Crochet Podcast Ep 3 -Projects, Craft Fair Prep and Cat Toys

Crochet Fair Prep in Nairobi: Training Moms, Holiday Balls, and Too Many WIPs (Secret Yarnery Vlog Episode 3)

I had every intention of calming down and not starting a pile of new WIPs. Then life happened, and my project list multiplied overnight.

In this episode of Secret Yarnery, I share what I've been working on in Nairobi, plus the bigger plan behind it: training unemployed single mothers to crochet so we can build inventory for a big outdoor craft fair. I also have a temperature blanket confession, a quick binder cover win, and a small (but important) slipper tip that fixes the heel.

Thank you for showing up (and a little about me)

Before I get into yarn and hooks, I want to say thank you to everyone watching, whether you're back again or you just found me today. It still blows my mind how much community can happen through comments and emails. Someone even reached out who was born in Saskatchewan and moved along almost the same path I did, right down to the school years. What are the odds?

A few specific thank yous, because I really do notice you:

• Returning viewers who keep coming back to crochet with me.
• New viewers who are stopping in for the first time.
• Everyone introducing yourselves in the comments or by email (or both).
• People telling me what you want to see, because it helps me shape what I share.

For anyone new here, I'm Krista. I live in Nairobi, Kenya, and I'm originally from Canada. I was born in Saskatchewan, then I moved to Alberta for grades 4 to 7, then Vancouver for high school. Later, I traveled to Africa, met my husband, got married, had kids, and ended up working with an orphanage. Kenya became home, and I love it here.

Also, Kenya is even better now because we actually have yarn. It used to be rough, if you know, you know.

If you're reading along, tell me where you're watching from. I love putting places to names.

A quick life update: a birthday party win

This week started on a high note because we had a great birthday party. It was one of those kids parties where the entertainment is basically, "bounce until you forget your own name," and honestly, that is perfect.

Here were the highlights:

1. A Minions bouncy castle (major hit).
2. Punching bags inside a wheel obstacle, so the kids could run through and bounce off everything safely.
3. A slide that ended in another bouncy castle, so nobody had to land on grass and wipe out.
4. Cupcakes from Wicked Whisk in Nairobi, and yes, they were as delicious as you'd expect.

Once that was done, I switched right back into crochet mode, which is basically my normal setting.

The craft fair that changed my "I'll slow down" plan

In the last vlog, I made a silly comment about wanting to calm down and stop starting so many WIPs. That was the dream. I meant it.

Then less than 22 hours later, I got an email invitation to rent a tent space at a big outdoor fair in Nairobi on November 11 and 12, called Biz Baz (sometimes people say Biz Bash, but it is Biz Baz). I said yes immediately, because it fits perfectly with something I've been wanting to do anyway.

I applied for a tent and I haven't heard back yet. That sounds strange if you're used to fast replies, but around here it can be normal. Customer service and timelines can be a bit of an adventure.

If you're curious about the event itself, here is the official site: Biz Baz Events in Nairobi.

Training single mothers to crochet (and why I'm doing it this way)

This is the part I'm most excited about. I'm starting an initiative to train unemployed single mothers to crochet, then sell their finished items at fairs.

My plan is simple and practical:

• I teach them how to make a specific item.
• I provide the yarn, hooks, and patterns.
• They crochet the items at home.
• I buy the finished pieces from them right away, so they get money immediately.
• Then I resell the items to (hopefully) earn back the cost of materials and keep it going.

That structure matters because it keeps things fair and motivating. They don't have to wait for a sale to get paid, and I get inventory without needing to personally crochet every piece. I love crocheting, but I do not have time right now to take custom orders or make dozens of items myself.

I trained my first lady on Wednesday. I've known her for years because she used to work at my orphanage as a house mother. She's a lovely person, and she can crochet. She's starting with a project that is small, quick, and perfect for the season.

Accordion holiday balls: ornaments that also work as indoor play balls

The first item we're making is what I'm calling "accordion holiday balls." I learned it from a YouTube tutorial, and I loved the idea immediately because it solves a real problem here: you do not need plastic ornaments, glass balls, or Styrofoam forms that can be hard to find in Kenya. These are solid crochet.

They come out firm but squishable, and they bounce back into shape. That makes them great as holiday decor, but also surprisingly useful as a soft "catch" ball indoors.

My husband plays cricket, and those balls are no joke. They are solid wood with leather wrapping, and they can do real damage inside a house. So when I realized these crochet balls could be tossed around without breaking bones or televisions, I got even more excited.

If you want a ball ornament tutorial to compare styles, this is a beginner-friendly option: DIY crochet ball ornaments video tutorial.

The versions I tested (hooks, hangers, and glitter yarn)

I made a few variations to see what works best:

• Some have the hanging loop at the top.
• Some don't, because you can always add a hanger later by looping yarn through the top center.
• I tested different hook sizes (6 mm, 5 mm, and 4 mm) to see how the stitch looks and how firm the ball feels.
• I also made a couple with glitter yarn, because sparkle sells and it looks cute under lights.

My first trainee took nine balls of yarn and told me she'll bring back the finished ornaments in a week. I love her confidence, and I want her to succeed.

A bigger version in T-shirt yarn (for babies and toddlers)

I also started one with T-shirt yarn, and it is much bigger. My thought was babies and toddlers love grabbing something chunky, squeezing it, then dropping it like it never mattered. A bigger, soft crochet ball feels like a safer option for little hands.

It isn't finished yet, but it is officially on the WIP pile.

What I'm making for the fair (and what I'm delegating)

Once I said yes to the fair, I immediately needed one thing: actual items to sell. Ideas are great, but inventory is better.

Here's a snapshot of what's in motion right now, and who is making what:

The big goal is a mix of quick makes and a few larger items that stop people in their tracks.

If you're also making granny square projects, I keep a running list of ideas here: top 20 fun and easy granny square projects.

Stool covers: the scavenger hunt continues

You know the stools we've been working on? I went hunting again after dropping my kids at school.

First, I found one stool at the same grocery store. Then I drove farther out, went into the basement of another grocery store, and found a bunch more. I now have nine stools waiting for crochet tops, and I ordered a dozen more that I can pick up next week.

So yes, this is happening. I just need time (and hands) to get those tops finished.

Granny square project bag: my yarn dilemma

I'm also making a granny square project bag, and I'm behind because class is on Saturday. I've done two squares so far. I still need three more squares, then joining, then the handle.

The handle I want is a specific style: that classic shape that looks like leather handles, with a rounded base stitched onto the bag, plus a padded strap. I want to crochet the handle first to see if it looks good and wears well. If it turns out amazing, I also know a leather workshop about 20 minutes away that makes leather goods for safari companies and luxury brands. I could always upgrade later once I have something solid to attach leather to.

Now for the yarn problem. I'm using a super soft alpaca and wool blend in the center, and I only have two balls left because the rest sold. Two balls feels like that awkward amount where you can't make a big project, but it's too nice to waste.

I twisted two strands of thinner yarn together to match the chunkiness of the alpaca blend, and it makes the squares feel sturdy, almost like they can stand up on their own. I love that look, but I'm still deciding if I should mix the yarn types in the same bag, or keep it consistent.

If you're also in a "two balls left" situation, I put together a list of practical makes that use yarn in a satisfying way: crochet gifts people actually use.

More WIPs: pillows, market bags, and cat toys that keep me up at night

I have crochet everywhere within arm's reach, which is both comforting and slightly alarming.

One project I still love is my tulip stitch pillow. I picked bright colors so the stitches show up well on camera, and even though the palette is loud, it's a fun piece. It lives in my crochet guest house studio because it fits the vibe.

I also want to start market bags with another group of single mothers. The plan in my head is:

• Start with a chain and crochet around it to make an oval base.
• Build it up with simple stitches (single crochet or half double crochet).
• Switch to a mesh stitch for the body.
• Add handles that let the bag roll up small.

I haven't made a prototype yet, but it's on the list.

Cat toys: not my idea, but I can't stop thinking about it

Someone suggested cat toys, and now my brain will not let it go. In my head, everyone needs soft balls for kids, but plenty of people have cats instead (and love them just as much).

The idea is to make small crochet toys, possibly with a little pouch of catnip inside. I also want to figure out a wand version, like a stick with a toy dangling from it. I almost ordered balloon sticks online, but I want to source locally, so I'm thinking through what I can actually find here.

One cat-toy shape I'm considering is a squid style toy, with curly crochet tentacles hanging down. Add a small ball, maybe even googly eyes, and it could be adorable.

If you want pattern inspiration, this roundup is packed with options: free crochet cat toy patterns.

Making the Biz Baz tent feel "super cute" (and what I still need to figure out)

The fair is in about six weeks, which feels both far away and way too close.

I ordered some decor for the tent to help it feel warm and inviting:

• Big pom-poms for the ceiling
• Paper lanterns with lights

I also want to set up day beds (at least one, maybe two), which means I need pillows. That could turn into pillow covers to sell, but I'm still deciding. Practical items sell, but so do things that make people stop and say, "Oh, this booth is adorable."

To help me think through booth planning, I found these helpful resources:

• how much craft fair inventory to bring
• best sellers for craft shows
• 25 crochet items that sell well at markets

I also want the tent to feel lived-in, like a tiny crochet corner you want to walk into, not just a table with stuff on it.

For more home-style ideas that work well as display pieces, I keep a running list here: crochet home decor ideas.

Temperature blanket confession (I'm behind, and it's September)

Okay, confession time. My temperature blanket is adorable, but it is not caught up.

The setup:

• Every row is a day.
• The first row of each month is a multicolored Red Heart Gumdrop.
• Popcorn stitches mark important days like birthdays.

The reality: I'm only up to June 2. It is currently September.

Part of how I avoided my guilt was refusing the temperature updates from the person who records them for us. She's wonderful, and she would ask, "Do you want the temperatures?" and I'd say, "No, not this week." That way I could pretend it wasn't real.

Meanwhile, one of our students crocheted six months of her own temperature blanket and declared it "big enough," which honestly is a mood. Another student is the opposite, she keeps telling me I have to finish mine, and she's right.

I know I can catch up quickly if I sit down and do it. It only takes a few days of focused crochet time. I'm also excited because the weather is changing, which means new colors are coming, and I want to see how it looks.

Avoiding a project doesn't make it smaller, it just makes it stare at you louder from the basket.

Quick wins: a crocodile stitch binder cover, plus a slipper heel fix

To end on a couple smaller projects, I made a binder cover using crocodile stitch. I did it the easier way (the front-facing method), so I didn't have to do the complicated back-and-forth version. Afterward, I blocked it by spraying it with water, flattening it, and letting it dry.

For the inside, I kept it simple with single crochet. On my second one, I sped it up by alternating single crochet and half double crochet because I was late and needed it the next morning.

Binder covers (or book covers) are one of my favorite ways to practice a new stitch. You get the repetition, you see the texture clearly, and you end with something useful.

I also want to mention slippers, since so many of you are making mine. The last bit can feel confusing, so here's the one tip that helps the heel fit:

When you reach the heel section, add one stitch each round for the last three rounds. That extra height creates a little cup that holds your heel.

If you get stuck, ask me. I might not have explained it clearly the first time.

Wrapping up: messy yarn shelves, a dying camera battery, and my big ask

My yarn shelves are a mess again because I sold yarn this week, pulled colors fast, and then walked away like it would magically re-organize itself. Spoiler, it did not.

Also, my camera battery has been struggling. The camera is about six years old (a Nikon P510), and the battery does not last like it used to. I found replacement batteries online, two batteries plus a charger for about nine dollars, which feels like a tiny miracle. They're on the way, so I'm trying to keep things shorter until they arrive.

Most importantly, I still want your ideas, because I'm building this fair plan as I go:

• What sells well at craft fairs where you live?
• What is easy to teach as a repeatable "make this in a week" project?
• Any booth display tricks that make people walk into a tent?
• Should I turn those crochet balls into cat toys too?

Thanks for being here, and for cheering on this slightly chaotic, very yarn-filled season. Your suggestions genuinely help, and they also help me sleep at night. Stay hooked.