Crochet Buzz Episode 4: August
Finding Support for Your Crochet Business or Blog
Crochet like Business is not a solo endeavor. Sure you may find that you can crochet alone but the real benefits come from the social interaction.
Why do you like showing your work online? Validation? Encouragement? Pride?
You need friends and mentors to help you along the way. This past week I’ve really pushed the boundaries for myself as far as socializing. Sure, it is super scary for me but I know it is necessary for my growth and the growth my business (which is transforming into something I never dreamed of).
I attended my first networking meeting – in real life! Yikes. It almost didn’t happen though because right before I was suppose to go I tried coming up with excuses on why I shouldn’t go.
I ‘bucked up’ as they say, reminded myself of my favorite inspirational speaker Joyce Meyer and did it afraid.
I’m so glad I did because I think I’ve found a group of people that really get what I’m all about. I even talked to someone – GASP.
Who supports you?
Brazilian Designer Hires Prisoners to Produce her One of a Kind Fashions
Not sure what the minimum wage is in Brazil but these prisoners get 75% of that plus they get to learn to knit and crochet high fashion. Real Men Knit or Crochet comes to mind when I read this story and view the photos of this dainty, petite designer teaching these men how to make her fashions.
The designer turned to the prison for help in 2009 when she had trouble finding knitters for her Doiselles label, which specialises in beautiful knitting and crochet work.
She trained 18 prisoners sentenced for crimes ranging from robbery to murder, and their work is now exported globally, including to America, France, and Japan. (1) Read More
Will Hook for Yarn Crochet-a-long – Hexagon Table Runner
Have you ever crocheted a hexagon? I know in the knitting world they have the puff hexagon projects that are popular but what about crochet? Is there a puff crochet hexagon?
Here’s your chance to get in on the hexagon action with Alycia of Habitual Homebody. She’s using Wink’s of A Creative Being’s Tutorial. There is also a Linky on the 29th of August to share your completed project.
Painting with Yarn to Release Your Inner Creative Self
When I came across this class taught by Cal Patch of HodgePodgeFarm blog (3) I knew I had to share it. She speaks about crochet in an honoring way and seeks to spread her love of crochet to knitters who squawk at it as an uncreative use of yarn.
Meet her via CreativeBug.com where she teaches online-workshops.
I totally understand how people can get the tacky or cheap vibe with crochet but I think it has more to do with how it is taught and presented by the big name yarn companies that cater to the crochet hobbyist.
Teach crochet like knitting by introducing design, drape, choosing the right yarn, tension, gauge, and provide an assortment of yarn fibers and weights then you might see more fashionable designs on the runway. Oh, wait – Isn’t that happening right now?
Check out her class Collage Crochet (4) which shares how to mindfully crochet a shawl according to your inner self.
Sources:
- (1) http://www.njnewsday.com/national/6252-maximum-security-prisoners-in-brazilian-jail-take-up-knitting-to-create-designs-for-high-end-fashion-label.html
- (2)http://www.habitualhomebody.com/
- (3)http://hodgepodgefarm.net/?p=3172
- (4) http://www.squamartworkshops.com/collage-crochet
About Sara Duggan
Good for you! Taking that new step on your road to success Sara. I am terrified of public speaking – I actually dislike the sound of my own voice…does everyone feel that way do you think? I was going to ask you if you had a ‘how to’ on YouTube videos. I keep having requests for videos and I am thinking I may make a few (without audio – am I allowed to do that?) just so they can see how to do a stitch? Thanks again! I’m trying to maintain the momentum of posting every day – thank you for your help with getting my blogging on track
Rhondda
Rhondda, I don’t do video for crochet because I don’t have the equipment. You can probably ask Teresa (crochet geek), Tamara of Moogly blog, Debi of Dearest Debi, and even Sede of yarnobsession for tips.
Without sound (voice) is doable just add some music in the background. Much of the editing can be done in the Youtube editor.
Enjoyed reading your post. I look forward to seeing you prosper in your crochet business. I believe that loving what you do is important and earning extra at the same time is not bad too!
Lynne, you are so right. The reason I can do this is because I love it. Adding the income has been a slow process for me because of my money mindset. I think as crafters we find it difficult to separate business from hobby so don’t charge or treat our ‘business’ as one.