Secret Yarnery Vlog – Episode 3

Welcome to another episode of The Secret Yarnery Crochet Podcast! Today, it’s all about catching up, talking crochet projects, some fun family updates, and exciting things happening behind the scenes. If you’re new here, welcome! If you’re a return viewer, thank you for sticking around. I’m Christa, your yarn-loving host, calling Nairobi, Kenya my home. And if you’re like me, you’re probably neck-deep in yarn and loving every minute of it!

Watch the full episode below:

 

Let’s dive into the latest crochet adventures, personal stories, and a few surprises!

Life Updates and the Nairobi Yarn Scene

Firstly, thanks to everyone who continues to watch and support the channel—it means a lot! I’ve met some incredible people through this platform, and it’s always amazing to hear your comments and messages.

I’ve been living in Nairobi for a while now, and when I first arrived, the yarn selection was… let’s just say, sparse. Things are much better now, though—a dream for any crochet lover! Kenya’s vibrant culture and community just add to the wholesome vibe of crafting here.

On the family front, we recently had a Minions-style birthday party, complete with a bouncy castle, punching bags, and delicious cupcakes from The Wicked Whisk in Nairobi. The kids had a blast, and so did we!

Too Many WIPs, or… Not Enough?

Last time, I mentioned trying to calm down on starting too many new projects. Well, that didn’t go as planned at all! Less than 24 hours later, I was invited to rent a tent space at a big craft fair here in Nairobi, happening on November 11th and 12th.

I said yes in a heartbeat! While waiting for confirmation (customer service here is an adventure), I decided to jump headfirst into training unemployed single mothers to crochet. It’s a win-win—I’ll give them yarn, hooks, and patterns while offering immediate pay for the beautiful creations they make. Once the pieces are complete, I’ll sell them and hopefully recover enough to reinvest in more projects.

Crochet Ornaments: A House-Friendly Idea

One of my new favorite projects is crochet holiday ornaments, but with a twist—they double as soft indoor throwables! I learned how to make these from a YouTube tutorial, and I love that they are fully crochet—no need for any glass or plastic balls inside. Perfect weight, squishy, and just right for a cozy and kid-friendly home. Even my husband, who’s a cricket player and used to much harder balls, finds them a fun (and safer) alternative when it comes to indoor play.

The variations are fun too! Glitter yarn adds an extra sparkle, and I’m also experimenting with t-shirt yarn for larger, toddler-friendly versions. These make adorable decorations, and the kids love them.

Feel like adding some cute and squishy decorations to your space? Why not try similar ornaments for your holiday decor!

Stool Crochet Tops, Bags, and More

A big priority now is crafting items to actually sell at the fair. I’m focusing on crochet stool covers, as I’ve managed to pick up a handful of stools from local markets. These are perfect to showcase during the event, and I plan to make holiday-themed tops for an extra festive touch.

Speaking of bags, I’ve also started work on granny square project bags. I’m a little behind on the squares, but I love the design I’ve chosen. The handle will have a comfortable padded section, perfect for all-day wear, and I’m considering collaborating with a local leather workshop to make it even more professional.

If you want to try something similar, check out our collection of crochet patterns for inspiration!

Market Bags: A Crowd Favorite

Market bags are another project on my list, and they couldn’t come at a better time. Here, reusable shopping bags are a must, given the local regulations against plastic. I’m thinking of crafting a bunch of lightweight, functional, and foldable ones for the fair. Perfect for those busy market days!

Granny square bags are also a potential addition to the product lineup. You can find some great ideas in our written crochet patterns, which may help you if you’re thinking about crochet bags that appeal to a wide audience.

Cat Toys and Other Fun Ideas

One fan brought up making cat toys! Although I don’t have cats myself (too many dogs in my house!), it got me thinking. I’ll be putting together some crochet cat toy ideas, like those squishy ornaments, maybe with some catnip inside. I’m also thinking about doing some with little tentacles, like squids, for cats to bat at. Have any ideas for cat toys? I’d love to hear them!

The Temperature Blanket Saga

Time for some honesty—I’m waaaay behind on my temperature blanket. While I started strong, life got busy, and now I’m months behind. I have guilt about it but convincing myself to get back on track! One of my friends just called her blanket done at six months, which… let’s be real, is tempting.

For now, the half-year blanket is growing, and I’ll (hopefully) get caught up soon. Temperature blankets are all about patience after all. Want to see how this crochet journey unfolds? You’ll enjoy our deep dive in this episode on crochet adventures.

Pillows, Planners, and Other Finishing Touches

Another recent project is the tulip stitch pillow. The colors pop on camera, and the stitch pattern is lovely for beginners and advanced crocheters alike. There’s even a full tutorial on how to do the stitch, straight edges, scalloped borders, and everything else that makes the project a hit.

I’m also creating pillow covers that can serve double duty—adding a cozy feel to your fair tent decor and being a sellable product themselves.

If you’d like to experiment with patterns like this, you might want to explore the variety of written patterns we offer on The Secret Yarnery website. There’s always something fun to try and add your personal touch!

Conclusion: Craft Fair Countdown Is On!

It’s safe to say, things are getting exciting here at The Secret Yarnery. With a craft fair coming up, it’s crunch time for creating sale-worthy crochet items. Whether it’s teaching single mothers new skills or experimenting with holiday ornaments, there’s so much happening at once, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Have experience setting up at craft fairs or decorating cute tents? Would love to hear your advice! Leave any tips or product suggestions in the comments below—I’m always open to your ideas.

For now, I’m off to tackle more WIPs, and as always… Stay Hooked!

For more episodes, make sure to check out August’s Crochet Podcast Episode.

Missed the last one?  It’s HERE.