Crochet Podcast: Episode 3 – New Projects, Craft Fair, and Cat Toys?

Thanks for stopping by for another episode of my crochet podcast! It’s so great to have you here, whether you’re a long-time follower or brand new to The Secret Yarnery. I adore our community, and I’m forever thankful for all the comments, emails, and connections. It’s fascinating to meet other creative souls—some even from places I’ve lived, like Saskatchewan!

Now, let’s dive into all the crochet fun we’ve got going on this week, and believe me, there’s a lot.

A Little About Me

In case you’re new here, I’m Krista, and I live in Nairobi, Kenya now. Originally, I’m from Canada, born in Saskatchewan, and moved a few times from Alberta to British Columbia before landing here in Africa. How did I end up in Kenya? Well, I traveled here, met my husband, and fell in love with this beautiful country. One thing’s for sure—having better access to yarn makes Kenya even more amazing than it already is! Yup, for a long time, we had a pretty sad selection of yarn, but now we’re rich in fibers, and I couldn’t be happier.

This Week’s Big Stitchy News

Our family had a lively birthday party this week that involved Minions (if you know, you know) and some pretty awesome cupcakes from The Wicked Whisk. They outdid themselves with the sweet treats—so rich and delicious. We had a huge bouncy castle, complete with a slide that led into more bouncy fun. The kids didn’t get hurt (always a win), and it’s safe to say the party was a hit.

But let’s get into the crochet side of life. Last week I set this ambitious personal goal to calm down and stop starting new WIPs (works in progress). The next day? Yeah, I got an email inviting me to participate in a huge outdoor fair here in Nairobi on November 11-12. How do you say no to that? Spoiler: you don’t.

Crochet Training for Single Mothers in Kenya

I’ve decided to use this upcoming fair as a platform to train unemployed single moms in crochet. The idea is that I’ll teach them how to crochet some specific projects, give them yarn and hooks, and then buy the pieces back from them. This way, they get paid right away, and hopefully, I can sell their work at the fair to keep things going. It feels like a win for everyone involved, and it gives these women both employment and a creative outlet!

I trained my first student this week, and she’s already working on some really clever Christmas ornaments. These aren’t your average baubles, either! I came across these Accordion Ornaments on YouTube—they’re made entirely of yarn and they’re squishy enough for kids to safely throw around indoors.

Accordion Holiday Balls: Perfect for Kids AND Christmas

I love these crochet ornaments because they’re functional beyond the festive season! No need for glass or foam cores, just pure yarn, and they keep their shape while being so light and soft. My husband plays cricket and those hard leather balls aren’t exactly house-friendly (let’s not even get into the risk to the TVs). These crochet balls? Perfect! We’re talking about toddler-proof, indoor fun. 😄

I made a few variations of these from yarn I had on hand—larger ones for toddlers using t-shirt yarn and smaller ones for general home use. My student is already on her way to making nine of them in one week, fingers crossed!

Getting Ready for the Nairobi Fair

The big question: What should I sell at the fair? I’ve got a few ideas already, including some fantastic crocheted stool covers and mandalas. Oh, and I’ve started working on a Granny Square project bag. The color combinations are keeping me up at night! I’ve been experimenting with different handles, and I want to crochet something durable and comfy instead of using leather.

But I’m not done yet. I was lucky enough to find more stools that I can cover and sell. Now, I just need to crank out the tops in time for the fair. I’ve also ordered a dozen additional stools to pick up next week!

Community Feedback: What Colors Should I Use?

For the granny square bags, I’ve chosen a gorgeous alpaca blend that’s left me with two balls of yarn. What can I say? I’m torn. Should I use the yarn for the bags, or maybe just save it for something else? It’s chunky and lovely, but figuring out how well it’ll pair with other yarn is tricky. Feel free to drop your color opinions in the comments because I believe this colorway deserves some serious thought before it’s used!

If you’re into granny square bags like me (guilty!), check out some patterns available at Written Patterns Tagged "crochet pattern".

Crochet Tulip Pillow & Fun Market Bag Design

I’ve also been working on a Tulip Stitch Pillow that goes perfectly with lighter, more playful colors. I picked this yarn so it would show well on camera for tutorials, but the final product turned out great! If you haven’t seen it yet, there’s a complete tutorial series for this pillow available online.

Another exciting idea: market bags! I’m on a mission to help the local women I’m training crochet these bags. I envision them being super convenient, mesh-style, and easy to roll up for storage.

If you’re looking for easy starter projects for market bags, I’ve covered similar projects (basic bags and more) in my blog post Easy Crochet Projects for Beginners: Start Today!.

A Crochet Fair, Pillows, and Cat Toys?

Since we’re setting up a daybed at the fair, I’ll need to make pillows to decorate the tent. Plus, maybe some pillow covers to sell. If you’ve got any symbols of success at craft fairs, let me know, because I’m all ears!

I’ve even started exploring crochet cat toys. Why? Because someone suggested it, and honestly, it’s genius! Think of little yarn fish or balls filled with catnip. They’ll make a great addition to my display. Cats deserve some crochet love too! Let your imagination run wild—got cat toy ideas? Drop them in the comments below!

Oh, Hello Temperature Blanket...

Now, here’s where I laugh-cry: my temperature blanket. I swear I thought I’d be done by now, but nope. It’s sitting there, half-finished, staring at me like an abandoned pet. The idea was to crochet a row a day based on the temperature, with each birthday and meaningful day set apart by popcorn stitches. Am I behind? Just a little… Five months behind to be exact. 😳

I know I’ll finish it eventually, but for now, it’s on the back burner while I prep for November. Have I considered just doing six months and calling it done? Oh yes. But we shall see...

For inspiration, check out how others are faring with blanket projects in some of my older podcasts like August New Crochet Podcast Episode 162!.

Binder Cover in Crocodile Stitch—Why Not?

If you’re looking to experiment with crochet on a smaller scale, binder covers are where it’s at! My latest cover, made in crocodile stitch, turned out amazing. It’s a great way to play with a stitch you don’t use too often. I kept it simple with single crochet on the inside to finish it off, and it’s perfect for practicing your technique and creating something functional.

Final Thoughts and More Crochet Inspiration

I’ve got so many projects on the go right now, it’s hard to keep count. If you have any ideas for the fair (products, display, etc.), send them my way! From fair tent decorations to crochet cat toys, I’d love to know what’s worked for you at events.

And hey, if you’re working on a cool crochet project or just need inspiration, check out some of the free patterns I’ve been sharing at Written Patterns Tagged "crochet pattern".

I’m excited to keep going on all these projects, but it also feels a little overwhelming sometimes. Have you ever taken on more projects than you can handle?

Drop me a line, share your thoughts, and remember—stay hooked!