Crochet Podcast Episode 155 - A Heart Full of Roses!

Team TSY

A Heart Full of Roses! Crochet Podcast Episode 155 Recap

Hello, fellow crochet enthusiasts! I'm Christa, and welcome to another fun-filled episode here at The Secret Yarnery. If you're new, I post inspiring crochet content every Wednesday and Sunday, and there’s a live chat on Fridays where we connect as a community!

This week is packed with exciting updates, a health revelation, new Valentine’s Day projects, and some future plans for 2025. Plus, I've received heartwarming stories and questions from you, my amazing viewers. Let’s dive into all the yarny goodness.

Personal Updates and a Revelation About Standing Desks

Last week was a wild one for me—I woke up surprised with a loose hip from simply sleeping! Apparently, this can happen when you sit too much without enough movement throughout the day. If you're an avid crocheter like me, you might relate to this lifestyle: hours of sitting and enjoying your craft.

The comments you shared about similar health experiences left me amazed and inspired. Stories like Jennifer working years with a dislocated hip or Jacqueline experiencing hip pain while carrying her baby were eye-opening. It reminded me that movement is super important, no matter how much we love our crochet time.

This past week, I discovered the magic of electric standing desks. When you guys suggested one, I thought, “Why didn’t I think about this earlier?” I originally imagined it’d require a whole new desk setup, but an adjustable electric desk can raise your work surface in seconds while keeping your flow uninterrupted. Genius, right?

I’m currently shopping for one to complement my beloved existing desk—possibly creating a standing-and-sitting L-shaped workstation. If you're curious about standing desks too, I’d recommend doing a bit of research to see how they can enhance your creative flow and overall health!

Viewer Stories: Crocheters and Their Health Journeys

Hearing your stories about health challenges reminded me how connected we are as a crochet community. We’re not just creating; we’re sharing, supporting, and learning from each other!

  • Jennifer's story: Working in a cereal factory for years without realizing her hip was out of place.
  • Minini's experience: Tearing her rotator cuff while cooking dinner.
  • Cheryl’s advice: Living with arthritis and keeping movement a priority to avoid stiffness.

These are more than health updates—they’re battle scars from the creative lives we lead! Thank you for reminding me—and each other—that taking care of our bodies has to be as routine as pulling up a cozy chain stitch.

This hit close for me. My physiotherapist gave me the all-clear, but I’m taking a proactive approach with yoga using the FitOn app. Starting slow with 11-minute beginner yoga sessions has been a game-changer. I’ve set a goal to build strength and avoid future injuries while crocheting comfortably.

Looking to start stretching along with me? Why not try it out for yourself? We can even do the same sessions if you’re using FitOn—let me know in the comments if you’re in!

Scrap Yarn: Big Debate or Big Opportunity?

Let’s talk scraps! There’s a heated discussion in the crochet world: save your scraps or toss them?

Some commenters believe life’s too short for piles of mini yarn balls stacking up in your stash. Others, like me, see scraps as valuable memories of past projects just waiting for their moment in a new masterpiece. What’s your take—scatter them or save them?

I’ve got a plan for my scraps, and let me tell you, it’s exciting. I’m prepping for a Scrap Yarn Crochet Along in 2025! Save scraps longer than a yard or a meter, join them with magic knots, wind them into balls, and cake them as they grow. These colorful collections will become chronological stories of everything we crocheted in 2024. How cool is that?

Need to brush up on techniques like changing colors or planning scrap projects? Check out our Patterns page for ideas that can inspire your stash transformations.

Valentine’s Crochet Projects: Roses and Coasters

Valentine's Day caught me off guard this year, but I’m diving back into the spirit with updated heartwarming projects! This week, I’ve worked on new rose bouquet patterns with three stunning sizes—perfect for decorations, gifts, or adding a pop of crochet love to your home.

Additionally, my heart coasters have had a makeover with fresh, vibrant colors like coral and pink to brighten the season. These coasters aren’t just functional—they’re irresistible gifts!

Are you wondering how to use these creations? Here are some fun ideas:

  • Slip gift cards or chocolate bars into the hearts and tie them with a ribbon.
  • Decorate your workspace with bright pops of crochet.
  • Use them as conversation starters at your Valentine’s dinner.

Looking for Valentine’s tutorial inspiration? Don’t miss our Crochet Tutorials section for visual step-by-step instructions.

The Valentine’s Day projects will be coming out this Sunday! Plus, the written pattern will be discounted during the first 12 hours after the tutorial is released, so make sure to watch for that announcement during Friday’s live chat.

What's Ahead for The Yarnery?

I’ve got a few exciting things on hold—like the Paintbox Bed Runner Tutorial and the Speedy Granny Ruth Tin Can Cozy—while we push out Valentine’s projects. Construction at home is slowing things down a bit, but I’m still managing to squeeze some crochet magic into every day.

At the same time, I’m thrilled to announce plans for a “Meet the Maker” video! So many of you have asked about my story—how I started crocheting, why I moved to Nairobi, and what inspires me to create. If you’ve got any burning questions about my journey, leave them in the comments. Your curiosity helps shape the stories I share!

Want more behind-the-scenes on life in Nairobi and crochet inspiration? Check out My Crochet Journey in Kenya.

Let’s Wrap It Up

This week has been a whirlwind of creativity, inspiration, and connection. Whether it’s planning future scrap yarn projects, diving into Valentine’s Day designs, or working on personal health goals, I’m so grateful for this vibrant crochet community.

Keep an eye out for the weekend’s patterns and let me know in the comments what you’re working on, how you’re saving your scraps, or your biggest crochet goals this year. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Until next time, stay hooked!

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of the adjustable electric standing desk for crocheters?

The electric standing desk helps crocheters alternate between sitting and standing. This improves posture, reduces long sitting periods, and encourages movement, which can alleviate issues like hip pain or stiffness.

2. How can I prepare for the 2025 Scrap Yarn Crochet Along?

Start saving yarn scraps longer than a yard or a meter. Use magic knots to join them as they accumulate, and wind them into balls or cakes. These scraps will become personalized creations that tell the story of your projects throughout 2024.

3. Where can I find tutorials for the Valentine’s Day patterns mentioned in the episode?

Visit the Crochet Tutorials section on The Secret Yarnery website for step-by-step instructions for Valentine’s rose bouquets and heart coasters.

4. What types of scraps are best for upcycled crochet projects?

Any yarn pieces longer than a meter are great for scrap projects. These can be used for ideas like scrap blankets, rugs, or even wearable items. Shorter scraps might be better suited for embellishments or to stuff items like amigurumi.

5. What is the recommended yoga app mentioned in the podcast?

The FitOn app is recommended, especially for beginner classes. It offers short yoga sessions to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, which are beneficial for avoiding injuries while crocheting.

6. When are your crochet tutorials and patterns usually released?

New crochet content is released regularly on Wednesdays, Sundays, and live chats happen on Fridays. The Valentine’s patterns will debut Sunday, and they’ll be discounted during the first 12 hours! Stay connected for updates.

7. How can I get involved in the "Meet the Maker" video project?

Submit your questions about Christa’s crochet journey, inspiration, or her life in Nairobi in the comments of her videos or blog posts. These questions will shape the focus of the “Meet the Maker” video.

8. What materials do I need for the Valentine’s rose bouquet patterns?

Basic materials like yarn (in red, pink, or green shades), a crochet hook (size specified in the pattern), tapestry needles, and scissors should suffice. The full list will be published alongside the patterns in the tutorials.

9. Are there resources for learning scrap yarn techniques?

Yes, check out the Patterns page offered by The Secret Yarnery. It includes instructions and inspirations for transforming yarn scraps into creative projects.

10. How can I join the Friday live chats?

The live chat sessions happen every Friday on The Secret Yarnery’s YouTube channel. Simply tune in at the scheduled time, interact in the chat, and connect with the crochet community!

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Christa Patel is the creative force behind The Secret Yarnery, a thriving crochet community filled with inspiration, support, and creativity. Living in Nairobi, Kenya, Christa brings a unique blend of artistry and practicality to her crochet projects, tutorials, and patterns.

A long-time crochet enthusiast, Christa turned her passion into a platform for sharing designs, teaching techniques, and fostering a global community of yarn lovers. Her approachable teaching style and engaging content make crochet accessible to both beginners and seasoned crafters alike.

When she's not crocheting, Christa enjoys exploring new designs, connecting with her audience through live chats, and sharing glimpses of her life in Kenya. Her tutorials and weekly episodes motivate her viewers to stay inspired and build meaningful connections through the world of crochet.

Check out Christa’s story and crochet journey in her blog post here.

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