When Witches Go Riding and Black Cats Are Seen: The Halloween Poem That Inspired These Spooky Finds

When witches go riding and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween is a simple short piece of beloved folklore that immediately brings the season to life. A rhyme with author unknown. Often marked simply: Anonymous. It creates an entire scene usually presented in four short lines and conjures up pictures of witches riding on broomsticks, black cats and a personified moon. It’s playful rather than frightening. Child friendly even.

After some research, the mysterious history continues. I do not know who wrote those lines or when they were written or first appeared. That information does not seem to be documented, but nevertheless the poem has taken on a life of its own and I was delighted to find a few interesting items that you can buy today that feature this ever-so-slightly spooky poem. Follow along as I review a few of these bewitching items.

APRON

One of the simplest ways to celebrate Halloween during the month of October is to wear a Halloween-themed apron. I love this embroidered apron by Remi Louise of The Threaded Stitch Co. on Etsy. It features the poem and is available in five colors and seven sizes, including one for children. The design captures an old-fashioned feeling with a bit of whimsy. It’s perfectly seasonal and perfect for Halloween, although one pleased reviewer says she wears hers all year long.

Remi says that this apron is perfect for fall and Halloween baking and cooking, for anyone who loves Halloween poetry, for kitchens with a witch theme, for fall and October décor fans and, of course, as a seasonal gift and most definitely for someone who enjoys celebrating Halloween for the entire month of October. Available on Etsy from The Threaded Stitch Co. by clicking here.

T-SHIRT

Another practical gift that declares your love of Halloween and this poem is this fun t-shirt from Steeped in Puns on Etsy. It is made from quality cotton fabric, making it comfortable and durable. Perfect for all your Halloween celebrations. Like the poem, this t-shirt captures the essence of Halloween and is ideal for someone who loves an old-fashioned Halloween, vintage and spooky graphics and witch-and-black-cat designs. It features vintage-style typography, a witch on her broom, a black cat, a crescent moon and the verse and is available in five colors and sizes from XS to 5XL from Steeped in Puns Shop on Etsy by clicking here.

ARTWORK

Perfect for your Halloween décor, this charming Halloween piece has a wonderfully vintage-inspired feel, featuring the imagery that we associate with the poem. The black border and old-fashioned lettering add to its nostalgic character and the poem gives the piece a whimsical touch. A fun seasonal accent for anyone who loves vintage Halloween imagery, old-fashioned Halloween poetry, or a little spooky charm in their home.

This print, like the other items on this page, appeals to those of us who enjoy old-fashioned Halloween décor. It has a nostalgic, storybook quality, which would be lovely in a Halloween decoration collection or a witch-themed room. It is a piece of vintage-style artwork that includes the images associated with the season but a bit more nostalgic and sophisticated than some pieces, making this one an unusual choice. Click here to buy this framed Halloween picture from the Handmade Haven Sign Co. on Etsy.

DIE-CUT WITCH

This vintage Hallmark Halloween die-cut wall decoration features a whimsical witch riding on her broomstick with her black cat. Her outfit and grin give her a cheerful demeanor. She is a fun piece of nostalgia, possibly from the 1980s, for your Halloween collection and for people who collect vintage Hallmark, die-cut Halloween decorations, witches and other Halloween ephemera.

She doesn’t feature the poem but I think she is a fun addition to this page. There aren’t many vintage items with the poem and this is a piece that has the feel of the poem. After all, witches, broomsticks and black cats are what you think of when you think of this classic Halloween verse. She’s just one of many die-cut options. Click here to discover a whole coven of witches on broomsticks and black cats on eBay. To find this exact image, you will have to add Hallmark to the search.

THE MAGIC IS JUST BEGINNING

I hope I’ve inspired you to add one of these items - the apron, the t-shirt, the artwork or a die-cut witch - to your Halloween collection. If you happen to know more about who wrote this poem or when it first appeared, be sure to let us know in the comments.

Happy Halloween!

Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE HALLOWEEN READING:

Pumpkin Themed Halloween Gifts for You and Your Children

Hocus Pocus Halloween T-Shirt

Not To Scary Movies for Tweens

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Halloween-Themed Lego Gift Ideas and Decor

A GIFT GUIDE FULL OF FUN 'N FABULOUS LEGO ITEMS FOR HALLOWEEN

My family loved and still love both Lego and Halloween. I am not sure if it was so easy to combine both of those themes when my boys were growing up but it definitely is now. Items from these two themes are great treats for Halloween. They are appropriate for those who are old enough for Lego and for those of us who are young at heart. I have found nine fun-tastic items and they are all available through the links right here on this page.  Come with me then as we review some fantastic Lego-themed Halloween items perfect for your gift giving or home décor. 

1. CAT AND MOUSE SET

If you’d like to have an actual set of Lego for Halloween, here is one to consider. The Cat and Mouse set, set number 40570, has 328 pieces and is recommended for individuals aged 9 and up. After you build it, you will have a nice little display piece for your home’s holiday décor. You can find Lego’s Halloween Cat and Mouse set here on eBay.

2. OWL SET

Another fun Halloween set is this owl set, number 40497, which includes 228 pieces and is recommended for individuals 8 and up. This guy will be over 4 ½ inches tall when you have finished building him and will be another fun addition to your Halloween décor. You will find Lego’s Halloween Owl set here on eBay.

3. PUMPKIN, SKELETON OR ZOMBIE STORAGE CONTAINER

I love these containers, which are meant for storage whether that be of Lego, of Halloween candy or of something else. They look like classic Lego mini-figure heads but are bigger. Take your pick of a pumpkin, skeleton or zombie head! Watch for them in two sizes. You can find your Lego Halloween storage containers here on Etsy. Buy more than one and you can even stack them.

4. UNISEX T-SHIRT

Boo! Fans of both the holiday and the toy will love this t-shirt with it is image of Lego mini-figure skeletons and the words Brick or Treat! Your builder will have fun wearing this shirt from The Bearded Brick. Available in sizes from small to 3XL and in a host of colors, you can find this Halloween Lego tee right here on Etsy. 

5. PUMPKIN COACH OR HORSE AND CARRIAGE INSTRUCTIONS

For someone who has plenty of Lego pieces but is looking for a creative way to come up with a Halloween-themed decoration, I found these Halloween-themed patterns. The first is an elaborate pumpkin coach or horse drawn carriage. It reminds me somehow of Cinderella’s carriage but is definitely meant for Halloween. The second pattern is a skeleton-themed truck carrying a large jack-o-lantern. It is ready to haul that jack-o-lantern wherever it is needed. Bricks Boys Studio on Etsy has the instructions for downloading of both pieces so once you buy them you can download the pattern(s) and start building. Find your Halloween pumpkin coach or skeleton truck Lego instructions here on Etsy.

6. TRICK OR TREAT SET WITH STORAGE BIN

I love this vintage Lego Trick or Treat themed set from 1998. Marked set number 3047, it contained 250 pieces and introduced some new orange bricks. The Halloween-themed storage bin or bucket is fabulous, too. You can still find this retired Halloween-themed Lego set by clicking here, to eBay. You will also find a selection of already built pieces and seasonal mini-figures.

7. DISNEY’S JACK SKELLINGTON MINI-FIGURE

If you love Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas movie franchise, you will love this Jack Skellington mini-figure. It is from the Disney Series 2 Collectible Mini-Figure pouches, set number 71024. Each set contained one Disney minifigure. Whether you were collecting all of the pieces from that series or you just love this character in particular, you will find the Jack Skellington mini-figure here on eBay.

8. PUMPKIN CARVING PARTY INVITATION

This card makes me wish I was having a pumpkin carving party. It’s a personalized digital download and, as such, is animated. It reveals three costumed characters carving their jack-o-lanterns. You add your party details including the date, time, location, R.S.V.P. and any extra details you want (within a st number of characters). Create your Halloween party invitations here on Etsy and note that Etsy seller Brick Greetings has two other types of Halloween party cards available.

9. AUTUMN SCARECROW PUMPKIN PATCH BOX

I will close with this phenomenal custom-built autumn-themed trinket box. Handcrafted from genuine Lego parts by Etsy seller LeGoBox, it features a lid that comes off to remove a small storage area. On top of this one you find a scene straight from the pumpkin patch! Find more custom-built Lego boxes for Halloween and other seasons by Liz here on Etsy. 

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There you have it, a page full of interesting Halloween Lego items. Which ones were your favorites? Don’t forget that simply adding accessories like napkins, plates, candles and mugs in a related color like orange will help create your Halloween mood.

Looking for more Halloween ideas? Check out Etsy’s Halloween shop, packed with “spooky-season picks at scary good prices” by clicking right here. 

See you
at the Lego store!
Brenda

MORE HALLOWEEN & LEGO READING:

Not Too Scary Halloween Movies for Tweens

Haunt Your House with Lego's Haunted Mansion Set

Halloween Snow Globe Jigsaw Puzzle

DISCLOSURE: 

Image at the top of the page was made with Chat GPT.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Gift Ideas for People Who Crochet

People who learn to crochet often get hooked (pun intended) and always desire more yarn,
more supplies, and more time to crochet. We joke about our excessive hoards of yarn but would go shopping for more in the blink of an eye. My dream is to someday go on a Crochet cruise vacation (yes, those existed prior to social distancing limits) and if anyone would like to gift me a crochet cruise I'd happily accept. However, there are many great ideas for crochet gifts with smaller price tags. 

Crochet Gifts

There are so many gifts that can be given to someone who crochets. From Tshirts and mugs with messages that make yarn lovers smile to items that make the process of crocheting easier there is something for every crocheter. I've compiled a few samples in this review. 

Crochet sets. There are sets that include a little bit of everything. This set by BeCraftee is a good example: case, stitch markers, yarn needles, a set of hooks, and more. This is a great option and would be an appreciated gift. 

Crochet Set by BeCraftee

Yarn Bowls. What are yarn bowls?  They are wonderful "bowls" (usually made of wood or ceramic) that hold the balls of yarn that is currently being used. Why is this important? Because nothing is more irritating than knots in your yarn while you are crocheting or the balls of yarn rolling off the table or your lap while you are working. A yarn bowl holds the ball of yarn in one place while allowing it to spin freely while crocheting. A very functional item that is also a pretty gift.

Yarn Bowl by Athena's Elements

Round Knitting Looms.  Round looms aren't quite knitting or crocheting. With a bit of yarn, a hook, and a round loop almost anyone can make cute hats! I love my round knitting looms and use them when I want to add a bit of variety to my crafts or take a break from a large crochet item. I love my round looms so much that I wrote a separate review and you can see that here.

Round Loom Knitting Set

T-Shirts. This is a T-shirt that people who crochet will understand. There are others to chose from, with a variety of yarn and crochet messages. Some messages are funny, some a bit naughty, but this one fits me (and many people who crochet) perfectly!

T-shirts for Crocheters

Coffee Mugs. There are some really funny, and some really bawdy, coffee mugs with messages that suit crocheters perfectly - including a coffee mug that matches the T-shirt listed above. The message on this mug made me laugh and sums up 2020 perfectly.

Crochet Coffee Mug

Crochet Books

There are many books about crochet; stitch and pattern books galore! One of the best crochet books ever isn't about the stitches or patterns, it is about a young crochet phenom named Jonah Larson. You may have seen him on social media or talk shows with celebrities. I had. Even so, I didn't fully know his story. This book about this young man is a wonderful story and would make a wonderful gift. You can read my full review here. 

Hello Crochet Friends by Jonah Larson

This list is a small sample of the many pattern and crochet stitches books:

A to Z of Crochet: The Ultimate Guide for the Beginner to the Advanced Crocheter

Cats in Hats: 30 Knit and Crochet Hat Patterns for Your Kitty

Gift Cards !!!!

Does my list of options make your head spin? Are there too many options? If so, you can never go wrong with gift cards. Amazon offers many crochet and crafting items. Joann Fabrics and Michaels are two of my favorite crafting stores. All of these cards are available through Amazon - which is an convenient way to give long-distance gifts. I especially like (giving and receiving the Amazon gift cards in the holiday tins. Others prefer the digital/emailed gift cards.

Gift Cards

Crochet Stocking Stuffers

Like many people who crochet, I feel that I could always use more hooks, stitch markers, measuring tapes, round counters, and other small items. These items make excellent stocking stuffers.

Dedicated Scissors or Yarn Cutter. There is nothing more annoying than crocheting and having to get up to look for scissors. I eventually bought a pair of dedicated scissors that are supposed to be used for crochet only. However, they still sometimes wander off. Also, I have found that pointed scissors in my project bag sometimes snag the yarn. So, my crochet scissors are currently blunted tipped scissors (like child's school scissors). I would very much like some of the ornamental "embroidery" scissors or this yarn cutter pendant by clover! Such a great idea. And ends the frustration of not being able to cut yarn when I need to.

Yarn Cutter by Clover

Locking Stitch Markers. Stitch markers are such a little thing but such a huge help. They are small, plastic pieces that work very much like a safety pin. But because they are plastic they do not snag your yarn. I never knew how much I needed stitch markers until I bough some. Now I can't do without them. I like them so much that I wrote a review that you can read here. 

Locking Stitch Markers

Counters. Another little gadget that helps keep track of rows or rounds, that I'm not sure how I managed without for all of those decades of crochet, is a counter. No more misplaced slips of paper trying to track what row or round I'm on in the pattern. Such a helpful tool to have.

Click Counter

 

Vacations for People Who Love Yarn

Cruises: Prior to 2020 and related pandemic restrictions, I was trying to determine how I could go on a crochet cruise. Mikey from the Crochet Crowd provides some of my favorite online video crochet tutorials. I was THRILLED when they began offering crochet cruises. Currently, of course, cruises are not being offered. But I am including this link for future reference. 

Fiber Festivals: An internet search for "Fiber Festivals" provides a list of festivals where yarns and crafting supplies are the focus. During normal times (when travel and gatherings are not restricted), you could plan a day trip to a local festival or a full vacation that includes a festival in the area you are visiting. 

Farm/Ranch/Fiber Mill Tours: Many people who love yarn crafts also want to know more about the fiber animals, spinning, dyeing: all of the steps in the process of creating natural yarns. Again, an internet search can locate Farms, Ranches, and Mills that are open for tours and sales of the fiber. In just a few moments, I located Mountain Meadow Mill (sheep/wool in Wyoming) and Mountain Hollow Farm Store and Studio (cashmere goats/yarn, classes, and more in Tennessee)

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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