Finished Projects, Upcoming Ideas & Yarn Haul Fun!

Today’s episode is packed with updates on my latest crochet projects, future ideas, some fun yarn acquisitions, and of course, a bit of general rambling! Sometimes it’s just nice to sit back and chat about what I’ve been working on, what I’m planning, and what yarn goodness sneaks into my life! Let’s dive right in.

Finished Objects: The Famous Granny Square Bag

If you’ve seen my recent bag tutorial, you’ve probably spotted this one already. It’s big, comfy, and made from granny squares that measure 14 inches! I went all-in with the design, using some fabulous eyelash chenille yarn and adding sturdy cord-filled handles that won’t stretch. I’ve received a couple of compliments from strangers while shopping—always a big win, right? Even my husband, who usually doesn’t say much about my crochet, gave it a nod of approval (which trust me, means a lot)! The bag has become a quick favorite. It’s soft, practical, and just plain fun.

I’m already thinking about making a new version of the bag with two big squares but adding a rectangular granny square strip around it. I think it would make it even more fun and functional.

You can check out the granny square bag tutorial here if you’re interested in making your own!

Elf Hats – A Middle-of-the-Night Crochet Adventure

One of my middle-of-the-night crochet projects happened to be elf hats! I wanted to avoid the traditional Santa hat route and try something more fun and colorful instead. So, I Googled elf hats and landed on a tutorial by Bob Wilson, 123. I did make a few tweaks because I wanted the hats to be a little chunkier around the edges and tailored to my style.

The first version was a half-double crochet (HDC) hat with front-post/back-post ribbing at the edge. I even had to reduce the size to fit my (apparently) small head! For the second hat, I went with double crochet (because it’s faster—who doesn’t love that?) and worked in a spiral without joining rows, increasing every fourth row. The results? Perfect. Both are super fun, and now my son has even requested one in black, red, and blue!

Tissue Box Covers: Practical and Cute

Who knew a quick trip to the grocery store could turn into inspiration for a project? I found some square tissue boxes, which are not always available where I live. I quickly whipped up a cover using granny square shells. I played around with different sizes of the center ring until I found the perfect fit—14 chains for the win!

I joined the squares as I went along, and while I’m happy with how it turned out, I think I might sew the squares together for future covers to keep things neat and sturdy. It was such a fun, practical project that I think I’ll keep making more!

Tea Cozies, Pom-Poms, and More!

When a new project idea hits, it hits hard! After finishing my tissue box cover, I couldn’t resist the idea of making tea cozies. I used worsted weight chenille yarn along with popcorn stitches to make a flower for the top. It’s so cute, and I might train some of the ladies in my workshop to make these.

Speaking of workshops, I’ve been prepping some projects for the ladies I’ll be teaching. I’m thinking simple, sturdy projects like hats and slippers (no frills here) that they can really perfect. If all goes well, I’ll be able to sell their makes and support the cost of yarn.

Yarn Haul: Bamboo and Cottons Galore!

I also received a yarn delivery from Turkey that included both bamboo and cotton blends. Let me tell you—bamboo is SO soft, and I can’t wait to dive into it. I got silver and ivory bamboo, both perfect for lighter, delicate projects. I also grabbed several colors of cotton-bamboo blend yarns, gorgeous for tunics and wearables.

I also picked up some metallic yarns in copper, gold, and silver for Christmas decorations. These add the perfect amount of sparkle to any project.

For those curious about yarn hauls, I always love sharing what’s new! You can read more about different yarns I’ve been working with in this recent blog post where I dive deeper into some of my favorite yarns and projects.

Plans and Upcoming Projects

Now that I’ve shared all the projects I completed yesterday (yes, I really did all that in one day!), I’m ready for more. The ladies in my workshop will be diving into hats, squares, and pom-poms later this week. I’m also working on new tutorials, including basic stitches like chains, half-double, and double crochets—the essentials if you’re just starting out.

Make sure to check out my easy crochet tutorials if you’re itching to learn or improve your crochet skills!

In Conclusion

It was great to share all my recent projects and plans in this episode. From crocheting crazy elf hats in the middle of the night to finishing up tissue box covers and tea cozies, it’s been a whirlwind week! I’m excited for more yarn deliveries and to continue training the ladies at my workshop.

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Finally, don’t forget to check out my latest podcast episode #162. There’s always something new and fun happening, and I love hearing your feedback in the comments!

Thanks for reading, and happy hooking!

Missed the last episode?  It’s HERE!