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Welcome to the fourth episode of my crochet podcast! In this blog, I’ll take you through my whirlwind experience of finished projects, yarn acquisitions, upcoming ideas, and some random reflections. Grab your hooks, get cozy, and let's jump right in.
I’m starting to feel a little more organized (finally!). Here's the rundown of what I’m sharing today: my finished objects, some exciting new yarn hauls, and a peek into my future projects. Of course, I can't resist a bit of random rambling along the way!
The other day, I had a fantastic crochet streak and managed to finish several projects. Here are some highlights:
First up is my granny square bag! This beauty measures around 14 inches per square and the handles are to die for, as they don’t stretch thanks to the hidden cord inside. The bag itself is a combination of wool and alpaca blends, with soft, luxurious eyelash chenille for the handles. It honestly feels better than terrycloth!
I love this bag! I even used it as my purse for a shopping trip, and two strangers complimented me—super gratifying! Even my husband, who is not usually one to notice crochet, said “nice bag” under his breath. A win in my book!
I'll definitely be making another one, but instead of the usual squares, I’m planning to create two bigger squares and add a rectangular granny square strip to connect them. That side strip should make it a little less bulky under the arm. Stay tuned—I'll post updates on this upcoming version. In the meantime, you can check out more of my granny square inspiration here.
I also made some progress with elf hats! The idea struck me out of nowhere, and I knew I had to make them. I followed the Bob Wilson 123 tutorial to get started, but of course, I added my own flare.
I ended up making two versions. The first one followed the tutorial closely but I didn’t like how skinny the hat ended up toward the tip. So I adjusted it by increasing stitches every four rows to bulk it up. By the second hat, I switched to double crochet, and wow, it was so much faster!
Just look at how cute these elf hats turned out! And now my son has even requested one with black, red, and blue. Gotta love the custom orders from family, right?
Want to up your hat game too? I’ve got plenty of tutorials to explore.
This week, I also started working on slippers. Funny enough, I made one as a prototype and snapped a picture to remind myself of the upcoming slipper tutorial idea.
Making slippers can be a wild process—sometimes they don’t fit quite the way you expect, or you need to fiddle with the stitch count. But personally, I enjoy this challenge! I can't wait to show you the tutorial. I’ve still got one slipper to go, so once the second is finished, keep an eye out for step-by-step instructions.
If you’re a fan of cozy projects, you'll love the slippers I have in mind! They'll go perfectly with some hot cocoa and a pair of fuzzy socks.
I've also got a tissue box cover project under my belt! After spotting perfectly-sized square tissue boxes during a grocery run, the inspiration struck. I’m crocheting cute covers fitted for square boxes—double crochet stitches around the sides, joined as I go.
I experimented with a central chain space for the tissue to feed through, and while I loved the tight fit at first, I ended up adjusting the chain count to make it roomier. This project is honestly so rewarding, not to mention practical. Check out my collection of finished objects for more ideas like this.
Last night, I had another random idea: a tea cozy! I started with oversized popcorn stitches for the floral top and added chenille yarn for a soft, plush feel. The tea cozy fits over my trusty Kenyan teapot and features a flowery top that makes it look adorable, if I do say so myself!
This project also gave me ideas for future designs. I might create a set of cozies with matching color schemes for various sizes of teapots. What’s better than a kitchen filled with cozy-covered utensils?
I’m training a group of local women to crochet, and figuring out the lesson plan has been my primary focus. My strategy is to have each woman focus on one skill until she masters it. This way, I hope to avoid the trap of beginners spreading themselves too thin over multiple projects.
I’ll be prepping project kits for everyone, from basic hats to tea cozies and slippers. That way, each person can specialize. Think it's a good plan? The goal is to have them practice the main crochet elements while I assemble the final touches (like pom-poms).
Speaking of pom-poms, I’ve ordered some large ones and they’re arriving next week! They’ll hang in the tent I’m setting up at a craft fair, and the idea is to match some of the crochet projects (like bags and ornaments) to those colors.
I’ve narrowed down the palette to eight colors with neutrals to keep things from feeling too chaotic, but I’d love your feedback. Is that enough, or am I venturing into matchy-matchy territory? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
What’s a crochet podcast without some juicy yarn hauls? My yarn stash grew exponentially this week with a shipment from Turkey, and here’s a sneak peek at the goodies I got.
Bamboo is hands-down one of my favorite materials to work with. This time, I got it in silver and ivory, which I’d describe as more of a pearl tone. It’s so luxurious and soft, I can barely wait to turn it into something beautiful. I’ve got plenty of ideas—maybe even a lightweight top?
I also reordered some bamboo-cotton blends that I’ve worked with before. These yarns are durable, cozy, and versatile. If you’re looking to experiment with new textures, check out some more yarn inspiration here.
Next, I got a couple of 100% cotton skeins in neutral colors. The best part about this yarn? It doesn’t split as much because of the way it’s twisted. Perfect for projects that require durability, like baskets. You can plan your own creations with similar materials by checking out more project ideas.
Speaking of excitement, I couldn’t resist ordering some metallic yarn in copper and silver. The holidays are coming, and I’m planning to use this sparkly yarn for ornaments and festive home decor. It'll also be perfect to mix with other yarns for a subtle shimmer effect. If you're feeling extra festive, I’ve got plenty of season-themed tutorials that pair well with this glitzy yarn.
I’ve been working on a Hug Shrug tutorial, but the biggest challenge has been yarn selection. I wanted to use bougie yarns like chenille, but it’s tough to see the stitches clearly on camera. So, I had to opt for regular acrylic and cotton yarn to make sure you can see the techniques.
Tutorials are all about clarity, so I’ve decided to give this one more go next week with cotton tape yarn. Fingers crossed this time I’ll strike the balance between practicality and beauty! Stay tuned for the tutorial over on my tutorial page.
I’m also planning to work on a basic stitches tutorial. It’ll be quick clips showing the fundamentals (chain, single crochet, double crochet, and some clusters!). Solid for beginners or anyone needing a refresher.
With all these projects, I also need to focus on branding materials. I’m designing business cards with a twist—they’ll double as gift tags! These unique tags will have a handmade feel and can be attached to finished projects for a polished yet personal touch.
I also have an upcoming craft fair where I’ll be selling some of these projects, so I’ve been pondering my tent layout. Should it be 10x10 or 20x20? Honestly, I may end up chalking it out on my driveway just to get a feel for what works.
I recently started a Facebook group called "The Secret Yarnery Crochet Community" where you can share your crochet projects, tips, and stories. It’s a space for all of us to come together, share ideas, and get inspired by each other’s work. I’d love to see what you all are working on! Just hop into the group and talk crochet with me and everyone else.
That’s it for today’s yarn-filled ramblings! I hope you enjoyed hearing about my finished objects, yarn hauls, and plans for future projects. As always, feel free to share what you’re working on. Whether you’re making festive ornaments or cozy winter hats, let me know in the comments—or better yet, join the crochet group and post some pictures.
Until next time—stay hooked, friends!
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This is a great beginner friendly pattern, very easy to follow. Tutorial video on YouTube to accompany is a great help too! What a wonderful gift idea, thank you for creating it!... Any other cultural deco. patterns/tutorials coming...? Hope so!
The best pattern & tutorial I have ever come across. Loved how you used the needle to clearly point out where the stitch was to go. Have made 3 hats already. Many more on my to do list. Thanks so much
The yarn world is vast & has several yarn naming & grading systems. This chart really helps to get the right weight of yarn, size of needle, gauge & yardage/meterage when using patterns or yarns from other countries. And it covers both knit & crochet. Thank you for putting together this very useful tool, Secret Yarnery.
I love this pattern. Very easy to follow and fun to make.
The directions are so clear and easy to follow. I am a beginner and this pattern is really making me feel confident. My first stocking was less than an hour to make (which I went really slow-so it was a surprise it worked up so quickly). I am making them for a group of coworkers and I think they are going to love them! Thank you.
Just finishing up the collar trim and I will be finished. It's only been 2 or 3 days working on it off and on. Sometimes I'm in the mood for a pattern that has no complicated stitch patterns. This one fits the bill but is still a nice looking project. Can't wait for cooler weather so I can wear it. Might be a while here in Louisiana.
I love this hat; it is so easy to make and works up really fast. I used a size 7:00 mm hook. My only concern was I wasn’t sure how many chains to make for the infant and child sizes.
I love this pattern. It follows along with the video perfectly! I have started 2 of them! I couldn't wait to use the yarn I had!
Iii love this hat and want to make them for myc3-5 year old students. Could you i i love this hat. I would like to make them forcmyc3-5 yearvold students. Could you please help me with the sizing needed for t toddlers? Basically hook size, number if chains and rows. I appreciate any help you can provide.Thank you very much
I haven't made the cardigan yet but I watched the video and it looks like an easy made to your size pattern. She goes slow in explaining how to make the cardi. It's different than anything I've made before. I'm looking forward to making it.
Love this pattern. It is very easy to follow and really makes it straight forward. While I am not new to crochet, I am new to following patterns. In the past I have always just 'winged it.' Also like that there is additional information for sizing as well as a video to help me when I get stuck.
Would highly recommend this pattern!
