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Hey yarn lovers! Welcome back to episode 2 of The Secret Yarnery's crochet podcast. I’m so excited to share today’s projects because they’re extra special and personal—and, of course, super cozy! Let’s dive in!
I’ll go over a stunning blanket, my favorite slippers, and even some crafting updates. Plus, I’m working on something exciting for single moms. But first, let me show you what’s on my hook!
Okay, you know when a project just takes over your heart? Well, I’ve got one right here. I started with plans for a cocoon cardigan, but... I shifted gears, and now it’s a huge blanket. And huge might be an understatement—it’s 1.5 meters by 1.5 meters, super soft, and very very heavy! I used around 19 balls of chenille yarn to create this cozy beauty.
I love projects that start with one intention and turn into something totally different, don’t you? It's not just any blanket either; it's got the most adorable border I've ever made. I'll be sharing the actual tutorial for it soon, but I couldn’t wait to show it to you first. Spoiler: I’ll be making another one for myself, only this time in a coral color with cream accents. Isn’t that combo perfect?
Next, I’ve been rocking some custom crochet slippers that I'm calling my "two-hour slippers." Admittedly, they take slightly more time—more like an hour and fifteen minutes—but who's keeping track? They're fast, comfy, and use chenille paired with acrylic to create a soft, fuzzy texture.
They even have cute little flowers on the toes, which help you tell left from right (very helpful at night!). I might tweak the pattern a bit before I make the next pair, as my current ones are slightly too long at the heel. If you’re like me and can't have enough cozy footwear, you can find other simple projects like this, too!
Interested in patterns that are perfect for beginners? Check out this guide to Easy Crochet Projects for Beginners.
Another project I have to share is my Heidi Bears Tortoise! It’s this cute, chunky little tortoise with a fun textured shell. I used basic craft acrylic yarn and added adorable buttons for some personality. Sometimes, it's the little details—like matching buttons—that make a project feel complete.
Though I paid 60 cents each for these buttons, which felt like a lot at the time, I have zero regrets. They were just too cute to pass up. If you’re as into small creative projects as I am, don’t hesitate to experiment with lovable creatures like this one!
I can’t forget the crochet dress I made a while back! It’s a comfy, chenille dress that’s perfect for chilly weather. Starting from the top-down, it worked up pretty quickly, and now it’s my go-to for the colder months. The construction was simple: start at the collar, work your way down, and even build the sleeves afterward.
With October around the corner, though, the weather's about to heat up here in Nairobi (we can sometimes hit up to 30°C by Christmas!). So, I'm trying to wear my cozy dress as much as possible before it goes into hibernation.
Looking to explore more patterns? Check out this expansive collection of Crochet Patterns.
This week, I’m also getting a little adventurous in the sewing department. Some of my crochet ladies have expressed interest in learning sewing, so we’ve started working on lining our crochet bags with cotton to improve durability. Crocheted rope handles are also on my mind—I haven’t quite nailed the perfect pattern yet, but I’m thinking of experimenting with some thick, cozy designs. Imagine holding a bag with sturdy crochet rope handles!
Oh! And fun fact: I own six sewing machines. Yes, six. But I promise, there’s a reason for this madness—getting machines fixed here in Nairobi can be impossible, especially computerized ones. So, I've got backups on backups!
Speaking of being busy, I’m also organizing a crochet initiative to teach unemployed single mothers how to crochet. It’s still in its early stages, but I’m hopeful. I’ll likely be working on reusable bags for them to make and sell. You’ll definitely hear more about that soon, so stay tuned!
Need some inspiration for future projects? Check out this exploration of crochet adventures through Kenya.
That’s it for this week's crochet podcast! Things are a bit hectic on my end with birthday parties, teaching, and all the WIPs I’ve got going on, but that’s part of the fun, right? To everyone who’s been watching and following along, thank you. Your comments, likes, and even those occasional thumbs down (haha), mean the world to me!
Keep those hooks moving, and I’ll see you in the next episode.
Looking for more updates and tips? Check out the latest podcast episode here.
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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!
