April 03, 2024 3 min read
Hi, Christa here!! As I sit down to share my latest crochet ventures, I can't help but marvel at the unique journey my craft has taken me on, especially here in Kenya. From the vibrant colors of the yarn to the bustling streets of Nairobi, every stitch tells a story of creativity and connection. Join me as I dive into the world of crochet against the backdrop of East Africa.
Crochet has always been my passion, but living in Kenya has added a whole new dimension to my craft. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding time to crochet can be a challenge. With four kids, a menagerie of pets, and the occasional snores of my French Bulldog in the background, my crochet time is precious and cherished. Yet, it's these moments of tranquility amidst the chaos that fuel my creativity and bring joy to my soul.
One of my current projects is a majestic lion's head, with its mane cascading in intricate loops and swirls. Each stitch is a testament to patience and perseverance, a reminder that beauty often takes time to unfold. As I work on this project, I'm reminded of the rich tapestry of life in Kenya – vibrant, diverse, and full of surprises.
Living in Kenya has taught me to embrace the unexpected and find beauty in the everyday. From navigating the bustling streets of Nairobi to learning to drive on the opposite side of the road, every day is an adventure. And while the potholes may be challenging, they serve as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the journey.
One aspect of Kenyan life that has left a lasting impression on me is the sense of community. Despite our differences, we come together to celebrate, to mourn, and to support one another. Whether it's sharing a cup of chai with a neighbor or attending a traditional Kenyan wedding, I've found warmth and hospitality wherever I go.
Through my crochet journey, I've had the opportunity to connect with fellow crafters from around the world. Despite the miles that separate us, our love for yarn transcends borders and languages. Whether it's swapping patterns, sharing tips, or simply admiring each other's work, the global crochet community is a source of inspiration and camaraderie.
One of my fondest memories is participating in a crochet holiday here in Kenya. Bringing together crafters from near and far, we spent a week immersed in yarn, laughter, and friendship. From crocheting on safari to lounging on the beach, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left a lasting impression on all who attended.
As I wrap up another day of crocheting in Kenya, I'm filled with gratitude for the journey that brought me here. From the lion's head taking shape on my hook to the vibrant colors of the Kenyan landscape, every moment is a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us. And as I continue on my crochet journey, I'm excited to see where the yarn will take me next.
So, whether you're crocheting in the heart of Africa or halfway around the world, remember that every stitch tells a story – a story of creativity, connection, and the joy of crafting. As we embark on this journey together, may we find beauty in every stitch and warmth in every yarn.
Happy crocheting!
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Dive into my review of wooden yarn holders from AliExpress and see how they stack up. Perfect for crochet enthusiasts needing a smoother crafting experience, I evaluate budget-friendly options like the $6 Bamboo Yarn Holder and the $11.70 Magnetic Yarn Holders. Find out which holder spins effortlessly and which one falls short. Should you add these to your crochet toolkit? Let's find out!
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I bit the bullet (a quilter of 20 years), admitted that crochet also takes experience to succeed. So, I tried "The Secret Yarnery" pattern for Granny Square beginners. It was stress free, fun and I learned a lot about tension. And I now have a beautiful baby afghan for my new granddaughter. Thank you to the Secret Yarnery!
Everything I need in one place to be creative and I can photocopy extras of the pages I use most to customise my planning. I use it as my main diary, even for work and upcoming events. It inspires me to focus on my creative pursuits too. Love it!
Love this item going to put little gifts in it on the tree ,just tying in tails.
I am really impressed with the quality of this written pattern as well as the video tutorial. Both are clear and detailed. I am not done with my striped cardigan yet, but it's coming together nicely (though I'm not so sure about my choice to use up yarn I already have with individual stripes!)... so many tails to sew in!! My advice would be to buy self-striping yarn like she does in the video.
Easy to follow pattern! Super base for the rectangle or other larger projects.
Keep the tutorials coming and with written and visual instructions to follow along so beginners can learn. Thank you for your help.
I think there is a mistake in the written pattern. It says to do a half double crochet twice, when it is only supposed to be once
Thank you to the Secret Yarnery for this pattern! Can't go wrong with this one, it really is easy and fast to make - I'm on my 2nd one already and plan to do more! You really don't need to look any further if you're looking to make a scarf - you will not be disappointed. In fact, you'll have fun making it (I did!) Happy crocheting!
Thank you for writing a pattern that is amazingly easy to follow and help me produce a stunning piece!!
Wow! I can't believe I made this beautiful toran. Well, yes I can since I followed this easy pattern! Again, wow! How fun was this to make! Super-duper easy to make and you can be as creative as you like by choosing colours, placement of colours to form pattern(s), number of leaves, etc. so it truly can be personalized for any occasion! Love the Secret Yarnery patterns and tutorials - thank you so much for your time, efforts, and for sharing your talent with the rest of us in the world!
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.
Glad I found this pattern. I love it.