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The BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#144 Hitting the Pause Button and Planning for GrowthFor the first time in BHooked Podcast history, I’m hitting the pause button and planning for growth. But this is not goodbye! The BHooked Podcast will return with episode 145 in 2020. I explain all of this in the details in episode, including why I’m hitting the pause button and what you can expect in the coming months from B.Hooked as well as what to expect from the show when it returns. If you want to get your crochet podcast fix in the meantime, browse through the archives of this podcast including more than 143 hour...2019-11-2815 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters# 143 Blogging Strategies for MakersWant to start a crochet or knitting blog but not sure where to start?There are a lot of things to consider when starting a blog and it can be really overwhelming when you think of all the things that must go into it. Powering through the overwhelm and finding answers to the most important questions is the first test for blogging success.In this episode of The BHooked Podcast you'll hear from, Brittany Lynch, who shares her best strategies for starting a crafting blog in 2019, growing an audience and maintaining a balance...2019-11-211h 04The BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#142 The Road to The Hook Nook Collection with Jessica CareyIf you're about to give up on your dream, don't. More often than not, the difference between success and failure is refusing to give up. And if you're scared? Kick fear in the face because fear is usually your best sign that you're doing the right thing and that you really care about the outcome.In this episode of The BHooked Podcast you'll hear Jessica Carey's inspiring story of how she kicked fear in the face and went after her biggest dream. Through the ups and downs she had to keep the excitement a...2019-11-1453 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#141 Crochet Challenge For Warm Up America 2019This challenge has concluded but you'll still learn some interesting stuff about Warm Up America in this episode.Sarah, from Warm Up America talks about Made With Love campaign they hold annually and it's mash up with the Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America. Items made and sent in for the challenge were hung in low-income areas, primarily in the Dallas TX area, so anyone walking by who needed them, could keep them for warmth.The 2019 challenge kicked off in November 2019 and has since concluded. But tune in, learn about how amazing The...2019-11-0752 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#140 Finding Yarn When It’s Less Available In Your AreaDo you live where craft stores and yarn shops are few and far between?Does this limit your creativity and motivation to start new crochet or knitting projects? You're certainly not alone.In this episode of The BHooked Podcast you'll hear from Caitie Moore, talented designer and crochet addict located in Cape Town, South Africa where yarn resources are a bit limited. In order to grow in her craft and pursue her passion as a designer, Caitie had to be resourceful to create patterns and projects she loves. She shares tips for finding...2019-10-311h 05The BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#139 Dye Yarn & Take Your Project to the Next LevelAre you looking for a way to take your projects to the next level?Try dying your own yarn! In this episode you'll hear from Ashley, talented dyer and maker behind Montana Crochet. Her passion for dying yarn really shines as she shares some tips for getting started and for achieving some really great looking coloration.Ashley is also very passionate about her maker business and the community as a whole. We wrap up this episode chatting a bit about where you can find inspiration for yarn dying experiments and tips for...2019-10-241h 03The BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#138 Minimalism for Makers & CraftersBeing a maker means lots of decisions and lots of "stuff".Sometimes that can feel a little overwhelming; yarn that seems it'll never get used; pattern decisions; project decisions. Should I use this color or that color? Wait maybe that stitch instead of this one?If you create with yarn, chances are you're no stranger to questions like these. A refreshing change of pace came in my chat with T from Debrosse, a maker, business owner and minimalist. In this episode I explored all the areas of minimalism as it relates to makers...2019-10-171h 04The BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#137 The Knit Vibe with Vickie HowellWhat does knitting and crochet do for you?This year has taken me on a journey of discovering my place in the community and figuring out how my strengths and values can enrich someone's life. Although knitting and crochet affects many areas of my life, at it's core, the process is what fuels me the most. Yarn does more for me than just make a pretty thing.That has become a mantra for me and you'll hear me say it more and more as B.Hooked grows and develops o...2019-10-101h 00The BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#136 Crafting Business – A Real Life StoryHave you been thinking about trying to earn additional income from your hobby?Whether you're ready to take the plunge and turn your hobby into a full time job or you just want to earn a little extra money each month, you're faced with a big decision. Do you make this change or not? Will it be worth it? Will it even work?When faced with the same decision, Brianna, from Life and Yarn asked herself "what do you care about more than failing?" This helped her realize the decision that needed to...2019-10-0352 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#135 A Day in the Life of Brittany (Updated 2019)A (flexible) routine keeps me focused, productive and happy.Honestly, I don't know what I would do without my daily and weekly routines. You can say I'm a creature of habit - for good reason. Habits just work for me.I'm often asked how I juggle a full time podcast and YouTube channel and still manage to create so many designs. There's no way I could get it all done without a solid plan. In this episode, I'll share my updated routine, schedule and habits with you. I hope sharing what works for...2019-09-2645 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#134 Eliminate the Thing We Hate About AmigurumiHate seams in amigurumi projects?Me too! I'm always worried I'll seam the piece on crooked or that it'll fall off someday. I know I'm not alone in this struggle so I was absolutely thrilled to chat with Melanie from Knot Too Shabby Crochet about how she eliminates seams in amigurumi altogether. Her new book, Hooked On Amigurumi, 40 Fun Patterns for Playful Crochet Plushies is filled with cute little projects to help you learn how to use shaping and color changes to eliminate seams and she shares her best tips with us today!2019-09-1946 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#133 Turning Inspiration into a DesignYou don't have to be a designer to use your surroundings to inspire projects.Truth is, you can inject little aspects of you, your likes and your world into anything you make. This episode and my chat with Vincent from Visuvios Crafts opened up my eyes to unique ways to find inspiration for projects and I'm even more energized to start something new.So whether you publish your designs or you just like to free style projects for your self or others, we can all benefit from Vincent's unique perspective on finding inspiration...2019-09-121h 05The BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#132 When Embroidery Meets CrochetDid you know you can use crochet as the foundation for embroidery?On their own, crochet and embroidery are amazing crafts, each with a flair that makes them unique. But together, it's a gorgeous combination. I was blown away when I learned about Andy from O&Y Studio, a talented maker in this community who blends her crochet and embroidery skills as well as love of flowers into one gorgeous and unique project. Whether you know how to embroider or not, in this episode of The BHooked Podcast you're sure to be inspired b...2019-09-0556 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#131 What You Wanted to Know About (Gauge Part 2)Are you completely confused by gauge?No worries! I'm back this week to answer even more of your questions about gauge and why it's one of the most important things to consider when designing or following crochet or knitting patterns. Here's the scoop...Don't worry, you're not alone! I turned to my Instagram community again this week to bring you another "what you wanted to know episode" to find out exactly what you need to know about gauge. So many questions were submitted that I'm breaking it into two episodes so I can...2019-08-2942 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#130 What You Wanted to Know About Gauge (Part 1)Are you completely confused by gauge?Don't worry, you're not alone! I turned to my Instagram community again this week to bring you another "what you wanted to know episode" to find out exactly what you need to know about gauge.Clearly this is a topic that needs clarification. After all, it's the single most important thing to consider when designing or following crochet or knitting patterns. So many questions were submitted that I'm breaking it into two episodes so I can answer as many of your questions about gauge as I can...2019-08-2233 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#129 Mastering Instagram for MakersDo you want to increase your engagement on Instagram?Doing so might be the jumping off point for your crochet or knitting business. No doubt t's the place many of us hang for the community and inspiration (and we've developed "Instagram skills" in the process), using it for business requires a different approach than a casual user. To get the most out of the time and effort you'll put into it, you'll need to master some business basics first.In this episode, you'll hear from Instagram savvy maker, April from OTH Crochet Nook...2019-08-1551 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#128 Basic Crochet Garment Design for First Time DesignersReady to make your first basic crochet garment?It's not quite as difficult as you might think but it's good to have a feel for basic crochet garment design before diving in. Here to help you understand the basics and get a little extra confidence boost is, Emily, crochet designer behind Hooked Hazel. Emily brings many talents to the crochet industry but she really has a nack for designing and making garments. In this episode of The BHooked Podcast you'll hear an abundance of her knowledge and experience with designing garments that are b...2019-08-0852 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#127 Crafting Made Simple with Stitch and StoryWhat does "Crafting Made Simple" mean to you?This episode is about exploring what yarn does for you beyond just making something pretty. This realization can help you identify your strengths and help you understand how to share those strengths in the crochet and knitting community. Simplicity and stories can help us identify what type of crafter we are, why we do what we do and how to inspire the next generation so they can enjoy these things too.To help me with this is Jen from Stitch and Story, a resource that's...2019-08-0147 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#126 The Benefits of Wooden Crochet HooksCurious why so many crocheters love working with wooden crochet hooks?The perfect crochet hook is in the eye of the beholder. So if you're on the hunt for the perfect crochet hook, the best thing you can do is try as many crochet hooks as possible. You'll know it when you find it. The perfect crochet hook will be effortless for you to crochet with. Any sign of frustration from dropping loops, snagging, dragging, will be a thing of the past.This episode will help you see the benefits of working with...2019-07-2551 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#125 Best Practices for Yarn SubstitutionHave you ever substituted yarn in a pattern and it didn't turn out quite right?Either the size was off or the finished project didn't look the same. Can I get a yes?! I had to learn the hard way that you can't use whatever yarn you want with the same hook or needle size and have it turn out right. But that's not to say yarn substitution isn't possible!In this episode of The BHooked Podcast you'll learn how to avoid the frustration that comes from substituting yarn and finishing a project...2019-07-1833 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#124 What You Wanted to Know About FiberConfused about what fiber to use for your project?You could learn the hard way or you can listen to this episode of the yarn mini-series for a place to start! Truth is, selecting the “right” fiber for your project involves a little knowledge and personal preference.I reached out to my Instagram community to learn exactly what you want to know about choosing fiber for your projects and they guided the conversation! In this out-of-the-norm episode, I answered as many of your questions as possible about making the right fiber choice and to b...2019-07-1134 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#123 Five Tips for Ordering Yarn OnlineAre you hesitant to order yarn online because you need to see and feel it first?I’ll be honest, I love the “thrill of the hunt” – going to a store like Joann’s or Michael’s not knowing what I’m going to find. You just can’t get the same tactile experience when ordering yarn online. But sometimes it’s something we have to do.Have you ever ordered yarn online and it wasn’t the right color? Or even worse, the textured wasn’t what you expected? You’re not alone here. I lost track...2019-07-0431 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#122 Six Steps to an Organized Yarn StashIs your yarn stash out of control?Don't worry, it happens to the best of us! I usually need to sort through and organize my yarn stash at least once a year. Admittedly, this isn't something I love scheduling time for but it does save me time in the long run!Here's the deal - organizing your yarn stash can do four things for you. First, it will save you money because you won't buy yarn you already have (that you forgot about). Second, it will save you time when looking for the...2019-06-2730 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#121 Granny Square InspirationAre you looking for a quick and portable project?The granny square is perfect! You can turn them into just about anything – blankets, purses, coasters, totes…and they work up with only scraps of yarn and a few spare minutes you find here and there.In this episode you’ll hear from Kate from Jellybean Junction and get an earful of granny square inspiration. She’ll share some traditional and different ways to use granny squares, how to incorporate color and texture to change things up and ultimately why the granny square is the perf...2019-06-2051 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#120 Tips for Making Crochet Tutorials on YouTubeDo you want to share what you know about crochet and knitting through tutorials on YouTube?Making the decision to put my first tutorial up on YouTube was quite literally life changing, I just didn’t know it at the time. If this is something you’re interested in exploring yourself, you’re in the right place to get started.In this episode of The BHooked Podcast you’ll hear from Sarah-Jayne, the creative yarn entrepreneur behind Bella Coco Crochet. She peels back the layers and shares everything you need to...2019-06-131h 06The BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#119 De-stress with CrochetWhat does crochet do for you?For so many of us crochet is more than just a hobby. For me it’s a creative outlet, a way to express myself and most importantly, a way of life. By recognizing what crochet does for you beyond making something pretty and practical, you can be even closer to the craft and have a story to share with the community. This story may inspire others to learn and reap the benefits of yarn.In this episode of The BHooked Podcast we have someone to share an in...2019-06-0648 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#118 Designing Simple Crochet Patterns to PublishAre you ready to design your first crochet pattern?Well don’t worry, it’s much easier to write your first crochet pattern if you keep it nice and simple to start out! Basic shapes and stitches are the perfect starting point and if you would like to add some interest, throw in some colorful stripes!In this episode of The BHooked Podcast you’ll hear from Krista from the blog, EasyCrochet.com (formerly known as Rescued Paw Designs). She shares just how easy the process of writing crochet patterns can be. This is pre...2019-05-3044 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#117 3 Big Struggles All Maker Businesses Will FaceAre you struggling to stay on top of your maker business?You’re so not alone, friend! We may not see it from the outside looking in, however, many makers are struggling with the same problems. Personal limitations, customer limitations, being original – all areas I’m sure you’re familiar with.How you handle this stress will make or break your maker business. Here to talk about that in more detail (since I am not a seller of goods myself) is Cristin, from the shop, Kozy Komforts. She has called herself a maker for seve...2019-05-2354 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#116 Finding Your Voice in the Crochet CommunityAre you ready to start publishing designs?Listen to this first! Making the decision to start publishing your crochet and knitting patterns may be the best thing you ever did but it’s not always easy. The first step is to find your place within the crochet community – in other words, what uniqueness do you have to share?In this episode I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Rohn Strong, full time blogger, designer and instructor. He has been published in magazines and made an appearance on The Knit and Crochet Now TV s...2019-05-1655 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#115 Getting Started with Tapestry CrochetTake your crochet up a notch with tapestry crochetHave you ever seen a project with words magically incorporated into the stitches? Or maybe what looked like a photograph from a distance but was actually a crochet blanket? If so, you have seen the beauty of tapestry crochet.In this episode of The BHooked Podcast I’m joined by Amber, from the blog Divine Debris, an up and coming tapestry crochet designer and all round tapestry crochet fanatic. You’ll learn the fundamentals of tapestry crochet and how you can incorporate it in your...2019-05-0949 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#114 The Story of a Crochet Design BusinessHave you ever wondered what it would be like to earn a living with crochet?It seems crazy, I know, but you can make a supplemental income with crochet. Whether your goal is to make yarn money, family vacation funds or a full time living, it’s possible. There are hundreds (dare I say thousands?) of people out there who are making a full or part time income with their crochet skills.In this episode of The BHooked Podcast you’ll hear from one of those people. Meghan from the blog, Meghan Makes Do...2019-05-0251 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#113 Color Theory and CrochetNeed help choosing Colors for your next project?Whether it’s a matter of indecisiveness or simply not knowing which colors go together, choosing colors for projects is often a struggle for a lot of people. Did you know you can use color theory to help you? Now you don’t have to have an artistic background or be a pro, but knowing the basics will help out a lot.In this episode of The BHooked Podcast I’ll walk you through the important aspects of color theory as it relates to knitting and cr...2019-04-2534 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#112 Side Hustle Yarn Business Meets Full Time JobAre you trying to balance your full time job and your side hustle business?This is no easy task. Finding a balance usually involves is a ton of trial and error, lots of help from your friends and family and a little inspiration from others trying to balance it all too. Today I’m joined by, Melissa, side hustle maker behind the website and Instagram, Woods and Wool. Melissa has a full time job that she loves and chooses to balance that with her passion project and side hustle.In this episode of Th...2019-04-1847 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#111 Tech Editing & Gauge – What You Need To KnowNot sure how to make your patterns available in more than one size (without making them all)?Whether you aspire to be a professional tech editor, need to learn how to tech edit your own patterns or simply have no clue what gauge is, there is something valuable for you in this episode!I’m joined by professional tech editor, Emily from Fiat Fiber Arts and we made it our personal mission to help you with gauge. She’ll help you understand what it means to tech edit a pattern (for those of you...2019-04-1158 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#110 Crochet Blogging – A Real Life StoryHave you ever wondered what it would be like to be a crochet blogger?Maybe it’s your goal to start a crochet blog but you’re just not sure if it’s right for you. Starting a crochet blog is the best thing I have ever did. It gives me purpose, keeps me on my toes and provides a creative outlet for my endless ideas. That’s a common theme with this week’s guest, Meg, from Megmade With Love.Meg started a crochet blog not long ago and she shares the successes...2019-04-0446 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#109 Tips for Writing Crochet Patterns (I Wish I Knew Sooner)Have you been thinking about designing and writing up your own patterns?Great! It’s an incredibly useful skill whether you strive to be a full or part time crochet designer or you just want to record a pattern for your own reference. When you understand the process of writing patterns, following patterns becomes a whole lot easier.In this episode of The BHooked Podcast, I’ll share some of the tips I wish I heard when I started writing patterns. I’ll also let you in on some of the lessons I’ve learn...2019-03-2827 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#108 Making Easy, Yet Pretty Pieces in Crochet & KnittingPretty doesn’t have to be complicatedWhen was the last time you looked at a crochet or knit piece and thought to yourself, “that looks way to complicated for me”? Well, I’d be willing to bet it’s not nearly as complicated as it looks.In this episode of The BHooked Podcast, Jessica from Mama In a Stitch is here to tell you just how easy “complicated” projects can be. She’s been doing it for years and her website is centered around the idea of making easy yet pretty pieces in crochet and k...2019-03-2154 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#107 An Introduction to Colowork KnittingWant to learn more about colorwork knitting?It is such a beautiful way to shake up your knitting routine and although there are certainly advanced colorwork knitting techniques, there are some simple ones too. When you’re not sure how to make your next project stand out, use simple stitch patterns and let the color shine.In this episode of The BHooked Podcast you’ll learn important lessons in colorwork knitting from the very basic to the more complex. Ella Austin, author of the book, Beginners Guide to Colorwork Knitting: 16 Projects and Techniques to L...2019-03-1450 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#106 All About Tunisian CrochetHave you tried Tunisian Crochet before?It's one of my favorite forms of crochet. Using a different style of hook, with Tunisian crochet, you're able to create stitches that are completely unique. You can even create stitches that look like knit!If you haven't tried this wonderful form of crochet before, I hope this episode will inspire you to give it a try. You'll hear from, Toni Lipsey, of TL Yarn Crafts and she shares her wisdom and enthusiasm for Tunisian crochet while giving you a good foundation and starting point.2019-03-0745 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#25 Creating a Crochet Heirloom & Caring for the Ones You HaveWhat special crochet project do you have in your life? I bet every single one of us has a special project that comes to mind when we hear the phrase “crochet heirloom”, whether it be something we made or something we received. For me, the act of giving a crochet project is very special to me. It’s how you say “thank you”, “I love you”, “your very special to me” and everything in between. It’s a powerful way to express yourself and your feelings toward the recipient. Today’s Guest I had the pleasure of meeting Amy from Yarn Valet at 2017-08-171h 05The BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#21 Amigurumi Tips & TricksThe art of crocheting stuffed animals and characters. Amigurumi is one of the most creative forms of crochet. You can crochet something that looks and feels like it comes to life! There are so many different ways to inject your personality through amigurumi and I’m here to open up your eyes to this special form of crochet. One of my favorite creations is “Layla Bunny”. She brings so much joy to my office space! I had a vision for a floopy and sweet bunny and followed through the design. It was such a rewarding experience! Today’s Guest I’m join...2017-07-201h 16The BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#14 Teaching Others to CrochetTeaching Others to Crochet can be so much fun! I have been teaching others to crochet for more than four years now and I’ve yet to find something more rewarding. I get so much joy out of sharing something I’m so passionate about to others who then go on to make it their passion. It’s a beautiful circle! Any one can teach crochet. You really don’t need a special degree or certification, you just need patience and of course, know the content you’re teaching. Now if you’re going to make it a career, requirements...2017-06-011h 06The BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#2 Getting Familiar with Pattern FormatHow to Read Crochet Patterns - the million dollar question.If teaching people how to read crochet patterns were easy, we would all know how to do it. It's a difficult topic because we must cross a barrier of concrete and conceptual understanding - the act of taking a concept and turning it into a physical object.I've set out on a very long journey to answer that question because I know you probably struggle with it in some way or another. We couldn't possibly answer it in one episode so I'm breaking...2017-03-0928 minThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & Knitters#1 Your New Crochet Podcast Starts HereThe BHooked Podcast for Crocheters & KnittersToday’s show will be a little different from the norm. Since this is our first episode, I’d like to formally introduce myself and share how I got started with crochet and my brand. We’ll talk a bit about B.Hooked, how it got started and why a podcast is so valuable to my method of teaching.We’ll cover formalities of the show – what to expect and when. But most importantly, we’re going to explore how this podcast will benefit you and why you should c...2017-02-2830 min