DIY Crochet Hoop Earrings

Happy Friday! I have a simple, little DIY to start off your weekend, or whenever you have time to craft. I’d say it should take an intermediate crocheter less than 10 minutes and a beginner about 20 minutes tops! Just a cute pair of summer-ready earrings made of 100% cotton yarn, and some earring bases that you can get just about anywhere!

As usual, I have pictorials and written instructions as I know everyone learns differently. Also, by day’s end, the video tutorial will be up on my Youtube, just be sure to put in Ellainthe Moon (someone stole Ella in the Moon before I could get it <😭>). There you can also find like 3 macrame tutorials 😉.

Let’s get started! You will need the following:

any kind of 4 weight cotton yarn (i used some cheap stuff called sugar and cream)

earring hoop and fish hook finding

crochet hook size G

scissors

How to first 3 steps, and middle 3 steps 👍🏾

Pattern:

Tie a piece of the yarn onto upper left side of hook at top.

Row 1: Ch 1, then 18 single crochets around entire hoop. Ch2, turn

Row 2: Ch1 more, then skip a stitch, slip stitch in 3rd stitch from turn, ch 3, skip next stitch, slip stitch in next stitch, repeat [ ch3, skip stitch, slip stitch in next stitch ]7 times. You should end with a slip stitch, then pull all the way through. Snip with scissors

Lastly, turn work and pull in the two loose ends in back of work. Snip excess. And add fish hook finding.

Happy Making!

eitm🌙

Make: Pom Pom Earrings 🌙

So if you follow my IG, which ya probably dont (psst…what are you doing with your life?), but anyhooter, I have posted about my love of the Youtube Podcast by Potter and Bloom. Emma Potter has a wonderful blog, IG and Podcast where I am continually inspired. She had the earrings below on in an episode and I was like “must make” 🙋🏾‍♀️. And so I did and now I share the tutorial with you.

What you will need (all below except noted):

1. Two wooden rings

2. Fish hook Earring Findings

3. Glue gun or E9000

4. Yarn of different colors

5. Eye Pins

6. Drill or hook to burrow a small whole (not pictured)

7. Scissors

8. Needle nose Pliers (not pictured).

All of the items, including the wooden rings, are available at Michael’s. They are not a sponsor (yet! 😊), but that’s my go-to place for craft items. I also purchase wooden rings from Etsy if I am prepared for orders.

The most time consuming part of the DIY is making the small poms. Of course, you can purchase them pre-made, but heck, if you are like me, you have yarn EVERYWHERE.🧚 Pre-made packs of mini poms though are very inexpensive.

It took me about 20-25 minutes to make the mini poms in various colors and the rest of this took a total of 10 minutes. If you’d like to level up the earrings and make them a little different, you can wrap the wooden rings in a colored Embroidery thread or paint them. I may do this in the future.

Steps:

Make the mini poms. There are a bajillion YouTube videos on how to make a pom pom. I basically wrapped yarn around my index finger and middle finger 20 times, tied them all together then cut
Trim poms.
bore a tiny hole with a drill or a hook into each wooden ring
Insert eye pin and trim it down some so that it doesnt stick out (like mine in first photo). add tiny bit of glue in hole or bend it
Apply pom poms with an half inch in-between with E9000 or hot glue. Careful not to get it everywhere. Qtips are a dainty way to not get the E9000 all over.
Add fish hook finding with pliers in eye pins
Done!

Make: Simple Crochet Festival Skirt

***Teal Simple Crochet Festival Skirt***

What you will need:

Summer is around the corner and maybe, just maybe, we can get out of our homes! So, before you head out pool side or beach side, make yourself this fancy-free crochet cover up skirt. It takes very little time. Less than 2 hours! 👌🏾

5.75mm

Bernat Dec Home Maker Yarn (5 bulky chunky weight)

Scissors

Stitch Markers (Optional)

Smaller Crochet Hook (Optional)

Terms and Abbreviations:

DC: Double Crochet

SS: Slip Stitch

R: Row

Ch: Chain

*Also, I like to use this particular brand of yarn by Bernat because it dries quickly and has some stretch to it. It is also soft, and isn’t “woolly”. It won’t itch and has cotton in it! Perfect for summer and over a swim suit.

The Pattern

Ch in increments of 2.

Make a Slip Knot

Ch 80, you will be working in a round(S/M, CH 86 for Large, 90 for XL)

Slip Stitch both ends to join, making sure it is not twisted

R1. DC in next chain and Each Across, all the way across (80), SS to join, Ch 2

R2. DC in 2nd chain from the hook all the way across again, SS to join Ch2

Repeat 2 more times. Total of 4 Rows.

pull final chain all the way thru and cut.

Use a smaller crochet hook or embroidery needle to weave in loose end.

Next, Cut 80 strands from the skein to 32 inches each.

Now, fold them in half. You will be using your crochet hook to pull the yarn through the bottom stitch, and then, lark’s head knot mount onto your crocheted waist band. You will do this 80 times.

And yer done!

Happy Making!

eitm

Make: Half Moon Granny Square Mask

Hi Y’all! My best laid plans of mice and Me to blog more regularly and to bring you all of the great DIYs that you will soon look back on and happily anticipate weekly, well, that has failed. 👈🏾And let’s not talk about the run-on sentence 😉.

Under the Pandemic, I have lot quite a bit of focus, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been furiously creating new items and creations. It comes and goes in waves. Maybe you can relate. There are moments when all I can do is crochet stitch after stitch, or make a bajillion knots to create a fantastic yoga bag. Then, there are moments where I am so exhausted from working from home, and taking care of my kiddo that there is no time to bring to life the creations and ideas sitting at the tip of my mind. Finally, this week, I worked through the teeter-totter, and wrote out the pattern for the mask that gets me at least one, “I love your mask” per day.

With no further ado…The Half Moon Granny Square Mask

I used Crochet Needle Size G/6 US, and in the UK 8

I used some cheap yarn from my stash, but obviously, it would be better to upgrade. I used Sugar n’ Cream brand, which is a weight of 4,, below are the specifications, yet keep in mind, I crocheted with a G hook instead of the H because I needed it to be tighter knit.

Weight: Medium (4)

Crochet Gauge:

13 sc – 14 rows = 4″ (10 cm)

Suggested Crochet Hook:

5.00 mm, US – H/8

Terms/Abbreviations:

sl st = sl st

st = stitches

ch = chain

sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet

hdc = half double crochet

tpc = triple crochet

Yo: yarn over

Puff stitch definition: with 1 stitch on your hook from ch2, yarn over, place in stitch, pull through, yarn over, place in stitch and pull through, do this 4 total times. (You will count 9 stitches on your hook before pulling through your last yo thru all 9)

Pattern is half rounds (if there be such a thing).

Make a slip knot and ch 4, sl st to join in a round
Ch 3, DC in same st and then each st across (total 12) sl st to join to top of ch 3
Color Change (connect new yarn by tying it to top of ch3, make a knot)
Ch 3, Puff St in same stitch + ch1, then puff st + ch1 each st around the circle (total 12 puffs) sl st to join
Color Change (connect new yarn by tying it to top of ch3 beside puff stitch, make a knot)
Ch 3, dc two times in first st with ch 3, and then 9 sets of 3 dc’s around in between puff stitches making a half moon shape. total dcs (28 total), cut yarn
Color Change, add 3rd color.
ch2, sc all the way around (total 28), then turn, ch3
Color change, use 2nd color again, add to the right side as we always work L to R
ch 3, dc 3x’s in next stitch + ch1, all the way around 42 dcs total or 14 clusters of 3
cut yarn, now, add first color yarn back on to left hand corner, where you just finished up the last round.
ch 32, then fold your half moon mask in half and count up 14 stitches from outer edge (or put mask to your face and figure out where best to place strap connect), then sl st to connect, cut yarn.
Add same color onto right most corner of bottom of half moon, ch 32, with mask still folded in half, pin point the same spot for connection as the other side, sl st to join.
finish over loose yarn by either using a smaller crochet hook to weave in ends, or an embroidery needle. I used a crochet hook.
Now, wash your finished items and tumble dry it. This will close up a lot of the holes. The cotton will expand.
Last, and very important, add liner. I just place a pre cut piece of cotton fabric, sometime fleece, on top of my mask and the fleece one just stays affixed. I also used a folded in half coffee filter at times. It does come off though when I take it off, so I have started to just affix two pieces of double sided tape. Want to do it right, and not the lazy way like me? Velcro! Or hand sew on a piece of fabric. You could just add 4 x’s at top, bottom, left, and right, and it will work perfectly!

Get ready for everyone under the sun to ask you where you got the mask or that they love it. For realz! In one day, 4 different shop owners of boutiques asked me about my mask (and two want to sell it). Also, it is less hot than other sewn masks I have made imho. I’ll show ya one of those below.

Tag me on instagram (@ellainthemoon) if you make one and let me know about all the compliments!

Happy Making,

eitm

Macrame Hanging Ladder

We are spending more time in our homes than ever and with that, trying ti make them as comfortable and lovely as possible. Of course, WFH and kiddos make it difficult at times, yet the pull to create has a way of piercing through the day.

Macrame is therapeutic. The knotting takes concentration and some precision. And when it is done, a beautiful representation of labor or something functional perhaps. That’s what I bring you today in this macrame hanging ladder!

The inspiration came from all of the carefully propped farmhouse ladders that are everywhere in some home decor! Sometimes, they are called blanket ladders for storing blankets.

This one is more organic than many you have seen. It is made of driftwood from a nearby waterway that I foraged. Some had to be cut down. Then, I took 4 long lengths (over 48 inches of rope each length) of unbraided macrame rope and made spiral hitches at intervals down each side, and then carefully added each piece of driftwood in the breaks. It’s important to take of the 4 lengths, separate the two outer and two middle. Outer go behind piece of driftwood, and the inner in front as show in the photos Then, you just continue your spiral hitches on down.

Lastly, and this is not necessary, I added a length of rope at the top as well. 2 lengths of rope (36 inches each) and spiral hitched up the middle. Stylize it how you wish, add clothing, or towels if you’d rather use it as space saver or vertical organizer!

👍🏾

Happy Making

EITM

MAKE: Mini Macrame Floral Display

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for Spring! And all the blooms. Granted, we have had a very mild winter, but the dark, dark nights and the low light gets to me every year. And that’s with my embrace of Hygge and Vitamin D pills! 🤷🏾‍♀️

The great thing about this twilight of winter is that I have had a rush of creativity. I am not nearly as creative in the midst of summer, but winter’s slumber begets much making. And reinventing what is old into new.

I am ringing 2020 in with all the florals. I already remade my workspace wall with an assortment of floral pictures, paintings and prints (see 2nd photo below) so now, I bring you the macrame floral display! 🌺🌹🌸

Just add flowers. Dried or fresh. Throw out your vases (ok, not really) and embrace the knots.

Pattern:

I used 5mm three braided cord (chunky rope).

You will need a wooden dowel as well. Mine only measures 8 inches.

1. Take four cords and fold in half to make 8 total

2. Lark’s head mount the cords (measuring at least 12 inches) on dowel.

2. Tie 2 square knots from Left to Right

3. Marry the 4 innermost cords (3-6) from both knots and make a square knot in the middle

4. Now taking cords 1-4 and 5-8, make 2 more square knots (one on the left and one to the right)

5. Lastly we are gonna make a kinda pocket. Take the left most hanging cord and half hitch cords 2,3 and 4 onto it. Then, take the right most hanging cord (#8) and turn it to the middle and half hitch cords 7, 6, 5 in descending order on it. Make sure to pull tight and while doing so, making kinda pocket/pouch in the middle.

6. Finally. Take #1 and #8 that you mounted the cords onto and make a half hitch knot with #8 hitching over # 1 and secure with fabric glue or hot glue. Cut the ends to even it out and untwist for a softer vibe.

7. Arrange flowers in the pocket and flowers in the hole spots.

Or find another way for display like putting your flowers in a glass frame:

Or, getting creative with something you have around the house. I decided to take a Cedar disc that a neighbor had given me from his carpentry scraps and make a mini macrame pocket with it. I can change it out, add an airplant or dried flowers. 🌺🌸

Tag me on IG if you come up with a cool way of integrating dried flowers in your crafting this week! Just find me @ellainthemoon. Stay Healthy! 🌙

Want it, Wednesday

It’s Wednesday again! And ohmygoodness, I couldn’t wait to post the latest “I want it now!”.

Truth be told, I usually “want” but my wallet says “nope”. Also, my craft addiction tells me to just make it myself. And usually, I do. Nothing more satisfying than seeing something online, and diy-ing it for yourself or a loved one.

I do have two diy’s I am releasing next week, one macrame, one crochet, but until then and since I’m all about the #sweatergame lately, today is all about the knitwear.

In no particular order…

1. Sofia Teh design, photo: Lucas Dawson Photography

2. Instagram @Ibizabohogirl

3. We Are Knitters Abruzzo Sweater

4. Fiveno.com

5. Free People

I am currently working on a long crochet sweater poncho pattern like the one in #2, so stay tuned!

Thanks for reading, and Happy Making!

–eitm

Simple Woven Macrame Bunting

Hai there and Happy New Year! 🎊🎈🎉 I cant believe it’s almost February and this is my first post of 2020! I had great intentions of getting a bunch of posts done on my vacation time two weeks ago, but then, my son got sick. 😫. When he gets sick, we have to stop everything. It is very dangerous given his health status. So, five grueling days of him having a fever that fluctuated from 101-103 was very nerve-racking and scary.

Anyhow, he has endured so much since he sprung out 3 years ago, and I’m always relieved when we are in the clear for a few weeks. Maybe you can relate? With all that being said, I have been creating.

Last time I posted, I mentioned two new patterns in the works. Well, I’m pleased to show ya a little spin on the most popular blog post here, “Simple Macrame Bunting” with this “Simple Woven Bunting”. Macrame + Weaving.

Pictured are five bunting flags. The first triange flag is woven over, under, over, under using the standard weaving motif. The 2nd and 3rd triangles of the bunting are rya knots, 4th is pom poms on square knots. Lastly, #5 is what I call “the wave” macrame knot technique, which I will cover in February.

The white and gray woven bunting above is a good example of how you can customize buntings. And people love ❤️ them!

To make the special weavable bunting flags above you have to mount your rope via lark’s head knot just like in the previous simple bunting post tutorial. Then, you change it up by doing diagonal double half hitches into a triangle. The photo tutorial, see below:

From having these weavable bunting flags, you can weave through them all in one color or various colors (over, under, over, under) like below:

Or add a reverse rya weaving knot like these shaggy bunting flags: The gray yarn fiber and the off white cotton rope fibers are just rya knotted into the diagonal half hitch in clumps, then cut to a blunt texture.

In color, with chunky yarn, the rya knotting for the bunting looks like this:

Add some pom poms in a triangle to one flag and weave another. You could even add beads to the rope ryas! You are only limited by your imagination!

In the colorful woven bunting below, I was just messing around with colors and different yarn weights, added in a little bit of thick cream roving. The thing that takes the longest is cutting the yarn fibers into 5-7 inch pieces. Roving is quick to weave, just remember to never cut it. It has to be torn apart.

I’d love to see what YOU create! Just tag me on IG or Pinterest.

Happy Making!

eit🌙

PS. Be sure and check the blog on Wednesday for “#WIP it Wednesday” dedicated the the numerous “works in progress” I hope to finish! 🤞🏾

Want it Wednesdays

So, I am really trying to take the bull 🐮 by the horns, so to speak, and post regularly. I have some ideas of things that I would like to highlight or feature.

I looked back through my brainstorm book, and realized I want to do a “Want it Wednesday” weekly post. They say the more you post, the more you exercise that muscle, which begets more posts.

With that being said, let me share somethings that I am green with envy over. Although, I guess I don’t usually get envious, but every once in a while, if something is spectacular…Let’s take a look!

I came across this in my daily addiction of Pinterest scrolling. The work of Ibukun Baldwin. It is everything I love, imaginative, colorful, and fresh. Something you don’t see everyday.

A little bit about the artist. She is a multidisplinary artist and social practictioner, and her website is ibukundesign.com Check out her other works there.

I’m also loving this from Pinterest:

I couldnt find the source to credit it, so if you know, let me know so I can update. But anyhow, I love this and started making one! I only have the front panel of the dress done so far soooo it may not be ready til Spring 2020. No rush.

And since it’s almost Winter here in Kentucky, let me show ya the #sweatergame I’m all 😻 about:

My knitting skills aren’t up to this sweater by Anna and Heidi Pickles in Ravelry, but they will be someday!

I hope you got a glimpse into my personal vibe and enjoyed the artistry of some magical makers.

-EIT🌙

MAKE: Mini Macrame Plant Hanger

Hello There! It’s almost winter! It’s been quite a while since I’ve done a how to, and maybe this isn’t the most seasonal, but the weather is cold, and that means crafting! #favoritewinteractivity

This one is fast and simple! It also is a perfect seasonal gift for just about anyone who likes plants or mini things. And, it’s my most favorited plant hanger in my Etsy shop and most purchased. And….VIDEO!

The best aspect of this mini plant hanger or tchotchkes display is it’s versatility. It can hang on any wall, in any room and truly, you can put anything in it to display or store, with flair. Let’s Make it!

3 Simple Supplies:

Wood ring (I used Boye)
10 cords cut to 18 inches. 1 cord cut to 10 inches. Total 11
Scissors

Knots you will Use with short video hyperlink:

Lark’s head (Mounting Knot) *see step by step below video!
Single Half Hitch —>
Square Knot
Gathering Knot or Wrapped Knot

https://youtu.be/FtaQxn5J7_4

I get my rings from Michael’s because it’s close to my home and coupons! Below is how you can lark’s head mount your 10 cords on your wood ring.

You will need 10 cords, and you will need to fold them in half to mount them, which will give you 20 single working cords. The design is pretty simple. You will take the inner most cords, from left to right counted, they will be # 10, and #11. #10 will cross over #9 first, and # 11 will cross over #12 first to opposite sides. Then, you just countdown on the left from #9 – #1, making half hitch knots. And increasing on the right side from #12 – #20.

For Row 3, you will do the same, except you start from the middle with cords #9 being pulled to the right, to work increasing half hitches from #13-20, +#11. And opposite side, #12 being pulled to the left diagonally, and working down decreasing #8-#1, +#10. See the video tutorial if all of the above sounds confusing. It’s short and to the point.

Row 4: Make in the very middle with 4 cords, a square knot (right or left, doesn’t matter).

Row 5: Make to Square Knots, Side by Side.

Row 6: Make 1 Square Knot with 2 cords from the left square knot from Row 5, and 2 cords from the Right square knot from Row 5 as well.

With the two dangling cords from the far left, start making a spiral knot, you will over, under 5 times total. Do the same with the far right dangling cords, spiral knot, over under 5 times total.

Row 7: Gather the 4 cords to the middle from the spiral knots of Left and Right. Make a square knot in the very middle of your plant hanger.

Row 8: Gather all of your cords in a bundle, and make a gather knot.

Last, snip the ends, or leave them all messy of different lengths for the boho vibe. And add a small piece of rope at the top of the ring to hang it, or just hook your wooden ring to your wall. Add air plant, tiny succulent or bric-a-brac!

Happy Making!