Crochet Podcast Ep 162 : Family Time, Projects and Ideas

Crochet Podcast Episode 162: My Luscious Berry Shawl, Squishy Slippers, and a Missing Yarn Spinner

In this episode, I'm sharing what's been going on with my family, what I actually finished this week (including my Luscious Berry Lettuce Shawl), and the coziest new slippers I've made in a long time. I'm also asking you a big question about crochet classes and courses, because I'm thinking hard about what comes next.

If you're new here, say hi in the comments so we can get to know each other.

Episode 162 vibes: yarn, color, community, and a big thank you

This channel has always been about the same core things, crochet yarn, color, inspiration, motivation, and that "pull up a chair and join us" kind of community. That part hasn't changed, even when everything else around life does.

I also want to say a big thank you to Cathy B for the coffee. Support like that keeps the lights on, and it also feels like a little hug from the community. If you ever want a shout-out in an upcoming video, you can support the channel through buying me a coffee on Ko-fi.

If you like having a written recap to go with the video, I also have the matching post here: Crochet Podcast Episode 162 (family time, finished projects, and future ideas). Sometimes it's nice to read the details, especially when you're deciding what to make next.

Family updates: gym wins, less neck pain, and a better routine

So much has happened, and somehow so much is still the same. We're still crocheting, still living life, and lately, we're also going to the gym.

What finally helped my neck pain (hint: walking wasn't enough)

If you've been with me for a while, you know I've dealt with real neck pain. I tried a lot of things to get it to calm down, and it kept feeling like I was stuck in the same loop. Then I realized something that surprised me: I didn't have enough muscle to support what my body was trying to do.

I always thought I was active. I'd think, "I'll just walk more." But walking wasn't enough for me. Once we started doing resistance training and actually building muscle again, everything started changing. I can sleep however I want now, and that is something I don't take for granted.

Aging and muscle loss is real, even if you feel busy and active. If you're curious about how resistance training is used for neck pain, here's one research overview that matches what I noticed in my own life: specific resistance training and neck pain improvement (NCBI).

The boys are making big progress too. They're getting stronger, and it's been really good for them. Anthony especially loves when we do something a little more challenging, something that feels new, so it doesn't turn into the same routine every time.

Why I drove my husband to the gym at first (and why I don't now)

I got a question about why I used to drive my husband to the gym, even though he can drive. He can drive, and now he does, but in the beginning I didn't want him going alone.

He's been on medication for diabetes and high blood pressure for a few years, and that first workout hit him hard. He got really woozy, the kind of woozy that makes you stop and take it seriously.

The moment that really told me it was serious was when I walked away for about 15 minutes (to grab water and check on things), and I realized I'd accidentally taken both of his phones with me. He has two phones and he is normally attached to them. When I came back, he was sitting in the same chair, not complaining, not even noticing the phones were gone. That's not like him, so I was instantly in "safety first" mode.

Now, he's doing great. He doesn't get woozy like that anymore, and he's stronger. He drives himself to the gym and back, and I love that for him.

TAA's bookstore work experience: the perfect place for a future writer

TAA is 15, and she's doing work experience at a bookstore. I'm so happy about this, because she wants to be a writer when she grows up, and honestly, you can't get much closer to that dream than being surrounded by books all day.

This work experience was supposed to happen for a week during school (mid to late June), but it got canceled because of political situations and everything that came with that. The school suggested doing work experience over summer break instead, and we went for it.

Most kids only did a couple of days, but I told her, "Nope, you're going the whole time." Now she works two days a week, and she's loving it.

Here's what makes it such a great fit for her:

1. She reads constantly, almost a book and a half per day.
2. The environment is relaxed, so she can learn without feeling rushed.
3. She gets real customer service practice, plus time with the staff.
4. She's building independence, just by being out in the world doing her own thing.

Watching her grow into herself has been one of the best parts of this season.

Finished crochet project: my Luscious Berry Lettuce Shawl (with a button trick)

Okay, let's talk about the fun part, finished objects.

My first finished project is the Luscious Berry Lettuce Shawl, and yes, the tutorial is out. This one makes me so happy because it's cute, wearable, and it has that extra "something" in the border that makes it feel special.

If you want the full details (materials, the C2C setup, and the border rows), this post walks through it: Luscious Shawl with Berry Lettuce Border (easy crochet shawl pattern).

The border is the star, but the button makes it wearable

The berries and the lettuce edge are adorable, but the feature I keep appreciating is the button closure. I added a button so it stays on my shoulders, and the best part is I don't need to make a special buttonhole.

I just use one of the loops that already exists along the edge. I line it up, pop the button through, and it holds. No tugging it back into place all day, no feeling like it's slowly sliding off while I'm out.

I've worn it twice already, and it's been easy every time.

Written pattern option (and left-handed help)

If you prefer a printable pattern, I have the PDF available here: Luscious Crochet Shawl pattern download.

And if you're left-handed, I've got you. You can find my left-handed crochet content here: left-handed crochet tutorials collection.

If you're on a shawl kick right now, I also rounded up more ideas here: 15 crochet shawls I'd actually want to wear.

My new squishy slippers: a better toe and a fuzzy yarn "wing it" moment

Next finished object is a brand-new pair of slippers, and I'm officially obsessed. My last pair had the toe ring open up, and I had to rethink how I was starting that toe, especially because chenille yarn does not behave the way regular yarn does.

With chenille, you can't just yank on it like you would with a normal magic ring. The loops can loosen and the yarn can break. So I figured out a toe start that lets me snug it up without wrecking the yarn.

My simple tie method (and what I'd change next time)

These are based on my same "2-hour slipper" style, but instead of working the edging the usual way, I made a chain around the outside edge and then stitched back and cinched it closed. Then I tie it into a bow.

Once it's tied, you don't really have to mess with it again.

I wrote down that I used about 100 to 110 chains, but next time I'll go longer. I want to try 120 chains so the bow has a little more room. I don't mind a small bow, but a bigger bow would be cute too.

The honest truth about fuzzy yarn and matching sizes

I also have to laugh at myself because the slippers are not exactly identical. One is a bit bigger than the other, totally by accident. With this fuzzy, loop-y yarn, I can't see the stitches well, so I'm basically "winging it" and hoping I'm grabbing the right places.

The funny part is that one of my feet is slightly smaller anyway, so it works out, but still, I meant for them to match.

They're thick, squishy, and so cozy inside. At this point, I don't want to go back to my old combo (one strand chenille and one strand acrylic). I want this plush texture, even if it means I have to accept that perfection is not the goal with this yarn.

If you're wanting a beginner-friendly slipper project with clear steps, this is a helpful starting point: Easiest crochet slippers step-by-step guide.

Works in progress and the mystery of the missing yarn spinner

I'm still working on my CTOC blocks, but I didn't touch them this week. They are sitting exactly where I left them last time.

I'm also working on a yarn holder review, but I've hit the weirdest problem. I can't find one of my yarn spinners, the one with the two "ears." I've looked through my WIP baskets (more than once), checked my crochet spots, and I still can't figure out where it went.

It's not a small thing. It doesn't fold up. It's not the kind of tool you tuck into a drawer. It's a whole object.

At this point, I might just film the review without it and explain what I remember, because I don't know what else to do. If you've ever lost something that makes no sense to lose, you'll understand why this is making me nuts.

Should I make crochet courses (like a borders masterclass), or stick to tutorials?

I want your opinion on something I've been thinking about for a few years.

Would you take a crochet class style course from me, something with printables, a checklist, and a "start to finish" experience, instead of just a tutorial and a written pattern?

I'm picturing something more like a masterclass, where we focus on one topic and really cover it. Borders keep popping into my mind because I love a border. There's so much to learn, how to choose the right border, how to pick yarn, how to make the math work at the corners, and how to get a clean finish.

If you want a quick look at how many different border styles exist (and why it's such a deep topic), this is a great reference: 10 types of crochet borders with free patterns.

So tell me what you'd prefer:

• regular tutorials and patterns like always
• a full course experience for certain topics

Real talk: YouTube is still home, but I need more than one income stream

I watched a video from another crochet YouTuber who shared why she's stepping away from YouTube, and a lot of what she said hit home for me. The work that goes into videos is real, and over the years it's felt less and less financially doable to rely on that alone.

I'm not quitting. I'm still here with you, and I still want to do YouTube. At the same time, I have to support my family, and I can't do that on "just hanging out," even when the hanging out is the best part.

That's why the idea of courses is on my mind, and why I'm thinking about what can change without changing who I am or what we've built together.

If you have ideas, I'm listening.

Conclusion: stay hooked, and tell me what you want next

Episode 162 was a mix of real life and real crochet, gym progress, a bookstore kiddo, a shawl I can't stop wearing, and slippers I never want to take off. Most of all, it reminded me that this community is the reason I keep showing up.

Let me know what you'd want from a crochet course, and also tell me if you've ever lost a big tool that should be impossible to lose. I'll see you in the next video, and until then, stay hooked.

That's all for today in the yarnery. I hope you have a great day. If you have any suggestions, comments, or ideas for videos, let me know in the comments. I'll see you in the next video. Stay hooked, and thanks again for the cup of coffee! If you want a shout-out, consider buying me a coffee.

Have you ever lost a yarn spinner? It's not a small thing, and I can't figure out where mine went. If you have any tips or similar experiences, please share. Stay hooked!