Yarn on the Arm Bag & Water Bottle Slings – Episode 8

Hey everyone! Welcome to Episode 8 of The Secret Yarnery Crochet Blog. I’m Christa, and today we have a fun mix of finished projects, new ideas, and exciting tools. If you’re a fan of crochet, this is going to be a cozy read!

Check out the video version of this post here:

Let’s jump into all things crochet!

Finished Objects & Works in Progress

We’ve all been there — staring at unfinished projects (or WIPs) and feeling some stress about getting them done. Fortunately, one of my wonderful students shared some wisdom: Don’t stress about your WIPs; they keep you going! This has been a game-changer for me. Suddenly, I feel free to work on projects when they inspire me, not out of obligation.

One of my favorite projects at the moment is something I’m calling a Starstruck Wrap (name might change as I’m still thinking of a better one). The beauty of this wrap is that it’s just a rectangle of double crochets. There are no fancy stitches needed if you have a lovely, textured yarn.

It’s made with eight 50g balls of fun eyelash yarn, which adds a lot of drama without extra effort. You start by chaining from your wrist to wrist, leaving a little extra room for the natural stretch of crochet. After crocheting back and forth until it’s about 20 inches long, you’ve got yourself a cute and fast wrap that’s perfect for transitioning from summer to fall.

Looking for some inspiration from previous projects? Check out this crochet podcast where I discuss other finished objects like the Luscious Lettuce Berry Shawl!

New Crochet Tools & Acquisitions

Let’s talk about my latest acquisition — needles! Yes, I finally got my hands on Knitters Pride Wool Needles from Amazon. These aluminum needles come with a nylon loop at the end, making it super easy to thread your yarn through, even with chunky or thick yarns.

That said, I’m pretty lazy about changing from my usual Susan Bates plastic needles (which I love). They are super convenient when working with short yarn tails. They might wear out over time and snag a little, but they’re my trusty go-tos.

For those who enjoy shopping for tools and accessories, this section on The Secret Yarnery is worth perusing. You’ll find similar tools and more!

Crochet Bags: Yarn on the Arm Bag

Here’s the exciting part — Yarn on the Arm Bag! This little gem came about while I was brainstorming efficient ways to crochet without constantly pausing. Imagine this: a cozy little bag sitting under your arm with a ball of yarn inside. You’d pull your yarn smoothly while you crochet — how handy is that?

I experimented with different yarns and sizes. For summer, I decided to go with a cotton yarn for the upper part of the bag and acrylic for the bottom. You don’t want to be sweating under a thick cuff of yarn when it’s hot, right? The final result is lightweight, soft, and super practical. You can even leave the house without putting down your project!

Want to explore more crochet bag ideas? Check out granny square bags for some cute inspiration that ties in with your current projects.

Water Bottle Sling Pattern: A Craft Fair Hit!

Since I was on a roll creating bags, I figured — why stop there? Next on my hook was a Water Bottle Sling. This project was sparked by a suggestion from someone in the community, and wow, it’s already a hit!

It’s the same idea as the Yarn on the Arm Bag but tweaked for a water bottle. It’s worked in cotton since it stretches just enough for a comfortable fit. My son even took one to school!

This has inspired me to create a whole range of slings that make great gifts or items to sell at craft fairs.

If you’re looking for a pattern to start with, feel free to browse some easy crochet patterns that suit all levels of crochet enthusiasts.

My New Favorite Crochet Book

I am absolutely obsessed with Fabulous Top-Down Crochet Sweaters. It’s like the sweater Bible!

The book explains how to start at the yoke and work your way down, which is amazing because you truly understand the construction of the sweater before diving into the pattern. No more guessing why you’re increasing or decreasing — this book walks you through it all, step by step.

One of the best features is that it teaches you how to adapt any pullover pattern into a cardigan and covers several necklines like the boat neck, v-neck, and round neck. Honestly, if you love making wearable items, this is a must-have.

Craft Fair Plans & Sneak Peek into Upcoming Workshops

Speaking of craft fairs, I’m prepping for one in late October. I’ll be taking all the cute little Yarn on the Arm Bags and Water Bottle Slings for display. I’ll also be featuring some bunting that my class has been working on.

If you want to crochet along, I’m planning a Water Bottle Holder Tutorial and a full Yarn on the Arm Bag tutorial soon—perfect quick projects. You can find more details in future updates, so make sure to subscribe or visit the website often!

When it comes to learning new crochet techniques, understanding the best approach can truly level up your crochet game. If you’re eager to master some, check out our joining techniques guide for boosting your skills.

Conclusion

That’s a wrap for this episode! Whether you’re interested in bags, water bottle slings, or mastering top-down crochet sweaters, there’s plenty on the horizon at The Secret Yarnery. I’m so excited to continue sharing and creating with you.

What’s on your hook right now? Have your eye on a new project or tool? Let’s chat in the comments — I’d love to know what everyone’s working on!

Stay hooked, folks! And don’t forget to visit our blog often for more inspiration and ideas.