Crochet Podcast 1.7 - Thanksgiving Inspiration & Updates!
Hello, my lovely yarn lovers! Happy Thanksgiving (or Thanksgiving weekend) to everyone celebrating! Whether you're surrounded by friends, family, or even a room full of yarn skeins, today’s all about gratitude. Here at The Secret Yarnery, I'm so thankful for this amazing crochet community. You inspire me daily with your creativity and make every video, blog, and pattern worthwhile.
To keep things cozy and festive, I’ve got quite the Crochet Digest for you today! Buckle up for Thanksgiving tales, crafty updates, and of course, plenty of yarn talk. Make yourself a cup of tea (or grab that pumpkin spice latte), and let's dive in.
Why Thanksgiving Came Late This Year
For my family, Thanksgiving looked a little different this year. Between catching a stomach bug and needing some extra recovery time, our turkey feast got postponed. The stomach bug wasn’t terrible, but for someone like me with no large intestine (I had a colectomy 15 years ago due to a genetic risk of colon cancer), any stomach bug can pack a serious punch.
But hey, life happens, right? We swapped Thursday’s dinner for Friday. And instead of turkey, I went for chickens—yes, plural! Turkey is reserved for Christmas, making chicken the star of our table this year. Honestly, I’m excited about this non-traditional twist on the holiday meal.
A Recipe Exchange for the Crochet Community
Speaking of Thanksgiving meals, I’ve been tossing around the idea of starting a recipe exchange for our crochet community. Picture this: a place where everyone can share their favorite holiday recipes—be it Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion. From appetizers and savory dishes to desserts and drinks, the possibilities are endless.
I’m thinking about using Recipe Keeper. It’s a super nifty app that works on Macs, PCs, phones, tablets—you name it! You can scan your handwritten recipe cards, drag recipes from websites, or even type them in manually. With so many options, it might be the perfect platform for this project. Of course, if anyone’s a recipe exchange expert and has suggestions, let me know in the comments! In the meantime, check out my Top Tips for Better Crochet for ideas on planning your crochet projects and time.
Upcoming Crochet Tutorials You Don’t Want to Miss
Other than turkey (or chicken) feasts, this weekend is all about crochet tutorials! First up, keep an eye out for the Ultimate Tassel Guide. Tassels are an incredibly fun way to finish off many crochet projects, and this guide covers everything you need—from choosing the right yarn to making your tassels uniform and extra polished. For inspiration, you can explore tutorials like How to Make Crochet Tassels.
Then, there's the much-asked-about tutorial on turning your crochet work. I get so many questions like, “Why did you turn there?” or, “Why didn’t you turn in this project?” This video explains the how and the why so you can decide what's best for your next crochet masterpiece.
Feel free to check our Patterns Tagged with Tassel Scarf if you’d like to add tassels to your projects creatively!
Finding Balance Between Yarn, Family, and Life
As 2023 winds down, I’ve been reflecting on what balance looks like in my life. This past year, I poured my heart into creating content: weekly tutorials, podcasts, short videos, and even more patterns. While I loved every bit of it, I started feeling stretched thin by the end of the year. My house? Let’s just say it might win “Messiest of 2023.” My kids are champions at feeding themselves, but I’ve been feeling like I’m dropping balls left and right.
I’m working on setting daily priorities for 2024. Here’s the tentative plan:
- Family Time: Saturdays and Sundays are for the kids and my husband.
- Household Chores: One day a week to tackle the mess and get organized.
- Yarn Play: A few dedicated hours to crochet purely for fun—no filming or patterns involved.
- Filming and Editing: About six hours a week max for creating content (tutorials, podcasts, or community updates).
Crochet is supposed to be relaxing, right? I’m determined to carve out those joyful three-hour blocks where I can dive into the yarn stash and create, just for me.
Crochet and Beyond: Personal Hobbies I Miss
This year, I realized I’ve barely spent time on hobbies outside of crochet—like my love for jigsaw puzzles. I finally managed to complete one a few weeks ago, but it made me realize how much I miss doing something purely for enjoyment.
Now, I’m setting aside a few hours every week for these small pleasures. Whether it’s a puzzle or discovering creative crochet ideas, I’m giving myself permission to relax guilt-free. If you want to refresh your crochet skills, why not revisit some classics like How to Crochet a Granny Square?
What’s New with Memberships
Memberships at The Secret Yarnery are a big focus as we head into 2024. I want to ensure every member feels like they’re getting great value. One idea I’m exploring is introducing a subscription plan on the website that gives members unlimited access to patterns. What do you think? Comment and let me know!
You can also take a peek into our existing community vibe with Crochet Podcast 163 Chat with Christa.
Learning Photography (and Crushing Instagram Goals)
Oh, the adventures of learning photography! After debating with my husband about needing a better phone, he suggested something even better—why not hire someone to teach me how to use my actual camera? Well, I did, and he’s been amazing. This new knowledge is already helping me tidy up my lighting for video, improve pattern photos, and setting up Instagram-worthy shots.
Now I’m in the fun phase of sourcing props for these photos. Quick tip: handmade Kenyan baskets make incredible backdrops. If you’re into craft photography, check out ideas like Realistic Crochet Grass for showing off your work beautifully.
Cozy Weather and Cozy Projects
Thanksgiving in November might not scream “cold season” for some, but here in Kenya, we’ve been bundling up. With temperatures hovering around 17 to 19 degrees Celsius and unexpected rain, several blankets and a hot water bottle have been my nightly essentials. It’s the perfect excuse for cozy crochet projects.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
I’m so thankful for each and every one of you. You make The Secret Yarnery more than a channel—it’s a true community. I’d love to hear your thoughts on recipe exchanges, balancing crochet with life, or even tips for improving photography. Drop your ideas in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going.
Here’s to filling our days with all the things that bring joy, love, and warmth—be it family, lil’ hobbies, or beloved crochet hooks. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and as always, stay hooked!
Here is an FAQ section tailored to the content shared in "The Cart Before the Wheels? Crochet Podcast 1.7 - Thanksgiving Edition":
FAQs
1. Why did you celebrate Thanksgiving on a different day this year?
Life happens! A stomach bug in the family delayed our celebrations. Instead of Thursday, we had our Thanksgiving feast on Friday, opting for chickens instead of the traditional turkey. It turned out to be a delicious twist!
2. How can I join the recipe exchange?
I’m looking into using the Recipe Keeper app for organizing the exchange. It allows users to scan, upload, or type recipes, making it easy to share ideas for holiday meals. Stay tuned, and feel free to comment with your favorite platform suggestions for recipe sharing.
3. What crochet tutorials are coming soon?
Two exciting tutorials are on the way:
- Ultimate Tassel Guide: Learn how to make perfect tassels for your crochet projects.
- When and Why to Turn Your Crochet Work: A detailed video answering common questions about turning your work in crochet patterns.
4. How can I balance crochet with other responsibilities?
I’m setting priorities like:
- Dedicating weekends to family.
- Scheduling a specific day for household chores.
- Carving out a few hours for crochet just for fun—no filming or deadlines!
- Keeping filming and editing limited to 6 hours a week.
You can try scheduling tasks and dedicating specific time to your hobbies to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
5. Are memberships worth it at The Secret Yarnery?
Yes! Memberships provide access to exclusive patterns and community content. I’m also considering a subscription for unlimited pattern access, so members get even more value. Let me know your thoughts on this idea!
6. How can I improve my craft photography?
I’ve been learning from a professional photography mentor. Key tips include:
- Adjusting your lighting for clarity.
- Using props like handmade baskets for unique backdrops.
- Enhancing camera skills for better Instagram and blog visuals.
Investing in a good setup or learning from a pro can elevate your photos quickly.
7. What’s the coolest thing about crochet in cozy weather?
Cooler weather is perfect for cuddling up under your WIP! Whether you’re working on a blanket or a warm scarf with tassels, this kind of weather makes crochet even more comforting. Don’t forget hot tea and a blanket for extra coziness!
8. Can I access older tutorials and patterns?
Absolutely! Visit The Secret Yarnery’s blog and tutorials section to find a variety of crochet guides, from beginner-friendly ideas to advanced patterns. Some highlights include:
9. What special tools can I use for my crochet projects?
For tassel projects, check out tools like yarn bobbins or tassel makers. If you’re into organization, consider apps like Recipe Keeper to plan meals and crochet schedules side by side.
10. How can I share feedback or suggestions for the community?
Drop a comment on any of The Secret Yarnery’s blog posts, YouTube videos, or podcasts. You can also reach out via email or on the membership portal. I love hearing your ideas!
Christa Patel is the creative mind and heart behind The Secret Yarnery, a vibrant community dedicated to all things crochet. Known for her engaging tutorials, uplifting podcasts, and inspiring blog posts, Christa combines her love for crochet with a passion for teaching. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crocheter, her approachable style and helpful tips make it easy to stay hooked on the craft.
Living in Kenya with her family, Christa balances her creative work with family life, constantly finding ways to bring joy and connection to her audience. Her journey into crochet began as a calming passion, blossoming into a full-fledged resource for yarn lovers worldwide. From designing patterns to creating video content, Christa’s mission is to make crochet accessible, relaxing, and enjoyable.
When she’s not crocheting, Christa loves exploring other hobbies like solving jigsaw puzzles, experimenting with photography, and sharing her favorite recipes with her community. Through her thoughtful reflections on life, family, and creative balance, she continues to bring warmth and authenticity to every project she creates.
Stay connected with Christa by exploring her vast library of tutorials, patterns, and crochet tips on The Secret Yarnery website or joining her membership community to unlock exclusive content!