Projects, Projects Everywhere! Welcome to Crochet Podcast Episode 161

Hi everyone! It’s Christa from The Secret Yarnery, and welcome to Crochet Podcast Episode 161! I’ve got a lot to share with you today, from some emotional updates about Jasper National Park to my latest crochet projects, finished objects, and work-in-progress (WIPs) that I can’t wait to show you. Let’s dive right in!

Sending Love to Jasper National Park

Before I dive into any crochet goodness, I just need to send a big hug and all my condolences to everyone affected by the devastating forest fires in Jasper National Park. For those of you who don’t know, I actually spent part of my childhood growing up there. It's been 40 years now since I moved from Jasper, but the news hit hard because I have so many memories from that time.

I saw some footage of the destruction and it’s heartbreaking. The gas stations are gone, trees are nothing but sticks, and it feels like everything is just wiped out. Even though I haven’t been back in decades, I always thought I'd take my kids to show them my old house. It’s tough knowing that might be gone. A big hug goes out to everyone heavily impacted by these fires. Now, let me shift gears and share some crochet joy to help brighten our day.

Let’s Talk Crochet!

Okay, enough of the sad stuff. Time for some finished objects and some crochet happiness!

Finished Object: Diamond Acorn Bed Runner

I’m bursting with excitement to show you my latest finished project—the Diamond Acorn Bed Runner! We had some fun picking out a name for this one, and "Diamond Acorn" won the vote. Why? Well, the yarn pattern looks like acorns, and the gaps between the stitches come together in diamond shapes. I knew right away how perfect that name was.

This bed runner is being made using some gorgeous worsted weight yarn. It's 800 grams in total—two full packs of wonderful acrylic yarn from Ice Yarns. I also worked with magic worsted, which gave it a fresh feel for the spring. The best part? This design can be tailored to your bed’s specific dimensions, whether you want it narrow and long or short and wide.

The special part about this bed runner is its versatility—every row starts and ends the same way. You don’t have to worry about where you’re at in the pattern. Plus, natural fibers would work beautifully for this if you want that extra bit of drape. But really, use whatever yarn you have on hand—it'll still be stunning.

Stay tuned because this tutorial will be live next week. I’m tirelessly editing the video to break down the Diamond Acorn Bed Runner in easy-to-follow steps, including the border, which is my favorite part. You can find other detailed crochet tutorials on the blog in the meantime!

What About the Pattern?

For anyone who likes written patterns, it’s coming soon right after the tutorial is up. I’ve learned to film the tutorial first, then write the pattern. That way, everything lines up perfectly. In the past, I’d write patterns before filming, and there would be slight differences between the video and pattern causing some confusion. No more of that! Everything will be crystal clear for this release!

Works In Progress (WIPs)

My current project list is, well, a bit wild. Here’s a rundown of what’s on my hook right now.

First Up: Ambient Shawl Redo

Remember the ambient shawl? I’m redoing it, and this time, I’m using the same yarn as the Diamond Acorn bed runner—magic worsted! I’ve already worked up three balls of yarn into a C2C (corner-to-corner) triangle. The yarn works so well for this type of project, giving it an enchanting color fade effect as I go.

I love C2C projects because, seriously, the stitch pattern looks amazing with this yarn. The deeper I go into the shawl, the more the colors work magic together. It’s almost like painting but with yarn!

C2C Squares: A Crochet Challenge

Now, as if one C2C project wasn’t enough, I’m also working on some C2C squares for another blanket idea. These squares are worked up in the same yarn, but instead of keeping to a triangle shape, I’m creating squares! The original idea was to put them together into a diamond pattern—like checkerboard-style.

The challenge? Yarn quantity! I’m working with what I have without ordering more. I have enough yarn left to make 16 squares, but that’s not quite enough for the rectangular blanket I want. So, I may opt for a 4x4 square layout and make it more of a throw than a bedspread. We’ll see!

You know, it’s such a balancing act between using up stash yarn and creating something that really delights you. For now, I’m holding off on buying any more yarn and seeing where this project leads.

Project Solutions: A Yarn Mix-Up

While figuring this all out, I had a lightbulb moment! Since one project wasn’t working the way I wanted, I thought, "What if I combine the yarn from two different WIPs?" I had this ambient yarn set aside for a shawl and realized I could use it to finish my C2C squares project. A checkerboard of color emerged in my mind—dark purples and oranges mixed with turquoise accents, spot-on for creating something really unique. You just have to be open to possibilities when you crochet!

The Search for the Perfect Shawl

While working on all these big ideas, I stumbled across a new yarn in my stash—and oh my goodness, it was love at first sight! I can’t believe I didn’t use it right away. It’s perfect for a standout Luscious Shawl! It has such gorgeous undertones and nuanced color changes. I can see it paired with so many outfits, from jeans to summer dresses. This shawl will be wearable art!

And while I’m on the subject of shawls, I can't forget that with projects like this, sometimes joining squares or keeping color patterns in check becomes a whole strategy in itself. Are you familiar with the “join as you go” method? It's perfect for avoiding seams later on, though I'll admit it can make it harder to control exactly where your color changes will fall.

Yarn Spinner Love!

Let me tell you about one of my favorite tools—a yarn spinner. If you’re not familiar with this delightful accessory, let me assure you, it's a crochet life-saver. Yarn spinners keep your skeins from collapsing into a tangled mess. I’ve tried quite a few of them, but the one I’m using now... wow, it's next-level good. It rotates effortlessly and stops any annoying jerkiness while crocheting.

However, not all spinners are created equal. If you're working with a larger ball of yarn—something like 200 grams or more—it can break down and splay out a bit too much. For a full yarn management guide and a look at my favorite spinner tools, make sure to check out some of the crochet tips and tricks on the blog.

My Fitness Journey: Gym Adventures with the Family

On a personal note, my crochet hook isn’t the only thing keeping me busy these days—I've also been focusing on getting stronger. After a bit of a scare when I injured my hip just from sleeping wrong, I knew it was time to do something about it. Pilates helped, but let’s be real, it got way too expensive. So, now the entire family is heading to the gym. We go almost every day!

Even though it’s been years since I’ve set foot inside a gym, having a trainer is a game-changer. I haven’t felt this strong in years! Now my days include early gym sessions, which, okay, eats into my crochet time a little, but it’s worth it for my health! There’s nothing like working up a sweat in the morning and still having the whole day to crochet without feeling guilty. If you’re balancing fitness with your crochet hobbies, you get it!

Wrapping Up: Wip Wednesday & What’s Next

Before I close out this episode, I want to mention something fun: Wip Wednesday! It’s a new series idea where we crochet together for about 15 minutes, tackle some fun exercise ideas, and just hang out. Some people think it should be longer—what do you think? I’m keen to know if you enjoyed it or if you’d like more. This is a time to get comfy, grab a project, and crochet along with me.

Lastly, I know I said I’d give an update on pets like Mabel, Churchill, and Chickpea, but time got away from me. Don’t worry though! I haven’t forgotten, and I’ll include a full update in an upcoming episode. Be on the lookout for more crochet awesomeness and some adorable pet updates soon!

Make sure you're subscribed so you don’t miss episode 162 or any future episodes. You can check out the latest crochet projects, patterns, and tutorials available on the site, and if you’re feeling inspired, get those hooks out and let’s create some magic together!