Podcast 8

Crochet Podcast 8 – Yarn on the Arm Bag & Water Bottle Slings

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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.

Podcast 6

Crochet Podcast 6 – Mandala Stools, Cat Toys & More Fun Projects

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Crochet Vlog Episode 6: Mandala Stools & Crochet Cat Toys

Welcome back to Episode 6 of The Secret Yarnery Vlog! It’s another day here with the sheep grazing on my back field, kids off to school, and my husband heading to work. Today, I’m feeling extra productive because I’ve got a bunch of exciting finished crochet projects to share before I run off to deliver them!

Here’s a quick peek into what’s been happening around here—crochet cat toys, mandala stools, and even some yarny adventures to Uganda. Let’s get right into it.

Check out the full video here:

 

Crochet Cat Toys for All

Let’s start with the cutest project from this week—crochet cat toys. My kids had a blast with these quirky little toys, which double as helicopter spinners. It’s always fun when a project can serve multiple purposes, right?

What the Cat Toys Look Like

I experimented with wooden spoons as the base, drilling two holes in them to act like buttons, and then crocheting around. These toys have little “springy” bits attached and are perfect playthings for both kids and cats. And, yes, I momentarily thought about adding eyes to them, but decided to simmer down after realizing they’re already cute and functional as they are. Minimalist wins yet again.

I also whipped up some mini crochet balls—some of which took around 45 minutes to make. They’re solid, durable, and make for fierce kitty fun. But I’m leaning towards faster options for toy-making since time is precious. Making one ball for a cat toy for over an hour? Not me, not again!

Mandala Stools, and More

I also finished some beautiful Mandala Stools. I made six in total, though I’ve only completed the edge on four (I’ll still be taking them in for delivery). The colors turned out great, all using the same yarn but switching up the placements for a gorgeous variation between each stool. It’s a simple pattern, but it brings the colors to life.

Also hitting the delivery pile today are DIY slipper kits. These two-hour slipper kits include everything a crochet beginner might need: yarn, a hook, and instructions on how to hold the yarn and hooks. I’m even walking through the basic stitches step by step in the pattern. Who doesn’t love quick slippers?

Of course, I’m also packaging up my first-ever yarn delivery to Uganda. No small feat, but I’ve got it all wrapped up and ready to go (even if it feels weird not to seal it completely for customs).

My Design Process

For the next set of toys, I streamlined the design and reduced the complexity. Instead of the intricate accordion-style toys I tried earlier, I switched to simpler three-round crochet circles, single crocheted together, with little bits like tassels or chains extending out. Plus, they bounce! They were kid-tested (and spoiler: kid approved).

I’ve got four of these cute toys ready to go today, and I’m excited to see how they turn out with the kitties they’re intended for. If you’re thinking of creating your own crochet cat toys, remember that sometimes simplicity rules the day!

Mandala Stool Project

I’m equally thrilled about this one! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—mandalas make everything better. I finished six mandala covers for my stools. These stools have a larger base, and the mandalas worked out beautifully on them. The colors are bright, vibrant, and, honestly, to die for.

The Design and Colors

I used alternating yarn colors—starting with one in the center and building the pattern up. Even though the colors are different, all the covers follow the same pattern, giving each stool a unique look while maintaining a cohesive vibe. And let me tell you—those bursts of colors are bringing so much joy into my space.

I haven’t finished the borders on two of the mandalas yet, but that’s coming up soon. Still, I’ve got four of them heading out for delivery today!

If you love playing with mandala designs as much as I do, check out the Christmas Mandala Crochet Placemat. It’s one of my favorites, and you’ll get tons of ideas to start on your crochet journey.

Slipper Kits and Yarn Deliveries

Also on the agenda today are slipper kits! These little kits include everything you need to whip up a pair of cozy slippers—yarn, a hook, and a pattern. If you know someone who’s just starting out, this kit breaks down all the basics, from holding the hook to making your stitches. I’ve got six kits going out the door this afternoon, bundled and sealed up for my customers.

Yarn Delivery to Uganda

Another exciting part of my day is my first yarn delivery to Uganda. It’s all packed and ready, though I can’t seal it just yet. Border control’s got to inspect everything, so I’ll leave it open. But it feels good sending a little yarn joy across the border. I’ll keep you updated on how that turns out!

Upcoming Crochet Plans

Now that I’ve wrapped up some deliveries, I’m debating what’s next with my crochet ladies. I was thinking of switching them over to making granny square triangles. Changing up the design from the usual squares means more versatility, especially if the squares seem too loose. Plus, granny triangles make excellent bunting decorations. I even considered adding little bauble stitches at the bottom—though not pom-poms, maybe a popcorn stitch for a bit of fun.

Speaking of more fun… I still haven’t made lanyards for the ID cards I wanted to, but when you’re up till midnight making cat toys, priorities can shift, right?

Tim Tam Challenge at Crochet Class

Let’s talk about Monday’s crochet class humor. One of my lovely ladies just got back from Australia and brought Tim Tams! Ever tried them? They’re Australian biscuits filled with icing, and there’s this bizarre (but fun) “Tim Tam” challenge where you bite off opposite corners of the biscuit and use it like a straw to drink your hot chocolate or tea. We had a go at it during class, and, let’s just say, it was hilarious and delicious.

These moments make crochet classes even more enjoyable. Who knew crochet classes would lead to such chocolatey adventures?

Wrapping it Up

That’s all for this week’s update! From crocheting cat toys to experimenting with granny triangles, there’s always something fun going on around here. And I can’t wait to share more adventures with you—especially when I start devouring Shark Tank on my new Galaxy Tab while working on more crochet projects.

Thanks for tuning in, and if you have any questions or you’d love to know more about life here in Kenya, ask away in the comments below. Also, I’d love to hear what’s on your hook right now!

Don’t forget to check out my mandala creations here for even more inspiration on your next project. Until next time, stay hooked!

Podcast 5

Crochet Podcast 5 – Explore Granny Squares, DIY Ideas & More

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Granny Squares and More!

Welcome to another episode of The Secret Yarnery Crochet Blog! Today, I’m sharing a quick update on what’s been happening, and oh boy, do I have a lot to share! From hanging out with some wonderful ladies to ending up with 62 crazy-colored granny squares, it’s been an exciting week. Let’s jump right in!

 

Meeting with the Ladies and the Granny Square Craze

Yesterday, I had the best time meeting a group of ladies, and while I planned for around 10 women, 18 actually showed up! We gathered under the beautiful trees—it’s such a serene spot. The location is one of those places where you feel like you’ve entered a giant green oasis. Fun fact: this area reportedly has over 1,000 species of trees. So, imagine us crocheting, surrounded by nature.

I brought yarn parcels for everyone to make granny squares. But let me tell you, things didn’t always go smoothly—especially with language barriers and some rather interesting crochet techniques. Some of these ladies can join yarn with almost zero tail—amazing, but definitely not ideal for our granny squares. Still, we had a blast, and by the end of the day, I had collected 62 weirdly-colored, mismatched granny squares! Now, what to do with them?

If you have any ideas of what I can do with these crazy squares, share your thoughts in the comments! One idea I had was to stitch them all together using white yarn, hoping it would tone down the wild variety. But I’m open to any suggestions. If you’re curious yourself, you can check out some granny square patterns here.

How We Made the Squares

To ensure everyone could follow along, I made a simple granny square sample, focusing on four rounds. We also practiced weaving in the tail after each row to ensure it stays put, even after a hundred washes! Not every square was perfect (some were definitely more interesting than others), but perseverance was the key.

As we moved forward, I encouraged the group to leave longer tails so we could easily stitch the pieces together later. The highlight of the session was when I gave everyone scrap yarn to share and work with different colors—except I didn’t quite realize I’d end up with 62 multicolored, crazy squares by the end of the day! You can find inspiration from the Secret Yarnery with unique block patterns here.

Unexpected Fun with Swahili and Crocheting Techniques

The language barrier made things even more interesting since some of the ladies didn’t speak English. As for me, my Swahili is not great, but we made it work! We had some good laughs, especially when I was trying to count in Swahili while demonstrating certain stitches.

One of the funnier surprises was discovering these new techniques some of the ladies used. While they didn’t quite work for making standard granny squares, their yarn-saving skills were mind-boggling! I mean, how do you crochet with a yarn tail that’s less than a centimeter long? Hats off to them for sheer efficiency.

What’s Next with the Squares?

Now that I’ve got these 62 mismatched granny squares, I’m planning to sew them together into something. Some ideas include making a colorful pillow with an interesting folded pattern design or perhaps even turning them into a cozy dog bed.

What would you do with a bunch of slightly off, multicolored granny squares? Let’s not overlook the magic of granny squares—they’re the backbone of so many creative crochet projects, after all. If you’d like to follow more granny square-related tips or ideas, check out our feature on Blocks.

The Tissue Paper Holder Project

On a slightly different note, I recently made some tissue paper holders that look like little Kenyan-style houses. Yep, you heard me right! The idea hit me when I noticed my kids’ classrooms were missing tissues, and I figured, why not offer a fun solution? These are seriously cute and keep messy hands clean at school! I even made a few extra for the other classes.

I used basic crochet techniques, starting with a few rounds of double crochet, then shaping the project to fit a roll of tissue. Bonus: it pulls from the center, just like those Clorox wipes! Pretty neat, right?

Side Projects and Teacher’s Tools

In addition to my usual yarn projects, I’ve been busy creating small gifts for the school using leftover yarn. One of my helpers is crocheting these adorable Christmas balls, which we’re planning to make into fidget toys for the kids. This idea came from one of the teachers who thought the quiet, soft balls would be perfect to keep little hands busy without making noise.

We also brainstormed another fun idea: transforming these balls into a mini bowling set! Picture plastic water bottles as the pins, bright yarn balls as the bowling ball, and voilà—a cute, DIY kids’ game!

What About the Hug Shrug?

Before I forget, I’ve been itching to start a new tutorial for a hug shrug. It’s such a cozy project, and I can’t wait to get started. Let’s hope the batteries on my camera hold up long enough so I can squeeze in some recording before the kids get home. Stay tuned for that, and keep those hooks moving! You can explore more crochet podcast topics like this one in previous episodes, such as Episode 162.

Conclusion: Let’s Keep Crocheting!

So, that’s been my week—from meeting up with crochet-loving ladies and amassing a colorful pile of granny squares, to coming up with fun projects for the kiddos at school. If you’ve got any fun ideas for those quirky granny squares, toss them my way! Until next time, stay hooked!

Make sure to check out more crochet ideas and podcasts at The Secret Yarnery, and don’t forget to subscribe for more creative yarn adventures!

Stay cozy and keep crocheting!

Missed the last episode?  It’s HERE.