Podcast appearances and mentions of tamara kelly

In this episode, Tamara joins Steve and Cassy to share her inspiring story of recovering from an addiction to pornography. Tamara's struggle with addiction inspired her to learn more about God and as a result she developed a more meaningful connection with him. She no longer views Him as a “genie” but rather her friend who she loves dearly. If you would like to connect with Tamara you can visit her website at www.Tamara-Kelly.com. If this episode resonates with you, or if you know someone who needs a reminder of God's open arms, please share the link to this episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid, we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid.Do you have a story you are willing to share?  Email our Podcast Executive Director Jeremy at jeremy@unashamedunafraid.com. 

Anyone hungry for hot chicken? We know we are after this delicious conversation with Ms. André Prince Jeffries and Tamara Kelly of Prince's Hot Chicken royalty.

There's a graveyard in Sicily where some Maritime soldiers are buried from WWII. Tamara Kelly-Beckett from the D-Day Dodgers Foundation talks about efforts to find photos of the vets. We hear about National Indigenous Veterans Day. And on the phone-in: Do short-term rentals need to be regulated?

Community centres in Saint John act as important neighborhood hubs, but what happens when those centres are closed to kids 12 and under. Tamara Kelly over at the Nick Nicolle Centre tells host Julia Wright how they're managing the latest pandemic restrictions.

Vision and accountability in policing are more important than ever. Katelin Dean and Tamara Kelly are the two newest members of the Saint John Police Commission, which provides oversight for law enforcement in the city.

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 187 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Yumi Yarns Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins C2C Blanket Pattern: Corner to Corner Start tutorial by Lauri Bolland Hook: I (5.25mm) Yarn: Vanna’s Choice 3 skeins each of (pink) and (light gray) Border- I used the first round from this tutorial.  858 meters Red Thumper Hat Pattern: Thumper Hat by Jennifer Lassonde ($5 knitting pattern) Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and US 8 (5.0 mm) Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca 128 meters Pan the Alien Pattern: Allen the Alien Amigurumi by Abby Sy (free crochet pattern) Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: Worsted Weight Superwash Wool, blue white and green. 44 meters Demic the Round Plus Alien Pattern: Round Plush Alien by Janet Carrillo (free crochet pattern) Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: Worsted Weight Superwash Wool, blue white and green. 38 meters Misfit Scrappy Sock  Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarn Twist Sock in the We R All Misfits (self striping). Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Minis in 2 colors of green 241 meters Paton’s Kroy Socks for Gram Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Patons Kroy Green Stripe Ragg Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) 212 meters PrideSockathon2020 Socks Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Rainbow Colorway & Paton’s Kroy (coal) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Cast on for Abigail of Covert Knits Video Podcast Pride Sockathon 2020 runs through June 30th. #pridesockathon2020  Abigail is donating money to The Trevor Project for each pair she finishes. I donated $60.60 when I finished this pair. 272 meters  Stash Dash Total to date: 8,463 meters (20K here I come) On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Summer 2020 Wash Cloths Round 2 Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia Hook: J (6.0 mm) Yarn: Lily Sugar n’Cream 30+ in second round so far! Goal is to use up all of this stash. Chevron Scrap Blanket Pattern: Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria’s Blue Crayon Yarn: Various acrylic worsted weight yarn from stash Hook: J (6.0 mm) This is a great stash buster. I need at least 16g to make one stripe of 7 rows & 10g to make a corner Spinning Corriedale to ply with BFL 8oz of corriedale (natural cream color) First 4 oz done. Brainstorming The Crochet Luna Podcast is hosting an August MAL for these Soap Sacks. Fortune’s Shawlette crochet pattern by Tamara Kelly $4.00 Hatching Alien by Kayte-Did’s Free crochet pattern KAL News Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. Check out the Quarter 2 Thread April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Thank you to our Quarter 2 Sponsors: Prairie Bag Works, NahSt Designs, Yumi Yarns Designs, agirlandherwool, Holly Press Fibers Quarter 3: July 1- September 30 – Lessen the Library– check out the Ravelry Thread here. Quarter 3 Sponsors: Sunsoaked Yarns, Apple Fiber Studio, Cookie and Bees Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter: #FreetheFavorites #LessentheLibrary #SlaytheStash Splash Pad Party  Check out the Start Here Thread for Details & Links to everything you need Pro Shop Sponsors: 2 Guys Yarn Company Adoreknit agirlandherwool BedeSisters & Blueberry Chick Yarn Fibernymph Dye Works Jennifer Lassonde Designs Prairie Bag Works Rising Tide Fiber Co Sunsoaked Yarns Yumi Yarns Designs Snack Shack Sponsors Anne Beady Designs Apple Fiber Studio Cookie and Bees Fair Winds Farm Irocknits Designs Keegan Lane Designs Kino Knits Knitters Brewing Company Legacy Fiber Artz NähSt Design Pearl and Plum Progress Keepers by Meliabella The Sensible Stitcher Tune in to hear if your name was randomly selected for a June participation prize. Keep posting in Poolside chat thread and use #splashpadparty20 on IG.  Events Stash Dash, hosted by the Knit Girllls, runs May 22- August 22, 2020. Check out the Chat Thread & the Rules in the Knit Girllls Podcast group Tour de Fleece runs from Saturday June 27 to Sunday July 19  Life in Focus Goals for year- 7 patterns- 3x week workouts 3x week workouts are still going strong. Design- I finished the knitting and most of the writing of another pattern (which will be #5 for the year).  Continuing work on Me & White Supremacy workbook. I need to revisit my 20 for 2020 list because some things like visiting 2 new cities just won’t be realistic.  On a Happy Note Walking with my BFF while kids worked in yard with Dan.  Two tiny fawns and their moms who are hanging around our property a lot right now.  Father’s Day at my parents with my brother’s 3 kids. Outdoor movie night. Seafood. Swimming. Judging jumps off the diving board using the score cards Riley made (0.0, 1, 2 and 3)  Oisin’s birthday. Dan playing guitar again. Date night at the Drive In to see the new Lion King.  Quote of the Week “There is no such thing as an empty space or an empty time. There is always something to see, something to hear.” — John Cage :Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 186 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: agirlandherwool & Fibernymph Dye Works I started the show with a bit of my perspective on and support for Black Lives Matter. Tune in to hear the details. I also shared a quote from Gretchen Rubin from Episode 267 of the Happier Podcast. “The things of ordinary life can seem trivial especially at times like this but big things coexist with little things— and by taking care of little things– and our own lives —we strengthen ourselves to take action on big things. And to turn outward— and to think about other people and the right action we can take in the world.” Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Mixed BFL Mixed BFL: Call Me Row-Bear from 2GuysYarn Wheel: Kromski Minstrel  2 ply yarn  312.7 meters.  Stash Dash Total: 938 meters Christmas Stocking for Jenna & Cecilia Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stocking by Family Circle Magazine 1977 (not available online anymore) Yarn: Patons Classic Worsted in Bright Red Hook: F (3.75mm) 912 meters  Happiest Blanket Ever 2  Pattern: Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (Pastel Green) for Main Color. Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop in the Tutti Fruitti Colorway  Hook: K (6.5 mm) Cast on for Baby Size. Chain 154. MC- 783 meters, CC: 429 meters: about 90 meters for last round of border in a salmon color. Total: 1304 meters for stash dash FO= 51 inches long  and 37 inches wide 2 Blues 32oz Jar Cozy Pattern: None Hooks: 3.5 mm (E), 3.75 mm (F),4.0 mm (G) Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up in Sky and Denim 46 meters   Rainbow Cozy Large (32oz jar) Pattern: None Hooks: 3.5 mm (E), 3.75 mm (F),4.0 mm (G) Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up- Black, worked my way through rainbow. Purple to red. Black body. Pink round at the top. 59 meters   Stash Dash Summer Dishcloths Round 1 Yarn: Lily Sugar n’Cream Hook: J (6.0 mm) Pattern: Solid Granny Square I’m trying to work through my entire stash of Lily Sugar n’ Cream cotton. My firstbatch of summer washcloths = 32 cloths. 454 grams/ 704 meters Stash Dash Total (to date): 6,670 meters On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Quarantine Socks Yarn: Berroco Sox in Colorway 1415 Portsoy (self striping grays and blues) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Finished first sock- 38g.   Almost through leg of second sock.    Misfit Scrappy Sock  Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarn Twist Sock in the We R All Misfits (self striping). Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Minis in 2 colors of green   PrideSockathon2020 Socks Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Rainbow Colorway & Paton’s Kroy (black) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Cast on for Abigail of Covert Knits Video Podcast Pride Sockathon 2020 runs through June.  Abigail is donating money to The Trevor Project for each pair she finishes and I think I’ll do the same.  Natural Tans BFL Fiber: 4 oz BFL from Beesy Fibers. Wheel: Kromski Minstrel Plan is to spin 8 oz cream/undyed Corriedale and spin a 3 ply.  C2C Blanket Pattern: Corner to Corner Start tutorial by Lauri Bolland Hook: I (5.25mm) Yarn: Vanna’s Choice 3 skeins each of (pink) and (light gray) Thanks to walshcentral- Maryann for inspiration and link to pattern on Ravelry. I found this tutorial very useful to get my head around the construction. I used this link for Border help  but found that I was getting too much flare, so after first round of (chain 3, sc) instead of DC in each chain, I did 2 DC, then DC in the SC below.  Brainstorming Chevron Scrap Blanket by Maria’s Blue Crayon Graceful by Kristina Smiley free crochet pattern for Expression Fiber Arts KAL News Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here. Check out the Quarter 2 Thread April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Knit any projects you have “hearted” over the year with the hopes of knitting them someday. That day will arrive. Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any pattern that was favorited over 5 yearsIt can be something you’ve made before Thank you to our Quarter 2 Sponsors: Prairie Bag Works, NahSt Designs, Yumi Yarns Designs, agirlandherwool, Holly Press Fibers. Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter: #sQuelchtheQueue#FreetheFavorites#LessentheLibrary#SlaytheStash& you can always add #downcellarstudiopodcast Splash Pad Party – Check out the Start Here Thread for Details & Links to everything you need Pro Shop Sponsors: 2 Guys Yarn Company Adoreknit agirlandherwool BedeSisters & Blueberry Chick Yarn Fibernymph Dye Works Jennifer Lassonde Designs Prairie Bag Works Rising Tide Fiber Co Sunsoaked Yarns Yumi Yarns Designs Snack Shack Sponsors Anne Beady Designs Apple Fiber Studio Cookie and Bees Fair Winds Farm Irocknits Designs Keegan Lane Designs Kino Knits Knitters Brewing Company Legacy Fiber Artz NähSt Design Pearl and Plum Progress Keepers by Meliabella The Sensible Stitcher Events Stash Dash, hosted by the Knit Girllls, runs May 22- August 22, 2020. Check out the Chat Thread & the Rules in the Knit Girllls Podcast group Contest, News & Notes My latest knitting pattern is available on Ravelry! The Ice Time Mitts pattern is $5 on Ravelry.   Yarn Main Color: Legacy Fiber Artz DK, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon. 100 grams, 245 yards / 224 meters. Colorway – Grey Gardens (grey) Contrast Color: Cloudborn Fibers Highland DK, 100% Fine Highland Wool. 50 grams, 164 yards / 150 meters. Colorway – Maize Heather (mustard). Yarn Used in Sample (Medium): Main Color used 30 grams, 74 yards / 68 meters. Contrast Color used 22 grams, 71 yards / 65 meters. Sizes Small (Medium, Large) Finished palm circumference: 6 (7, 8) in / 15.25 (17.75, 20.25) cm Intended to fit with no-ease to a little bit of negative ease. Select the size that is closest to your handcircumference as measured just below the knuckles. If you are between sizes, I’d recommend going down to a smaller size Pattern Info Pattern has 2 linked video tutorials- how to work the 1×1 cable without a cable needle and without dropping the stitch off your needles. How to do the Jeny’s surprisingly stretchy BO on 1×1 rib.  Tech edited and test knit. Life in Focus I talk about focusing on committing to my own anti-racism education and how I can sustain both education and action. Resources mentioned: Me & White Supremacy Book by Layla Saad &  Justice in June  Ask Me Anything Shateen Amanda asked: What is your current favorite lunch or snack? Lunch- Siracha Ranch salad (salad with any veggies I have in my fridge and the Siracha Ranch dressing from Trader Joe’s) Snack- fruit. or popcorn   Limestone knits asked: What are your favorite cardigan patterns I’ve only knit 4 adult cardigans. Rocky Coast by Hannah Fettig, Lush Cardigan by Tin Can Knits, Mezzo Cardigan by Alexis Windslow, Sandbar Cardi- crochet pattern by Toni Lipsey. I’ve learned something through each one- about fit and fiber content… Not sure cardigans are my thing. My favorite of these is the Mezzo Cardigan. On a Happy Note Attending a peaceful BLM protest in Boston. Figuring out what my family feels comfortable with for visiting. Riley and Millie knitting at the pool Kayaking with Dan Seeing a buck in the backyard. Celebrating my 40th birthday! Visiting with family after the kids come here on Saturdays to work in the woods with Dan. Quote of the Week The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but building the new. -Socrates Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 185 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included: Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming Crafty Adventures Knitting in Passing KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Adoreknit Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Shy Little Unicorn  Pattern: Shy Little Unicorn by Ana Paula Rimoli Hook: C (2.75 mm) Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable Solids (white), Knit Picks Brava Worsted (various solids) + acrylic stash yarn scraps Happiest Blanket Ever Pattern: Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (white) for Main Color. Worsted Acrylic partial skeins for accent colors. Hook: K (6.5 mm) Cast on for Baby Size. Chain 154. 1082 meters Pint Sized Blue Ball Band Pattern: Ball Band by Jennifer Lassonde (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Ip in the Navy & Sky colorways Hooks: F (3.75 mm) and G (4.0 mm) 41 meters Staci’s Stitches Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plus Sock in the Staci’s Stitches colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) 280 meters Cozy Classic Raglan Pattern: Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Maed Designs Needles: US 3 for Ribbing. US 7 for body Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK in color 547 Sunny Knitting Size Medium. Short sleeved. Full length 350g of yarn. 805 meters.  My 1st Spinning Project Wool: 4 oz Gray undyed Corriedale from purchased BeesyBee on Etsy.  $6.75  Wheel: Kromski Minstrel  2 plies spun Z twist. Plied S twist 166.4 meters. Stash Dash meters x3- 499.2 meters  2707 meters for Stash Dash to date On the Needles, Hook or Bobbin Happiest Blanket Ever 2  Pattern: Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (Pastel Green) for Main Color. Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop in the Tutti Fruitti Colorway  Hook: K (6.5 mm) Summer 2020 Wash Cloths Lily Sugar and Cream Hook: J Pattern- various crochet patterns 12 done so far. Goal is at least 1 per day. Fill up the gift bin and replace our old ones. Misfit Scrappy Sock  Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarn Twist Sock in the We R All Misfits (self striping). Holly Press Fibers Sheepish Minis in 2 colors of green Mixed BFL Mixed BFL: Call Me Row-Bear from 2GuysYarn Wheel: Kromski Minstrel  Finished the spinning. Not sure if I’m going to 2 ply or try my first chain ply.  Brainstorming I want to use some leftover Aran weight cotton yarn to make a dress for my 2 year old niece Hattie I’m thinking of the Infant Darling Danger Dress by Charissa Pray. $5 US Crochet pattern. Crafty Adventures Painting rocks at Mom and Dad’s  Kids made flowers. Dan made a turtle. I made a butterfly.  Knitting in Passing I did a video chat with my 12 year old niece Riley. Thought she needed help to bind off but really just needed to close up the last stitch. Riley used a video I sent her to cast on a new cowl to teach her friend to knit. Millie (8 years old) can’t find kit from Christmas and wants to knit, so I sent supplies directly to their house and Riley agreed to cast on for her. Here are photos of Riley’s first cowl and headband. KAL News Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here.  Check out the Quarter 2 Thread April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Knit any projects you have “hearted” over the year with the hopes of knitting them someday. That day will arrive. Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any pattern that was favorited over 5 years. It can be something you’ve made before. Thank you to our Quarter 2 Sponsors: Prairie Bag Works, NahSt Designs, Yumi Yarns Designs, agirlandherwool, Holly Press Fibers. Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter:#FreetheFavorites Splash Pad Party Starts May 30th! Check out the Start Here Thread for Details & Links to everything you need Click here to see details for our Virtual Kick Off Events Pro Shop Sponsors: 2 Guys Yarn Company Adoreknit agirlandherwool BedeSisters & Blueberry Chick Yarn Fibernymph Dye Works Jennifer Lassonde Designs Prairie Bag Works Rising Tide Fiber Co Sunsoaked Yarns Yumi Yarns Designs Snack Shack Sponsors Anne Beady Designs Apple Fiber Studio Cookie and Bees Fair Winds Farm Irocknits Designs Keegan Lane Designs Kino Knits Knitters Brewing Company Legacy Fiber Artz NähSt Design Pearl and Plum Progress Keepers by Meliabella The Sensible Stitcher Events Stash Dash starts May 22 Check out the Chat Thread in the Knit Girllls Podcast group Contest, News & Notes Point Counterpoint Volume 5 is on sale for $5 through May 31st with code COLLAB. 4 patterns- 2 each from Mary of Kino Knits and me. Life in Focus I checked off 2 things on my 20 for 2020 List. I finished a Bluprint Class: Plying with Jillian Moreno (loved it) Dan & I went kayaking at Jacob’s Pond. On a Happy Note Dan made a new banner for my cousin’s 10th birthday parade. Dan & I celebrated our 16th Anniversary and his brother’s birthday with a socially distant visit in their backyard. We had a visit with my parents, brother and his family. I was delighted to see my cousin Jenny at work.  I enjoyed a one on one chat with my friend Petrina and a Bingo game with her friends. Doing my morning Zoom workout outside on the deck in the nice weather.  Quote of the Week If you want your life to be different, you have to start reacting to life differently. – Bryant McGill Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!    

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 182 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website: www.downcellarstudio.com/182    This week’s segments included: Off the Needles On the Needles Crafty Adventures KAL News Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Prairie Bag Works Off the Needles Crochet Heart Garland  Pattern: Heart Garland by Sarahndipities Designs (free crochet pattern) Hook: H 5.0 mm Yarn: worsted weight acrylic scraps Made garland for Eme’s birthday parade. Mod Podge Stiffy to stiffen them up.  Purple Marled Romper Pattern: Little Brother’s Romper by PetiteKnits Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) Yarn: Cascade 220 held together with fingering weight yarn On the Needles Soldotna Crop Pattern: Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter $7 US Knit Pattern Yarn:  2 skeins of Two Reds & A Blonde DK from Dachinger Wool in mustard (Farrah Fawcett) and a blue (Veronica Lake). 2 skeins of Brown Sheep Yarn- Prairie Spun DK. In Rain Cloud (light gray) and Owl Gray (Charcoal) Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm) Size 3: finished bust- 40 inches Designed to fit with 1-4.5 inches of positive ease. Christmas Stocking for Jenna & Babies (3 total in progress) Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stocking by Family Circle Magazine 1977 Yarn: Patons Classic Worsted in Bright Red Hook: F (3.75mm) Paton’s Kroy Socks for Gram Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Patons Kroy Green Stripe Ragg Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Cake Party Christmas Socks Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Pix in the Cake Party Colorway & Patons Kroy in Red  Pattern: OMG heel Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) I’m using Patons Kroy for cuff, heel and toe. First sock done and I still have 80g of main yarn left. Staci’s Stitches Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plus Sock in the Staci’s Stitches colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn named for my LYS Stacis’ Stitches. Happiest Blanket Ever Pattern: Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (white) for Main Color. Worsted Acrylic partial skeins for accent colors. Hook: K (6.5 mm) Solid Granny Square Scrap Blanket Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (free crochet pattern) Hook: D (3.25 mm) Crafty Adventures Dan and I spray painted sheet for Emelyn’s birthday parade  Talked on the last episode about the Crispina Scrapbox Challenge. Mom and I both participated. Our stories and projects are on the blog. Mom’s post is here. Find my post here. KAL News Quarterly Quests: Tune in to hear if you’re a Quarter 1 Winner Check out the Quarter 2 Thread April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Knit any projects you have “hearted” over the year with the hopes of knitting them someday. That day will arrive. Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any pattern that was favorited over 5 yearsIt can be something you’ve made before Thank you to our Quarter 2 Sponsors: Prairie Bag Works, NahSt Designs, Yumi Yarns Designs, agirlandherwool, Holly Press Fibers. Contest, News & Notes Stay Out of the Forest is a DK colorwork hat inspired by true crime podcast, My Favorite Murder. It’s the perfect hat for my fellow Murderinos!  It is written for 2 sizes, and uses 3 skeins/colors of yarn. The colorwork charts make it easy to fly through this project.  I recommend mostly tonal or solid yarn with a lot of contrast from the other colors. You especially want contrast between the MC and CC1. If you really want to delve into the My Favorite Murder theme, check out the beautiful yarns I used from Goosey Fibers! Full details can be found on the pattern page on Ravelry. Life in Focus Tune in to hear an update on my 2020 goals Ask Me Anything Meliabella asked: Your Favorite Way to decompress after working remotely during Covid. Knitwise09- To celebrate the release of your new hat- tell us your hometown murder. I kept it family friendly on the podcast but here’s a link to a serial killer named Gary Sampson who grew up in my mom’s neighborhood. He and my Uncle used to play together as kids. Agirlandherwool- how has planning and organizing your to do lists changed during this stay at home quarantine? Jen.on.the.block- thinking of knitting the Mezzo cardigan. Curious how much you wear/love yours. I love mine! Here’s a link with details. Highly recommend knitting one. My niece Riley asked- Crafty adventures you’ve had or would like to try- Brioche. jen.cragen- how you’re feeling with all of this stuff in the world. So many feelings. Tune in to hear more. On a Happy Note Eme’s Sweet 16 Birthday Parade Mom making us all masks. As always I’m so grateful for her.  I did a video chat with Riley for her 12th birthday. She asked me how to bind off headband she was making. Worked on that then pulled out a cowl project I cast on and gave her for Christmas. Virtual happy hour with friends on Saturday night. An unusual but lovely Easter. Quote of the Week “Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” —Hermann Hesse Thank you for tuning in! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 181 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included: Off the Needles On the Needles From the Armchair Crafty Adventures KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode’s sponsors: Yumi Yarns, The Yarn Sellar & Bee Kind Yarn Off the Needles Little Brother’s Romper  Pattern: Little Brother’s Romper by PetiteKnit (knitting pattern. ~$4.50 US at time of purchase) Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) Yarn: Sweitzer’s Fiber Mill mystery yarn (2018 Rhinebeck Bargain bin) On the Needles Soldotna Crop Pattern: Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter $7 US Knit Pattern Yarn:  2 skeins of Two Reds & A Blonde DK from Dachinger Wool in mustard (Farrah Fawcett) and a blue (Veronica Lake). 2 skeins of Brown Sheep Yarn- Prairie Spun DK. In Rain Cloud (light gray) and Owl Gray (Charcoal) Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm) Size 3: finished bust- 40 inches Designed to fit with 1-4.5 inches of positive ease. Christmas Stocking for Jenna Pattern: Granny Square Christmas Stocking by Family Circle Magazine 1977 Yarn: Patons Classic Worsted in Bright Red Hook: F (3.75mm) Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl Pattern: Sweet Tea Triangle Shawl by Michelle Ferguson (crochet pattern $5) Calls for 600 yards of sport weight. I’m using fingering. Yarn: Queensland Collection Perth in the Alice Springs Colorway Cake Party Christmas Socks Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Pix in the Cake Party Colorway Pattern: OMG heel Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) To Knit or to Hike Socks Yarn: Holly Press Fibers Sheepish base in the To Knit or to Hike Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Solid Granny Square Scrap Blanket Yarn: leftover fingering weight yarn Pattern: Solid Granny Square by Lullaby Melodia (free crochet pattern) Hook: D (3.25 mm) 3 rounds per square. Happiest Blanket Ever Pattern: Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern) Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (white) for Main Color. Worsted Acrylic partial skeins for accent colors. Hook: K (6.5 mm) Cast on for Baby Size.  From the Armchair Tune in to hear my review a small drawstring project bag and cake coozies from Brianne of Cookie and Bees. Crafty Adventures I’ve been working on a weaving project for the Crispina Scrapbox Challenge. KAL News Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here.  In Quarter 1 we did sQuelch the Queue I will pull winners next episode.  Thanks again to our Q1- Sponsors Anne Beady Designs: Friendship is Forever Hat & Cowl patterns KnitCompanion: Stand It Up Tablet Stand Fibernymph Dye Works: On Frozen Pond Colorway  Knitters Brewing Company: 2 skeins of sock yarn and a set of stitch markers.  Don’t forget to post on Instagram #QuarterlyQuests you can also add one for the Quarter: #sQuelchtheQueue #FreetheFavorites #LessentheLibrary #SlaytheStash & you can always add #downcellarstudiopodcast Q2 April 1-June 30 – Free the Favorites Knit any projects you have “hearted” over the year with the hopes of knitting them someday. That day will arrive. Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any pattern that was favorited over 5 years. Check out the Quarter 2 Thread Events Check out Knitty’s list of Canceled Fiber Events & ways you can support the vendors who are losing out on business. Life in Focus My approach to getting through COVID-19 (so far) Establishing new routines & keeping up with existing ones. Make a list of routines that you normally do. Find a way to keep doing those. Make a list of things you’ve been wanting to do but never have time- some fun, some chores. Decide how to divide out. One per day?  Maybe have your whole family make a list- turn it into a challenge! Learn something new. A language. A new knitting skill? A new craft?  Each day make a list of GOOD things that have happened. Something you accomplished. Someone you connected with. Time you spent on something you otherwise couldn’t.  Gretchen Rubin suggests having Ambitious Projects, Medium Projects & Fun projects.  Move your body: there are so many virtual options these days. Try some Pilates virtual sessions with my dear friend Laura Anders. Find a workout app, take a hike (just keep your distance). Try out Peleton or one of the other subscription services that are currently offering a couple months free  Listening & Watching Meditation apps can be a great option. Many are free. I love listening to my crafty podcasts. The Life Coach School Podcast is doing a COVID-19 coping series. I hear Bluprint and other sites are offering lots of free classes. Search and see what you find.  Limit time watching the news. You likely know a lot already about how to keep yourself and your family safe. Pick a time, catch up on what’s new for the day and shut it off. Anything THAT important will break through.  Socialize Without Getting Germs Physical distancing doesn’t mean you can’t be social Virtual knit nights are a great option. Watch Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry group for posts about upcoming options. Here is the Virtual Knit Night Thread. All are welcome! Marco Polo app: send videos to your friends. Facetime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts and Facebook all ofter options for video chatting with those you love. Support local (if you can) Breweries offering delivery with extra fees to keep employees working.  If you’re one of the fortunate ones not scrambling to pay bills right now consider buying a gift on Etsy or Bbay or other small indie business- send it to a friend having a birthday or just because.  See if your LYSs offering pick up or if you can buy a gift card online. Ask Me Anything Phoenixknitter3 asked- What are your favorite notions? Good scissors, a tape measure, plain metal circle stitch markers and a tapestry needle. Proudfootk & Marilynknits- What is your favorite brand and type of knitting needles? Check out my review of Knitter’s Pride Nova Platina Special Interchangeable Set in Episode 97 recorded in September 2016 where I reviewed the Knitters Pride Nova Platina Special Interchangeable Set. Nova Platinas fixed circulars are my favorite needles. Lizzym_knits- What are your favorite budget yarns and how do they hold up to wear?  Knit Picks Felici– $6.99 for 50g skein. $14 for a pair of socks.  Patons Kroy Sock Yarn $5-7 depending on sales. $10-14 for a pair of socks. Bluprint Sprightly Acrylic Worsted $3.95 for 100g Blueprint Cloudborn Yarns $10-13 for 100g depending on the weight. Very affordable for sweaters, blankets etc if you want wool. Shanalines-designs: Do you really need me to answer this, Savers finds, obvi! Tune in to hear about baby clothes and a bench I bought recently. On a Happy Note Home improvements & reorganization that’s getting done while Dan and I are home (mostly Dan’s efforts). Dan made me a tray for the bathtub from an old piece of cabinet from his Uncle Charlie who was a cabinet maker.  Video chatting Mom re: scrapbook challenge Zoom chat with my family last weekend. Dad 3 costume changes.  I finally took time to make homemade popcorn.  Quote of the Week “Remember when you go into the world and keep your eyes and ears wide open. And be kind.Love one another. Take care of each other. Tell the truth. Always do your best. Listen to the big people and the little people. Explore new paths and have fun. Know that you are loved like crazy. Give thanks for all your blessings. Above all else, love and you will do wonderful things in this world.”-Rebecca Puig Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 178 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. This week’s segments included: Off the Needles On the Needles In my Travels KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus Ask Me Anything On a Happy Note Quote of the Week Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: 2 Guys Yarn Company Off the Needles Creepy Graffiti Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Yarn: Asylum Fibers in the Creepy Graffiti colorway On the Needles Mom’s Frozen Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Fibernymph Dye Works Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) 103 Hat Pattern: 103 Hat by Jennifer Lassonde Yarn: Suburban Stitcher DK Needles: US 5 (3.75mm) & 7 (4.0mm) Pinwheel Socks Pattern: OMG Heel by Megan Williams Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in the Pinwheel Colorway Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) My Cryptonite Shawl Pattern: My Cryptonite by Melanie Berg ($6.31 US) Yarn: Barnyard Knits Merino Nylon Fingering in the Pickly Pear Colorway (gray with multicolors).  Fuse Fiber Studio Merino Sock in the Mercury Glass (gray) and Radical Acceptance Colorway (pinky) Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) Happiest Blanket Ever Happiest Blanket Ever by Tamara Kelly (free crochet pattern) Hook: K: 6.5 mm Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (white) for MC, leftover acrylic stash yarn for CCs. In My Travels I went to NYC for Vogue Knitting Live and to visit y friend Laura Thursday we saw Jagged Little Pill on Broadway- INCREDIBLE. Friday-I took a slipped stitch knitting class with Faina Goberstein– and then bought her The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting Laura and I went on our own little Brewery Tour Long Island City. Wayland Winter Farmers Market Fiber Days Mostly hung out w/ my friend Mara and her boys. Always great to see Monique- Windswept Designs and The Knitting on the Run podcast host Bought 2 skeins of DK from Dachinger Wool. It was so fun to see a sample of my Ice Time hat in the booth! KAL News New for 2020: Quarterly Quests! Get all of the details here.  January 1- March 31 – sQuelch the Queue Knit any projects you had in your queue (prior to January 1). Knit as many as you can. You will receive extra entries for any patterns that have been sitting in your queue for over 5 years. Fine print* NO WIPS are allowed for these quests. Cast on the first day of the quest and whatever is finished by the last day will count. Quarter 1 Sponsors: Anne Beady Designs, KnitCompanion, Fibernymph Dye Works & Knitters Brewing Company We are looking for Prizes for this KAL. If you’re interested- please let me know! I’m also offering a discount on ads if you sponsor this KAL, Splash Pad or Pigskin. Emails went out to those on my newsletter this week. Sign up for my email newsletter to be informed about sponsor options. Pigskin Party ’19! Not familiar? It’s a ridiculously fun make-a-long that runs all through the NFL football season. We typically have a couple hundred participants each year. For each FO you finish, you earn touchdown & field goal points. You also earn points for using sponsor products & fulfilling other challenges. For every 100 points earned, you get an entry into our Grand Prize drawing. We also have lots of prizes reserved for participation on Ravelry and Instagram to keep it fun and light. Everything you need to know is linked in the Start Here Thread in the Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group including the Rules, Questions Thread, End Zone Dance Thread where you post your FOs, Coupon Code Thread, List of Prizes, Exclusive Items from our Sponsors! Pro Shop Sponsors  2 Guys Yarn Company Abstract Fiber AdoreKnit agirlandherwool Designs of Acadia (Pigskin Logo Bag) Fibernymph Dye Works Holly Press Fibers Imagined Landscapes Designs Infinite Twist JDStudios480 Jennifer Lassonde Designs Knitosophy Designs Knitters Brewing Company Knit Style Yarns Prairie Bag Works Progress Keepers by Meliabella Sunsoaked Yarns Yarn Love Snack Shack Sponsors Anne Beady Designs APLCrafts Birch Hollow Fibers Brenda Castiel Designs Creations of the Anomalous Mind Designs by Meliabella Fish Belly Fiber Works Geektastic Fibers IrocKnits Designs Kino Knits Kitchen Counter Crafter Knit/Wit Designs Leading Men Fiber Arts Legacy Fiber Artz Lilliput Yarn Lolodidit Love in Stitches Mint Rain Hand Dyed Yarns Nicole Simmons Designs Queen City Yarn Remade By Hand Designs Shanalines Designs Tangerine Designs Teal Torch Knits The Project Bag Tin Can Knits UNICORN CLEAN Wild Branch Design Windswept Designs Woodsy and Wild Our January Interception posted & is kindly sponsored by designer Windswept Designs (Monique Leonard)! To be eligible to win: Complete a project of at least 100 yards that does not contain any sheep’s wool. Project must have been cast on on/after 1/1/20 and completed by 1/31/20 Post your FO in this thread with a description and/or photo that shows how you’re meeting the challenge. Get Ready for SuperBowl Weekend. Check out this thread in the group. Events Wayland Winter Farmers Market Fiber Days – March 1 2/9/20: 3rd Annual Boston Farm & Fiber Festival  at the Boston Public Market 2/28-3/1/20: NETA Spa Weekend in Freeport, ME 3/14-3/17/20: Knit North Yarn Crawl (north of Boston). Website not yet working. Stitches United – March 26-29, 2020 in Hartford, CT 3/28/20: Woolapalooza  in Lincoln, MA Life in Focus Plastic Free July Updates: Tru Earth Eco-Strips Laundry Detergent Refills for my favorite Uniball Retractable fine point pens Lush Toothy Tabs Ask Me Anything Tune in to hear a question on how I use Evernote to organize my life. Are you interested in hearing more about my organizing, habit tracking, goal settings etc? I think Patreon might be a good option for that. Comes over to the Episode 178 Chat thread in our Ravelry Group to talk more if you’re interested in that idea. On a Happy Note 90 min massage Dan and I visited a new to us brewery- Stellwagen. Planning a kitchen renovation and we are able to buy a large cabinet that matches our existing cabinets (but painted) to give us more storage. Dan and I went on our first hike together at home. I went to speak at the MA eBay and Resellers Meet-up group that my mom organizes. I got a new iPhone 11 Pro Max. The camera is epic. Quote of the Week “The purpose of fear is to raise your awareness not to stop your progress.”― Steve Maraboli Thank you for tuning in! Contact Information: Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Twitter: Instagram: BostonJen1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio!

Brainy thing:  23:46   Behind the Redwood Curtain:   37:07 What we’re learning from our knitting:   Margaret’s knitting this time focused on small items.    She was amazed at the design originality of Rebecca Langford’s Little rustic pumpkin https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-rustic-pumpkin that she started in in Kelbourne Woolens, Germantown, Gold but sadly didn’t have enough to complete. Just to be able to complete something she took up the crocheted Fall Leaves Pattern https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fall-leaves-3 by Michelle @ the Painted Hinge.  She completed the  Caps for Kids Swirled Ski Hat https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/swirled-ski-cap by Caps for Kids from the organization but also included in Knitting for Peace by Betty Christiansen.  Finally, her favorite, most fun, quick, quick project this time was the Pint Sized Pines by Julie Tarsha  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pint-sized-pines made from scraps of Mission Falls 1824 cotton. Catherine worked on crocheted cotton Rainbow Flower Scrubby Dishcloth https://www.mooglyblog.com/rainbow-flower-scrubby-dishcloth-free-crochet-pattern/ https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rainbow-flower-scrubby-dishcloth by Tamara Kelly but sadly her new puppy loves them and took a bite out of one.  She has fallen love with some yarn that she will work up as a scarf. http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/   Brainy Thing:  The Vagus Nerve Labeled the “queen of nerves” the Vagus Nerve plays a major role in connection between the trunk of the body and the brain and seems able to affect a host of conditions from inflammation to depression.  Margaret outlines the remarkable connections the Vagus Nerve makes and how to stimulate it for good health.   https://www.mentalfloss.com ›    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › https://www.thecut.com    Behind the Redwood Curtain:  Utility Boxes As Art Who would have thought of using outdoor Utility Boxes as a canvas for art?   The City of Eureka did and the results are fun and engaging.  https://www.ci.eureka.ca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=12986   https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2018/may/4/eurekas-first-utility-box-art-installation-finishe/   https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2018/may/17/outraged-business-owner-convinces-city-cover-cat-p/   Today in Episode 110 of Teaching Your Brain to Knit, we outline the many ways the Vagus Nerve connects the brain with the body and the many ways you can stimulate it that will improve your health.  Margaret shares the small  but satisfying projects she worked on, Catherine talks about crocheting scrubbies and her excitement about new yarn , and she reports how the city of Eureka used its Utility Boxes as canvases for outdoor art. 

In this episode Tamara Kelly gives you the #1 reason why your New Year will be the same as this year!

In this episode Tamara Kelly will discuss how to move from insecurity and achieve self-confidence.

Join me and guest Tamara Kelly as we talk about crochet in general and Moogly in particular! Moogly is a wonderful resource for patterns, reviews and giveaways

Hello Crochet Circlers,   Welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast and the show notes from Episode Seventeen - Festival of Finishing.   In this episode I cover: Wolf woman of Cheshire; Edinburgh Yarn Festival 2018; Old dog, new tricks; Festival of Finishing CrAL; FOs; WIPs; Feeding the habit; Big up and What's good?   This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co.  Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:   1 - Old dog, new tricks On the back of the 'standing crochet stitch' tip that Claudia from the Crochet Luna Podcast gave me.     Eleanor kindly passed on links for the 'starting crochet stitch' which gives a new technique for starting a new row or possibly round in the same colour. Please ignore that fact that I referred to 'standing' crochet during the podcast, I meant 'starting' crochet.    Eleanor's link was to a blog by Tamara Kelly from Moggly.com: Starting dc (tr in UK terminology)   A little further investigation brought me to this site by Jessie at Home which also gives details for starting dc (sc in US) and starting htc (hdc in US).     I have investigated the differences when you use this technique in rows but want to do more to see how it can be used in the round, if at all.       I have pulled together a blog post on using the standing dc to show how to do it and the results that you get compared to the standard turning chain method.    2 - Festival of Finishing CrAL Our latest along is the Festival of Finishing Craft Along.  The idea is that through the months of June, July and August you work with some of your crafting WIPs.  I now have two (cross stitch and knitting) that I want to work on and one to salvage.     The graphic for the CrAL looks like this, and you will see it on Ravelry and Instagram.       I have been thinking long and hard on the reasons that projects become long-term WIPs and why we consequently get hung up about them and can even begin to feel some level of guilt.    Rather than add all of the detail into the show notes, I wrote a detailed blog about it instead.  It's full of pointers and will hopefully help you to view your long-term WIPs in a positive and re-energised way.   Grab a cuppa and take a look at 'Why you don't finish projects and what you can do about it'.   I would love you to get involved with the CrAL and share what you are up to within the Ravelry thread in The Crochet Circle Podcast Group or by using #FestivalOfFinishing on Instagram.   A pile each for: finish, frog, salvage or donate will really help you to work out what you could do with each project.  Three of my WIPs are now going to be heading off to the Blanket of Love and Hope project in Sweden to be sewn into a larger blanket and distributed to women that need a woolly hug - thanks Yael for telling me about the wonderful project that you, Emmie and Hedvig do.         As an additional element, via my company Provenance Craft CoI am going to donate £1 for every finished object (that was previously a long-term WIP) that is added to Instagram using #FestivalOfFinishing, or added to the Ravelry thread.   The amount will be capped at £150 and I would LOVE to reach that target.  The charity that will benefit from the money is Knit for Peace. Here is what they do:   Our policy is to encourage people to give, whether it is time or money. So we set about finding outlets. We now distribute regularly to over 200 outlets, including hospitals, women’s refuges, refugee drop-in centres, prisons, community groups, and hospices as well as to developing countries. We send the knitting (and crochet) to where it’s needed. We also pass on donations of yarn and needles to enable people on low incomes to knit. The operation has grown organically, and we estimate we have over 15,000 knitters. Send your knitting to us and we will make sure that it goes to a good home.   If together we finish 150 long-term WIPs, the £150 that I will donate will help to deliver over 750 woollen items to people that really need them.   Feel free to also join in with the charitable donations and give £1 or more for every WIP you have that becomes a finished object.   Here is the 69-year-old WIP that Ros's Mum kindly let me photograph.       As I was pulling together the information for the show Jojotwinkletoes put this up on Instgram and it sums up beautifully (well maybe not) what I intend do after my long-term WIPS has become finished object.        3 - Finished Objects  Once again, I didn't think I had much to show for myself, and once again I was wrong!     1 - Another version of Doppio Colosseum but this time in John Arbon Devonia 4 ply in 'Pollen Gold'. 2 - A pair of charity socks for the Sock Line by Winwick Mum. 3 - A first attempt at a cotton dishcloth by Jo at Feather and Thread.  Check Jo's patterns out and see her photo of them below - they are much nicer than my attempt (partial blame to the fact that I was gripped by Broadchaurch whilst crocheting it).       4 - I was shown this pattern for face pads by Lisa and they are fantastic!  The pattern is by Designs byZula and gives a lovely squishy pad for washing your face and taking off make up.   I have also been working on a couple of designs:     Versa is the second complete bag in the range that I am working towards and is being tech edited as I type, along with the below shawl. I discovered post-crocheting it that the shawl seems to be very heavily influenced by a cottage that I owned (pre-Matthew) in Chirk, North Wales. Clearly, the gothic windows that dominated the estate worker's cottages stayed with me:     My final FO for the month was the Miso shawl by Ambah O'Brien using Tia Merino in The Mysterious Cities of Gold colourway by Countess Ablaze.  I knitted this shawl as part of a KAL with my favourite new knitting podcast Fibre Friends. I wasn't initially sure about a single-ply yarn for this shawl but the result is beautifully squishy:       4 - Works in progress There is only one WIP this month and that is a grey cotton bag - the next in the range.  You can see it in the photo for the 'starting dc crochet' rows above - there really isn't much much to show you with that design yet.   5 - Feeding the habit Only one thing to show here and that is a gorgeous citrus bag by Ann from Busy Pottering:     It came with a lovely notions pouch and some stitch markers - I love them!   6 - Big up There are some great new crochet podcasts out there: Hannah from Florida has The Cozy Cottage Podcast on YouTube Lindsey from Lottie and Albert is also on YouTube Alyson and Vivian have a lovely Mum and daughter audio podcast that airs on YouTube called Keep Calm and Carry Yarn There is a new thread in the Ravelry group for people to add in any CALs/KALs that they know about.   7 - What's Good 10th June is World Knit (and crochet) in Public Day. I am holding a small event in Sandbach at The Old Hall between 11am and 3pm if anyone is local and fancies joining in?     I have been listening to the amazing Norse Mythology audiobook, written and narrated by Neil Gaiman.  I will listen to this again in the not too distant future!    Matthew has been on gardening leave and is currently working on what happens next...   It has been lovely to be able to spend more time with him as the pressures of his old employment cease to exist!  We have a lovely summer ahead of us and I am searching for coastal areas that we could live in.  Watch this space.   Until July folks.     Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite  

Hello my lovelies, Welcome to The Crochet Circle Podcast and the show notes from Episode Sixteen - Common Thread.   In this episode, I cover: Old dog, new tricks; Tunisian CAL; Review of The Shawl Project Book Three; FOs; WIPs; Feeding the Habit; Big Up and What's Good?   This podcast is sponsored by my online crafting company, Provenance Craft Co.  Thanks to everyone who tunes into the podcast whether it is through Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, iTunes or the YouTube Channel. Your support and engagement are really appreciated and makes running a podcast very special and worthwhile.    If you would like to support the podcast, you can do that through Patreon:   1 - Old dog, new tricks This month I was given a great tip by Claudia from the Crochet Luna Podcast.  She asked whether I had ever come across a standing dc (US terminology) and I hadn't.  So, I did what I always do and took to Google to see what it was all about and came across these YouTube videos by Tamara Kelly from Moggly.com: Standing dc (tr in UK terminology) Standing hdc (htr in UK terminology) Standing sc (dc in UK terminology)   I haven't had lots of time to test this technique out fully but I love the results that I got on the coaster that I crocheted.  I did one using the standard chain method for starting the new round in the new colour and one using a standing tr (Uk terminology).  I think that the use of a standing stitch makes the join look much neater and helps to avoid the gap that often appears.  The stitch looks more like a tr and is also bulkier, which means that my eye isn't automatically drawn to an area that looks 'different'.       Tamara's videos are very good and I suspect that once you have tried this technique, you won't go back to using a chain to start a new round off in a new colour.   What I want to investigate next is whether this technique can also be used when you are starting a new round in the same colour.  More on that next month...      2 - Tunisian CAL update This CAL started on the 3rd March and ran until the 16th of April.  Check out the CAL FOs thread on Ravelry (under The Crochet Circle Podcast Group) or on Instagram to see posts under #tccTunisianCAL. The projects have been great and lots of people can now do Tunisian crochet. Well done everyone!  I have pulled together the video for YouTube to announce the winners and show off all of the FOs.    Thanks to everyone that took part, it was great fun.   Our next A Long is going to be a CrAL called the Festival of Finishing. The idea is that through the months of June, July and August you work with some of your crafting WIPs.  I have three (crochet, cross stitch and knitting) that I want to work on and then I won't have any projects that are in hibernation anymore - oh the release!  I am trying to get to a place where I can scoot through projects and don't have my crafting resources tied up elsewhere being unloved.     The graphic for the CrAL looks like this, and you will see it on Ravelry and Instagram.         So why not look your WIPs out now and assess what you want to do with them?  In the next episode, I will cover some of the things that you can do with your WIPs, how to frog your projects, give you some stash buster patterns for those frogged WIPs and pass some advice on donating projects to charity shops.   3 - Review of The Shawl Project Book Three   Jo (jojotwinkletoes on Ravelry and Instagram) kindly agreed to review The Shawl Project Book Three for us. She has already made two of the five shawls and plans to make the other three too!  Rather than post all of the information here, I have created a new thread on Ravelry within The Crochet Circle Podcast group. The Shawl Project Book Three can be bought directly from The Crochet Project website, or through Ravelry.     This is Jo and her Fog Break shawl:     Here are the photos (thanks to Kat and Joanne for providing them) of each of the shawls from the book:       4 - Finished Objects (FOs) Once again, I didn't think I had too much to show but I am clearly busier than I think with crafting!       My FOs are a new bag that I have been designing and thanks to everyone that helped me to choose the colour combination on Instagram.  I'm not sure when this bag pattern will be released because I think it will now be a series of bags rather than a single pattern.     There is my version of the Ocaso shawl by Sol Rencoret.  I really loved doing this Tunisian crochet shawl and working with some different colour combinations that have pushed my boundaries.   I have made a knitted version of my Colum Cowl using Debbie Bliss Rialto DK and Hedgehog Fibres DK in colourway 'Dragonfly'.  The combination of these two yarns has created a very snuggly cowl.   I also managed to finish off another pair of socks using some of the yarn that I received from Racheal, my FibreShare partner.  I love the colours and how they have striped and pooled in the knitted sock.  I started a new pair last night to use the rest of the yarn and they will be donated to Winwick Mum's sock line at Yarndale later in the year.   I nearly forgot to add one of my favourite FOs from this month - my gorgeous new project bag based on the #herbembroiderysal that Chrissie from Chrissie Crafts has been running:     Even if you haven't tried embroidery before, I would recommend giving it a go.  Chrissie has brilliant tutorials on her YouTube channel and the design is lovely.   5 - Works in Progress (WIPs) I only have one WIP and that will be finished very shortly, so I am adding a very near future WIP to the pile. My actual WIP is a second bag design that I am working on as part of the 'KIHICI Bag' series.  This is a very simple pattern that comes with a few variations so that you can truly make it to your own taste.  It looks like a bit of a canoe in this picture but it is a really lovely bag (I actually finished it late last night!) and is most likely going to be called 'Versa'.   The second photo shows my yarn choices for the Hotel of Bees shawl, albeit I am not actually going to do the shawl because I am not really a fan of large open lace sections and I do love a cowl...   So, having bought the pattern, I am going to use the blocks of stitches that I do like and I am going to recreate the Hotel of Bees as a large squishy cowl instead.  Not quite sure how it will turn out but I will be turning my attention to it this weekend.   6 - Feeding the Habit Whilst in Amsterdam I visited the yarn shop which is run by Stephen West and Malia Mather, called Stephen & Penelope.  It is a really lovely shop as you can see from the photo below.  I took some nice video footage of it and will add that to my Amsterdam trip vlog which will be up on YouTube shortly. I bought some bespoke colourways from there and a few other things for designs.  If you are lucky enough to win a prize for the #tccTunisianCAL then you will be getting some buttons that I bought from there.     I also received a lovely parcel from Yael at Handmade by Yael which was full of gorgeous nuggets of Ullcentrum wool which is one of my absolute favourites (see my Linus on the Lines shawl project on Ravelry if you want to see how it knits up).  I have been wearing my lovely handmade necklace a lot and received LOTS of very nice comments on it.  I was a very happy recipient - thanks Yael!    I received an unexpected parcel from Tania at TJ Frog with some beautiful Dorset Button stitch markers and a notions bag in her lovely fabric.  Tania is a woman after my own heart and likes to know the different steps of manufacturing in the items that she sells.  This parcel arrived right in the middle of my preparation for Wonderwool Wales when I could barely keep my eyes open.  Needless to say, it made me very happy indeed.   Ahem, there seems to be rather a lot of stuff below!  It is all for designs, I promise.  Now that Wonderwool Wales is over, I have had designs flying through my mind and the below are all accounted for.  You will see that I had to sneak in all that was left of the 'Nightshade' Devonia because that design is now finished (the Versa bag) and I only got the wool the week before!     1 - John Arbon Textiles Knit by Numbers DK is going to be a large gradient pashmina.  KBN now comes in a whopping 97 shades. 2 - Onion is a new to me yarn brand and I picked out their nettle range to work with (70% wool and 30% nettle fibre).  It is supposedly good for making socks with which I can believe because nettle fibre is extremely strong.  I really wish I had bought more to test this out with socks but it will have to be next year instead!  They have a range of interesting yarns at Onion and although there are no UK stockists, they are widely stocked elsewhere. 3 - Laura from Bellica Yarns was my vending neighbour at Wonderwool Wales.  She was an absolute joy to meet and her yarns are beautiful and VERY reasonably priced at only £12 per 100g.  Here is the link to Laura's Etsy shop - Bellica Yarns.  The one that I bought will become a cowl design for Jenny as a thank you for helping me out during that weekend. 4 - Undercover Otter is in the process of moving their selling platform, but the www will be the same.  You can buy the bespoke Stephen & Penelope colourways online, ignore what I said in the podcast and Undercover Otter will be opening their shop up soon.  These two beauties will be a shawl and although I wouldn't usually do a pastel shade, it really works with the dark teal (always one of my go-to colours). 5 - A tiny little nugget of Devonia 'Nightshade from John Arbon Textiles.  This is very special wool given that it is 100% grown and spun in Devon, England. The composition is 50% Exmoor Blueface / 30% Devon Bluefaced Leicester / 20% Devon Wensleydale and it is lovely to work with.  Sturdy and soft with a beautiful sheen from the Wensleydale.  They have just released a DK range too. 6 - My lovely Dorset Button pouch and stitch markers from Tania at TJ Frog.  Tania also has an audio podcast which is delightful!     7 - Big Up I have a couple of podcasts for you and some new yarn: Crochet Luna Podcast with Claudia is a YouTube podcast all about crochet!  Claudia is lovely and her enthusiasm for crochet oozes through the screen!  Claudia is Crochet Luna on Instagram. Fiber Friends Podcast with Adrienne, Louise and Caroline is a YouTube podcast about knitting, bags, yarn, ding, patterns - everything basically. They have a great friendship and make me laugh a lot. Adrienne - dyes yarn as Old Oak Yarns and has an Etsy shop here. Louise - is also on Instagram and is a knitting designer and teacher. Caroline - is also on Instagram and makes bags for her shop on Etsy which is called Evertote. Poly Jane Yarns has a new range out called the Inca Collection which she sells alongside her own hand-dyed and other well-known brands.  If you were a fan of Atresano yarns, then you will be pleased to hear about the Inca Collection:     8 - What's Good The John Arbon Mill Open weekend is on on the 10th & 11th of June and I am hoping to get there!  It's free to attend, you just need to book in which slot you want to go to on the Saturday or Sunday.  The mill is at South Molton in Devon and is well worth a visit. I am heading to Woolfest and I'm not sure which day yet.  If anyone fancies meeting up for a coffee, let me know and that will help to set my mind on which day I head there.  Woolfest is on the 23rd & 24th June up in Cockermouth in Cumbria.   Until June my lovelies.  Remember to get your WIPs out and see what you want to work on in June, July and August.   Fay x   Instagram: Crochet_Circle_Podcast  Instagram: provenance.craft.co   Instagram: FayDHDesigns YouTube: The Crochet Circle Podcast Crochet Clan on Mighty Network: Invite  

On this episode of CRAFT-ish, Vickie talks with crochet designer & writer Tamara Kelly of Moogly about raising creative kids, running a craft-based business, and why she chose to go from mommy to crochet blogger. This episode is sponsored by Kitterly.com! For Show Notes page, go to: www.vickiehowell.com/craftish

In this episode, I talk about increasing blog traffic in response to feedback from the listener survey and and email exchange with Lindsay Lewchuk from Knit Eco Chic. I'm listening to episode 48 & am a bit bummed that she wouldn't get into particular dollar amounts.  I've got content on my site (content I'm proud of), but I have very little traffic...  I know I haven't done any SEO but am completely lost online with how to do it & what to do.  I want to budget for this, but have no idea.  Do you have any insights of which company I should be looking at and how much I need to budget for it?  Is it really as simple as the yoast plug-in (which makes absolutely no sense to me)? Lindsay was previously a guest in Episode 26, where we talked about niche marketing and eco-conscious knitting. (She also shared a great tip in Episode 47: Best Advice for Yarn-Related Businesses.) Here are my suggestions for increasing your blog's traffic. First, focus on strategy and measurement. Clarify your blog's purpose in relationship to your entire business. Begin tracking your blog's traffic.  Analyze what you've tracked, and make changes as appropriate. Some of the tactics I've used to increase my blog traffic in the past year include... Establishing an editorial calendar. Posting more frequently and focusing on specific types of posts based on my goals. Adding subscription options, including an RSS feed subscription and a weekly email newsletter (with links to that week's blog posts) subscription. Guest posting on other sites. Participating in link parties. (See below for a list of link parties.) Linking your blog posts to projects and stash on Ravelry, and sharing those projects and stash in groups. Sharing old/archived posts on social media daily. Changing social media schedule, frequency, and/or platforms based on analysis of blog traffic. Submitting links to referral sites more regularly (especially the growing network of Prime Publishing sites). Joining private blogging groups where you can share information with other bloggers. Attending blogging conferences, reading blogging books, and/or taking online blogging courses to further develop skills. Listen to the episode for more details. If you're focused on improving your blog and increasing traffic, you may want to listen to these prior episodes: Episode 4: 6 Ways to Engage with the Blogging Community Episode 23: Diversifying Your Income and Boosting Your Blogging with Tamara Kelly from Moogly Episode 32: Journey to 100k Monthly Blog Visitors with Sedie Maruska from Yarn Obsession Episode 48: Website Strategy and Working with Digital Marketers for Your Business with Carol Lyn Rivera   If you enjoyed this episode The Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Show is no longer broadcasting. Episodes are available as a service to the yarn community. This episode originally aired in November, 2015. Be aware that content may be outdated. If you'd like to chat with other yarn-related business owners, join the Creative Yarn Entrepreneurs Facebook group. Support Marie's work by buying one of her books, Make Money Teaching Crochet: Launch Your Business, Increase Your Side Income, Reach More Students (Amazon | Gumroad) or Design It, Promote It, Sell It: Online Marketing for Your Crochet and Knit Patterns (Amazon | Gumroad).

This week's episode is a special one-year anniversary episode of the Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Show. Listeners and former guests share their best advice by telling us the one thing they've done in the past 2 years that has had the most benefit for their businesses. Before we started on the advice, I shared the top 10 episodes from the first year of the show. Can you sense the themes? Episode 32: Journey to 100k Monthly Blog Visitors and More with Sedie Maruska Episode 8: Affordable Crochet and Knitting Fonts with Adriana Hernandez Episode 1: Identify the Right Magazines to Target for Your Article, Tutorial, and Design Submissions Episode 9: Selling on Etsy, An Interview with Ijeoma Eleazu from the Etsy Conversations Podcast Episode 2: 10 Ways to Use Pinterest to Grow Your Business (In Just Minutes A Day) Episode 3: 8 Tips for Organizing Your First Pattern Test  Episode 23: Diversifying Your Income and Boosting Your Blogging with Tamara Kelly from Moogly Episode 29: Selling on Etsy, Passive Income, and Using Trending Keywords with Alexandra Tavel from Two of Wands Episode 21: 10 Habits for Successfully “Owning” (or Working) from Home Episode 4: 6 Ways to Engage with the Blogging Community It seems that topics related to blogging, selling on Etsy, and self-publishing patterns are enjoyed by most listeners! And, now on to the advice! Michele Wang Michele is a knitting designer. Michele says: "In regards to my design business, the one thing that has been the most beneficial is outsourcing. I’ve found a wonderful tech editor to work with, and have also worked with great sample knitters. It’s increased my productivity and allowed me to focus more on designing." Joy Grise Joy is a crochet maker and designer. Her business is called Joy of Crochet. Joy's advice is: "Write your patterns! Crochet lends itself to improvisation so easy. Many crocheters can see a picture on Pinterest and they make a similar pattern off the top of their head. They assume that others can do the same and do not write the patterns that they come up with. So if you are making the same thing as everyone else, say you make a Minion hat, write up the pattern and offer it for free. If you make a pattern that fills a need that you have noticed so you made the product, write up the pattern so that others can make the item too. Don't be intimidated by your own skill level whether you are an expert or a beginner.  The examples in my own life are my Ultimate Upcycled Owl which is a free pattern and my Half-Finger Fingerless Gloves." Tamara Kelly Tamara is the (mostly crochet) designer, blogger, and teacher behind Moogly. I previously interviewed her on Episode 23. Tamara's advice: "I think the most important thing is to stay true to yourself, and your own voice. It's important to listen to your readers/customers, but you have to keep going with the stuff that made you passionate about getting into this business to begin with. Otherwise it becomes just another "job" - and burnout will follow along soon enough!" Dana Gervais Dana is a knitting designer and owner of Dana Gervais Designs. Dana says: "I have noticed a shift in my business since I made the decision to approach my business with the same attitude and focus that I gave to my prior careers. I have taken the systems and tools that I used successfully in my previous ventures and adapted them to be applied to my knitwear design business.  This has given my business structure, routine and made me much more productive." Amy Ramnarine Amy is the blogger and crochet designer behind The Stitchin' Mommy. I interviewed her on Episode 31. Amy's advice: "One thing that I have been doing for the past year or so, that has been the most beneficial to my blog, is sharing my posts across many social media sites. People are constantly on social media. They use it for news updates, to stay in touch, and get inspiration for projects, recipes, fashion, and more. I noticed that by sharing my patterns on different social media sites such as Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, StumbleUpon and even Ravelry, I am able to get more exposure for my blog from different groups of people. It has helped me tremendously with my traffic." Anita Bose Natarajan Anita is the knitting designer behind NitaB&NishaN, Inc. Anita says: "Invest in Yourself!!! Learn financial, business and 'your area of interest' skills. If you are starting out and have no funds, learn from all the freebies you can find - internet, people, print articles - anything.   If you have some funds, research classes/subscriptions that will really benefit you, check on their pricing regularly and when the prices drop, buy them and learn.   If you have funds you can set aside regularly for investing in yourself, keep a listing of nice to have classes/subscriptions, keep tabs on the pricing, and when the price is within budget, buy them and learn.   I have always done one of the above depending on my financial situation and managed to move ahead - snail pace, but still ahead."   I agree! I talked more about how I invested in myself and my business in Episode 18: 8 Best Investments I Made In My Business in 2014. Lindsay Lewchuk Lindsay is a knitting designer and maker, and the owner of Knit Eco Chic. Lindsay was my guest in Episode 26. Lindsay's advice: "Let your passion and character shine through each design." Joanna Joanna is a crochet designer known as Goddess Crochet. Joanna says: "My business is fairly new so the conclusion I came up with is: I didn’t quit. Staying motivated to keep going and not give up is a must when you’re dealing with a business that cannot be grown overnight. There are a variety of ways I keep motivated but the most impacting has been listening to podcasts. Listening to your podcast, small business podcasts, mom business podcasts, affiliate marketing podcasts, SEO podcasts, really anything I can get my ears on. Hearing tips as well as other regular people’s success stories really motivate me to keep going, and to up my game." Kathryn Vercillo Kathryn is a writer and the blogger behind Crochet Concupiscence. Kathryn's advice: "I thought I'd share my simple-but-true business tip ... The best thing I've ever done for my business is stay true to my heart. It's important and smart to take a strategic approach to business but it's equally important to let your head quiet down so you can hear the beating of your own truth inside, following that towards any changes in business." Ashwini Jambhekar Ashwini is a knitting designer and tech editor. She is the owner of Ashwini J Designs, and she shared her approach to pattern grading in a bonus episode. Ashwini says: "As a newer designer, the two most important things I've done have been to 1) persevere and 2) diversify. I think it's tempting to envision rags-to-riches outcomes in this business, but I suspect that's not realistic, especially in the current climate. Even though sales were dismal at first, continuing to produce high-quality patterns has definitely begun to reverse the trend. There were times I wanted to give up: as I mostly design garments, each pattern is a tremendous amount of time and effort, and there were times it seemed not worth-while. However, I'm glad that I persevered and stayed true to my aesthetic style, as I'm slowly starting to see the pay-offs. Secondly, I've learned various aspects of the business by designing for different formats/ venues. I've published three designs in third-party publications in the last year and half, and all of them have operated a little differently from each other. It has been informative to see how the professional publishers display and promote my work. I also recently completed my first project with yarn support, and the logistics of the promotions and marketing have been different from what I've experienced for self-published designs without yarn support, or for 3rd-party publications. The skills I've learned by designing in each of these settings will be valuable in whichever direction I take my business in the future." Angela Plunkett Angela is a crochet designer and maker, and the owner of Little Monkeys Shop. Angela's advice: "The tip that has made a daily impact on me is about my tools - If I am going to crochet everyday, I need to use the best crochet hooks out there to keep from getting hand cramps, etc. I’m not sure which of your episodes this is from, but after that show I ordered myself a set of the Tulip hooks and love them! They were expensive, but much better than hand cramps! I’m know that I have utilized several other tips that you have passed one, but this tip is the one that stands out to me, probably because it’s the one tip I use every day." Vashti Braha Vashti is a crochet designer, indie publisher, and yarn manufacturer. She was previously my guest in Episode 27. Vashti's advice:   "I thought the answer to your question would be simple but I ended up with a list of ten things! Then I realized that five of them are all aspects of the same thing:   Doris Chan crocheted ALL sizes of a new design in ALL colors of DesigningVashti Lotus yarn. At two CGOA conferences we had "fitting labs" with them, and had them all modeled at once in the fashion show of each conference. This ensured that crocheters got to know the yarn in the best possible way: they experienced the yarn's special drape and sheen as they tried on the garments. They saw all of the colors up close as well as on a runway. They gained lots of valuable and inspiring information about crocheting clothing in a memorable way: how more than one size of a well-designed garment fits fine depending on the look you want (for example, a smaller size may look trendy in a cropped, figure-enhancing way, while a larger size on the same person may have a breezy, swingy, streamlining look). How two people who wear the same size but have different body shapes look different in the same size. What good blocking does for a stylish design. Ideas for altering the pattern, for example, add repeats of the edging, or change sleeve length. (Doris also crocheted some simple variations.) And, they experienced all of this while chatting with the designer directly." Danielle Chalson Danielle is the knitting designer behind Makewise Designs. She also happens to be an intellectual property attorney, and I interviewed her about IP issues in Episode 7. "For me, the one thing that has been the most beneficial is to learn to trust my gut more. By that, I mean: trusting my instincts when a design idea is working or is compatible with my design sensibilities, but more importantly, trusting my instincts when a design idea is NOT working. It could be the shaping, the yarn choice, a stitch pattern, or the whole design altogether. Learn to trust that inner voice that the idea needs to be tweaked or even abandoned. I think that the more I do that, the more my designs will reflect a cohesive aesthetic or “voice” that is hopefully unique!" I don't suppose I could sneak away from this episode without sharing my own tips... Since I made the transition from being the full time employee of an organization with a side business in 2013 to being a fully self-employed person, I've found that there are 3 things that have allowed me to be self-supporting without relying on a full time job for income. Flexibility. I've had to be willing to make adjustments and course corrections to my businesses (while still staying true to myself, of course). Learning. I've had to make frequent investments of time and money in myself to keep learning new things to help my businesses thrive. Diversification. I have more than one business, and within each business, I have activities that lead to multiple streams of income. I've found that each one contributes to the others in unexpected ways. Recent review Kathy Kelly from Crochetbird gave the Show a 5 star review on iTunes. She says, "I am always surprised at the amount of useful information included in these podcasts. Definitely worth the time and an enjoyable listen too." Thanks, Kathy! If her name sounds familiar, it's because I responded to questions from Kathy in two past episodes: Episode 4: 6 Ways to Engage with the Blogging Community and Episode 45: How to Balance Two Creative Businesses.   If you enjoyed this episode The Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Show is no longer broadcasting. Episodes are available as a service to the yarn community. This episode originally aired in August, 2015. Be aware that content may be outdated. If you'd like to chat with other yarn-related business owners, join the Creative Yarn Entrepreneurs Facebook group. Support Marie's work by buying one of her books, Make Money Teaching Crochet: Launch Your Business, Increase Your Side Income, Reach More Students (Amazon | Gumroad) or Design It, Promote It, Sell It: Online Marketing for Your Crochet and Knit Patterns (Amazon | Gumroad).

In this week’s episode, I answer a listener question from Kathy Kelly, a crochet designer and teacher at Crochetbird and a jazz musician at Kathy Kelly Vibes! Kathy wants to know how to juggle two creative businesses at once. She says: I’m a jazz musician and a crochet teacher/designer. When I start to have some success in one area, it’s hard to keep things going in the other area, and I’m kind of making lopsided progress. Since my crochet and knitting business isn’t my full time work either, I thought I would answer this by sharing some of the things that I do to balance my different entrepreneurial activities. As you might know, I teach business education at the college and graduate level, and work for a local non-profit organization in addition to being a crochet and knitting designer, teacher, blogger, and podcaster. (For more details about what I’m currently working on, you may want to check out my LinkedIn profile.) I shared four things that have helped me to be successfully in multiple businesses. Set your goals for each business. Have a clear idea of what you hope to accomplish with each business in the near and far future. Whether you decide to write business plans, create lists, journal your goals, or speak with a coach, think through this process so you can articulate your plans for each business. Since you are committed to keeping both businesses part time, be aware that you may reach a ceiling in one or both careers because you will not be able to devote the time and energy to take one business to the next level while still maintaining the other business. Schedule and organize your routines. Put structures in place to support each business based on the goals you are hoping to achieve. (I talk more about this in Episode 21: 10 Habits for Successfully “Owning” (or Working) from Home.) You may want to have multiple workspaces and devote specific days of the week to each business. It can be distracting to jump back and forth between radically different types of tasks and activities, and you’ll be less productive in each business as a result. Automate when possible. Find some activities in both businesses  you can automate to increase your impact and decrease the amount of time you spend on these activities. I automated social media sharing for all of my different businesses and freelance projects this year using Hootsuite and Tailwind. This has increased my focus on what I’m sharing and reduced the amount of time I waste on each social site. It has also increased traffic to my blog from different social sites. You may also find outsourcing helpful. Plan ahead. Detailed planning for each business allowed me to focus and use slow periods in one business to work on the other. I started using this free blog planner from Elite Blog Academy earlier this year, and I’ve been able to write up patterns to share during the semester when I’m busier. (Tamara Kelly talks about how she uses her planner in Episode 23: Diversifying Your Income and Boosting Your Blogging with Tamara Kelly from Moogly.) If you enjoyed this episode The Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Show is no longer broadcasting. Episodes are available as a service to the yarn community. This episode originally aired in August, 2015. Be aware that content may be outdated. If you'd like to chat with other yarn-related business owners, join the Creative Yarn Entrepreneurs Facebook group. Support Marie's work by buying one of her books, Make Money Teaching Crochet: Launch Your Business, Increase Your Side Income, Reach More Students (Amazon | Gumroad) or Design It, Promote It, Sell It: Online Marketing for Your Crochet and Knit Patterns (Amazon | Gumroad).

This Week’s Episode In this week’s episode, I share an interview with Tamara Kelly from Moogly. Tamara’s crochet and knitting business is quite varied, and I talk to her about how she got her start, how she diversifies her income, and her tips for blogging and time management. You can find Tamara online on the Moogly website and blog, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Ravelry, Tumblr, and Twitter. I previously interviewed her on the Underground Crafter blog here. About Tamara Kelly Tamara started crocheting when her oldest child was young. After her other children were born, she hoped to make some side income by selling her crocheted items. She sold her finished projects informally through friends and on Facebook. Soon, she converted a mommy blog she had started into a platform to support the sales of her crocheted items. Tamara discovered that the free patterns she shared were some of her most popular posts, and since she preferred creating new designs to crocheting the same projects over and over, she decided to change the focus of her blog, and her business. In addition to income from advertising and affiliate relationships on her blog, Tamara recently began working as a freelance designer for magazines, teaching a Craftsy course, and writing sponsored posts on Moogly. About Moogly In this interview, Tamara talks about the evolution of her own business and shares several tips for other yarn industry indies. Diversify your income Tamara adds new income streams when she feels confident about her schedule and processes related to her existing income streams. The internet changes quickly, so she takes a trial and error approach. She regularly rotates affiliate partners based on earnings. She tries to remain open to new opportunities. Tamara also repurposes content when possible. Network online and in person at industry events Tamara encourages bloggers and other small business owners to network within the industry. When possible, she encourages attendance at industry events. Tamara also suggests carrying your business cards everywhere since you’ll never know who you may meet. (And, she shares her tips for navigating the Knit and Crochet Show Designer Meet and Greet in the audio interview.) Tamara also shared several ideas for powering up your blog. Network with other bloggers with a similar style and audience. Tamara recommends doing this online and in person when possible. Develop a working schedule including an editorial calendar for your blog.Tamara developed her own schedule and calendar system. Focus on photography and photo editing because blogging and social media are very visual. Tamara emphasizes using natural lighting, taking lots of pictures, and using PicMonkey for photo editing when necessary. If you enjoyed this episode The Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Show is no longer broadcasting. Episodes are available as a service to the yarn community. This episode originally aired in January, 2015. Be aware that content may be outdated. If you'd like to chat with other yarn-related business owners, join the Creative Yarn Entrepreneurs Facebook group. Support Marie's work by buying one of her books, Make Money Teaching Crochet: Launch Your Business, Increase Your Side Income, Reach More Students (Amazon | Gumroad) or Design It, Promote It, Sell It: Online Marketing for Your Crochet and Knit Patterns (Amazon | Gumroad).