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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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".
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!.
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!
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!.
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.
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!
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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!
