roughly square or you run out of yarn!

Still having trouble? This video is a quick overview of how it comes together!

Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly, 2011. Please include links to this blog post if sharing this pattern with others, but do not reproduce or repost the written pattern. You may sell items made from this pattern, but please include a link to moogly on the listing or tag with credit for the pattern.

Blankets and hats and krakens, oh my!

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UPDATE: I'm no longer taking commissions! I've chosen to completely focus on designing and sharing crochet and knit info and links and all the other good stuff you've gotten to know me for. But this post shows how Moogly got started... and there are some fun pics here! So I'm leaving it up. 😀

I've never understood how crafters can stick to just one product, one esthetic. Which is not to say I disapprove! Isn't that how it's supposed to be? Find your niche and stick to it? Baby things, kitchy things, sexy things, sparkly things - create your brand. It's how business. is. done.

But I want to make everything! At the very least, everything with yarn. And maybe a few other things too. But for now, moogly is all yarn. And if I had a niche, I'd have to say it's custom creations. If you want something sleek, I can do that. If you want funny and unique, I'm all over it. I love the variety! I'll make whatever it is you're looking for - whether that's an ultra modern baby blanket,

a kraken hat,

or something for your chilly friend or relative. Which is exactly what I've been doing for the past week!

What you see above is a lap blanket. It's got a bottom to tuck under the chilly person's feet, ties to help keep it from slipping off, and two big pockets for hard candy and cold fingers. This one is heading to a nursing home, so it also features a handsewn white twill label - it won't get misplaced in the laundry room! Made of soft but tough acrylic, it's a welcome bit of luxury and warmth. This one shown, in strawberry and pistachio yarn, is spoken for... but I can make more! Pick your person's favorite colors and you'll have the perfect holiday or winter birthday gift. The label and ties are optional, making this the perfect gift for anyone who needs protection from a winter draft. Message me at mooglyblog@gmail.com to order one today!

 

Getting Ready for Fall!

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Things have been busy busy busy at moogly headquarters - just the way we like it! There's a new free pattern in the works, and lots of custom orders coming in and going out. One thing that is important to remember as we head into autumn, is to order ahead for holiday gift giving! Handmade gifts are great, but they take time to make. And I do love to make them!

In between custom orders and keeping everything else in life going, I got a little inspiration. Those multi-strand metal necklaces are ultra popular right now. But cheap metals irritate the skin, and all that weight drags a girl down. So what to do? Create a crafty, sexy, edgy, cozy alternative! So here's my first go - what do you think?

This gorgeous piece is 26 strands of cotton black and white thread. Handmade, definitely one of a kind, and ready to wear. It can be worn as shown, or looped over for a shorter, thicker scarflette look. There are no clasps. It's available for only $50, so message me if you're interested! Buy this one before it's gone forever!

A short break, and my newest inspiration:

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Business at moogly is coming along nicely, and I'm so grateful to all my customers! I've got more great things coming, but right now find myself waiting for yarns to arrive so I can get started! And as the new creations roll out the door, I'm going to love including my brand new business cards from moo!

So with a few days unintentionally off work I was able to make up a quick gift for my mom. She's a school teacher and keeps a water bottle on her desk (all that talking will parch even the pros), but she needed something to combat condensation. So I picked up a skein of Lily Sugar'n Cream Stripes and used one of my favorite patterns, Cabled Bottle Cover by Melanie Hoffman. Done in a day! Et voila:

But I'm still waiting for my new yarns to arrive! So as I sit here daydreaming, I come across a free pattern for a papercraft Nyan Cat Machine on Deviant Art. And I can't help thinking... how fun would this be to make in crochet?!

Basketweave Scrubby Cloth (and Baby Blanket)

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It's a ZOMBIE POST! From my old dead blog, reproduced here, is the first pattern that made me a Ravelry designer. It's a little sketchy, as my first written pattern, but should be easy peasy.  I hope to write down more of my designs, and add them to this blog in time!

These are great because they use very little yarn, and they get both kid’s faces and kitchen counters super clean. We’ve been paper towel free for several years now, and I love using something soft and fun so much better!


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Seamless finishing when working in the round

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Today, I am lucky enough to be part of an amazing, hilarious, raunchy, outrageous group of women who get together and craft every Wednesday night. The Oak Street Hookers take turns bringing a treat, some of us bring a drink (or two), and we teach each other everything we know. It's the highlight of my week, and keeps me sane!

But for the ten years before that, I did all my crocheting and knitting alone - barring the five minute crash course that started it all. I am self taught, and I struggled through books and "how to knit for kids" videos from the library for years.

btw, this was the scratchiest washcloth ever
The first thing I ever knit!

Then youtube and Ravelry came along and taught me a few more tricks.So to add to the wealth of knowledge out there, one of my fellow hookers and I made a video and uploaded it to youtube. It was very spur of the moment, and completely unrehearsed, but I think it makes it pretty clear.

Feel free to make fun of my Midwestern accent (I clearly learned to say "yarn" while living near Chicago!), and tell me what other videos you'd like to see! What do you want to learn about crochet?

This blog is going to go over like a dead fish. (I hope!)

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Long, long ago, in an internet far away, I had a mommy blog. And while I love being a mom, that's no longer what this is about. It's about craft! Knitting, crocheting, and whatever else catches my eye.

I do it for fun, I do it for money, and I'll do it for you, if you want me too.

But to kick this thing off, let me share my most recent FO (that's Finished Object, for those new to the lingo). One of the things I love about crafting is using my talents to help others. I've made things for school auction, for those who've experienced personal loses, and now, I've made this:

I went with dead, obviously.
Fish Hat [Dead or Alive?

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