Welcome back to The Secret Yarnery, where we unite over our love for crochet, yarn, and creative projects. This week, I’m thrilled to share another fun and crafty journey through Crochet Podcast Episode 159. Grab your drink of choice (mine is coffee today!) and let’s talk crochet, life updates, and all things yarn.
Shout-Out to Today’s Coffee Sponsor
Let’s start this episode off right with a huge thank-you to Deborah Arington, who sponsored today’s coffee. Deborah sent such a lovely message: "Christa, you are the bomb diggity! Love everything about your channel. Just finished the Drunken Granny 2.0 for my mom—keep making us smile." Big hugs to you, Deborah! Your support means so much and speaking of which—if you’d like your own shout-out in a future episode, it’s easy to sponsor my coffee!
Life Updates and Newfound Freedom
The kids are back at school, and let me tell you, it’s been magical. I’m suddenly swimming in time—well, at least five hours a day—which is a far cry from the chaotic three-hour windows I used to navigate. With the extra time, I’ve been able to organize, clean, cook, and, of course, dive into crochet projects. Though the break won’t last forever since the kids get a school break soon, I’m soaking up every second and making it count.
This change has been complemented by the cooler weather here in the Yarnery, which, at a crisp 22°C, feels downright chilly for us. There’s no better excuse to break out cozy blankets and sweaters—or to make a few more of them!
Ice Yarn Haul and Project Joy
What’s better than a stash of beautiful yarn awaiting its turn to shine? Nothing! My latest Ice Yarn haul has had me buzzing with ideas. The Puzzle Wool Chunky yarn was the first to call my name, and it didn’t disappoint. This yarn delivers 200 grams for just $8, which includes delivery to the U.S., and it works up like a dream with a 12mm hook. If you haven’t already, check out the beautiful patterns available on the Patterns page.
I used that yarn for a warm and snuggly sweater that I’ve been living in since its creation. The texture, the color, and the ease of hooking made it a winner on every level.
Boot Cuffs: A Work in Progress
Another recent project came from a bargain box of yarn: adorable boot cuffs. I made these using the sober granny stitch, a pattern I also used for one of my cup cozies. While the look was perfect, they didn’t stay in place as well as I’d hoped. To fix this, I cinched them up with string from a local shop—a simple hack that worked wonders. I’m thinking next time I might add a drawstring cuff for better customization. Or maybe I’ll fold the cuff down on the inside for added stability. What do you think? If you’d like some beginner ideas to get started on similar projects, check out Beginner Crochet Patterns.
Revisiting Granny Square Sweaters
You might remember one of my favorite homey and practical pieces: the flower granny square sweater. This sweater does double duty as my cozy housecoat. I wear it every morning while brewing coffee or tea. Its longer length, cheerful design, and coziness make it an absolute staple in my wardrobe. Do you use granny squares in your projects? They’re such versatile building blocks for creative crochet.
Reworking the Round Granny Square Blanket
One yarn that’s been tempting me lately is Cakes DK. This stunning yarn features color changes that practically beg to be used in round projects. Back in the day, I made a round granny square blanket, but it wasn’t without its struggles. Some unclear instructions in the tutorial left crocheters feeling a bit stressed, so I’m redoing the pattern to make it as seamless as possible. The new version avoids chain-one spaces for a cleaner, less “lacey” look—a major improvement over the original.
I also decided to switch to a spiral design, eliminating the need for step-up rows. It’s a game-changer for maintaining a perfectly round shape. For anyone looking to experiment with gradient color changes, this technique works beautifully. If you’re into exploring unique crochet techniques, head over to the Tutorials Page for more inspiration.
Why Color Choice Matters
Speaking of blankets, the color of your yarn can make or break your passion for a project. My first attempt with Cakes DK stalled because the center colors didn’t inspire me. Lesson learned! When I dove back into the project, I started with fresh, vibrant yarn that kept motivations high from row to row.
The finished blanket didn’t even use every inch of yarn; I chose to stop on a luscious purple for a polished, framed effect. This attention to color is a great tip when planning your next crochet masterpiece.
The New Round Granny Square Blanket Pattern
The new and improved round granny square blanket is officially complete! It measures four feet across and took me two weeks and an astonishing two kilometers of yarn. That’s right, two kilometers! But it was worth every stitch. The entire tutorial is filmed, showing color control, spiral joining, and an invisible step-down technique. Whether you prefer chunky yarns or worsted-weight alternatives, this pattern adapts beautifully.
You can find even more versatile patterns to try by visiting the Written Patterns page. This blanket is such a joy to make, and I hope it inspires you to start your own.
Ideas Brewing: Circle Vests and Crochet Flowers
With so many projects ticked off the list, I’m already dreaming of more. A light, drapey circle vest could be just the thing to add versatility to any outfit. Or maybe flowers! Tiny crochet flowers are a delight to create, and they’re perfect for a no-pressure evening project. Sometimes, stepping away from big projects to whip up a handful of decorations is just what the soul needs. I’d love to hear what you’d like to see in future tutorials. Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Wrapping Up and Staying Hooked
Before signing off, let me know: would you rather see a pattern for a circle vest or a new flower design? It’s always a treat to connect with this wonderful crochet community and hear your ideas. I’m off now for a lunch date with my yarn-loving friend. We don’t get together often, so these outings feel extra special.
Remember, whether you’re unraveling skeins or finishing the last row, every project starts with that first loop. Happy crocheting, and as always, stay hooked!
Here’s an FAQ section you can integrate into your blog post to address common questions your audience may have:
FAQs
1. How can I sponsor your coffee for a shout-out?
Supporting the channel and sponsoring a coffee is easy! Head over to The Secret Yarnery Sponsor Page to make a contribution. Don’t forget to send a note with your message, so I can share your kind words in a future episode!
2. What is the Drunken Granny 2.0 pattern?
The Drunken Granny 2.0 is a revamped version of the classic drunken granny stitch. It’s a fun, textured stitch perfect for blankets, scarves, or other cozy projects. You can find this pattern on the Patterns Page.
3. Where can I buy Ice Yarn and what should I know about it?
Ice Yarn is a popular brand for crochet lovers due to its high-quality yet affordable yarns. Most Ice Yarns, including Puzzle Wool Chunky, can be ordered online directly from their website. They offer fast shipping worldwide, with delivery prices often included in the yarn cost. Check out their wide variety of yarns to find your perfect match.
4. How do I adjust boot cuffs to fit better?
If your boot cuffs don’t stay in place, try adding a drawstring or elastic band for a snug fit. Cinching them with a string, as mentioned in this episode, also helps. Folding the cuff down on the inside is another option for extra stability.
5. What’s the best way to color plan for gradient yarn projects?
Always start with colors that inspire you! When working with gradient yarns like Cakes DK, test the sequence before starting to ensure the combination motivates you. Stopping on a dominant color, like a lush purple, can add a polished finish to your project.
6. Can beginners easily follow your tutorials and patterns?
Absolutely! Many of my patterns, including boot cuffs and granny squares, are ideal for beginners. I also provide step-by-step video tutorials to help you every step of the way. Explore my Beginner Crochet Patterns.
7. How long does it take to make a round granny square blanket?
It took me about two weeks to complete the new round granny square blanket. However, that time can vary based on the size, yarn weight, and your crochet speed. The process is very rewarding and great for exploring spiral techniques.
8. What crochet tools and hooks do you recommend?
I personally love using ergonomic hooks, especially larger sizes like 12mm for chunky yarn projects. A good pair of scissors and stitch markers are also must-haves. For details on my favorite tools, watch my tutorial videos.
9. Do you offer custom or specific pattern requests?
I love hearing from the crochet community! While I focus on creating versatile patterns, I’m always open to ideas. Feel free to drop your requests in the comments or connect with me through my website.
Christa Patel, the creative force behind The Secret Yarnery, is a passionate crochet artist, educator, and community-builder. Based in her cozy home studio, Christa has been crocheting for over a decade, inspiring yarn lovers worldwide through her fun and approachable tutorials. Her mission is to make crochet accessible to everyone, turning complicated stitches into easy-to-follow patterns.
When she’s not crocheting, Christa balances life as a mom, enjoying a quieter home life now that her kids are back at school. Known for her warm personality, vibrant designs, and love for coffee, Christa brings joy and creativity to everything she touches. From granny squares to spiral blankets, her projects are filled with heart and designed to spark your imagination.