From Crochet Hippo to Times Square Spotlight | Inspiring Story for Makers About Creativity, Crochet Legacy, and How Handmade Projects Can Reach Unexpected Places
What happens when something you make with your own two hands ends up in one of the most iconic places in the world? In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, I’m taking you back to 2014—before I ever had an Etsy shop, before I started designing crochet patterns, and before I dreamed this business would exist.This isn’t a “how-to” episode. It’s a story—a reminder that the work of your hands matters more than you realize. I share the behind-the-scenes of how my hippo landed in Times Square, the lessons it taught me about showing up, and why I even started this podcast in the first place: to leave a legacy of stories and encouragement my kids can one day listen to.✨ In this episode you’ll hear:● The true story of how my crocheted hippo was featured in Times Square● Why sharing your creativity—even in small ways—can lead to big opportunities● The importance of leaving a creative legacy for your loved ones● Encouragement to keep putting your handmade work into the worldWhether you crochet for fun, for business, or simply for yourself, I hope this story inspires you to keep creating and sharing. Because you never know when your “hippo moment” might come.For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth, which goes into much more detail on scaling!🔆Join Our Skool Community🔆Join The Next Crochet Kit Club🔆Learn to Crochet Course🔆Shop My Crochet Patterns🔆Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book🧶Grab Some Crochet Merch🧶Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern
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Balancing Crochet Business & Mom Life: Emily Makes Crochet Story + Beginner Crochet Inspiration
Today, I’m joined by the lovely Emily, the creative heart behind Emily Makes Crochet. Emily has been crocheting since she was just 12 years old, and now, as a busy mom of two girls, she’s balancing family life, part-time work at a ceramic shop, and her thriving crochet business. In this conversation, Emily opens up about how crochet has brought her joy through every season of life—whether it’s during carpool lines, late-night stitches, or creating new designs that bring her community together.We talk about her journey from hobby to business, the challenges and wins of running a creative brand while raising kids, and the way her online community has supported and inspired her along the way. Emily’s story is such a reminder that creativity doesn’t have to wait for the perfect season—it can weave itself beautifully into our everyday lives.If you’re looking for encouragement to chase your creative spark (even in the middle of a busy schedule), you’ll love this conversation.✨ Check out Emily’s Daisy Pop Pattern 🌐 Visit her website 📸 Follow her on Instagram For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth, which goes into much more detail on scaling!🔆Join Our Skool Community🔆Join The Next Crochet Kit Club🔆Learn to Crochet Course🔆Shop My Crochet Patterns🔆Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book🧶Grab Some Crochet Merch🧶Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern
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UK vs US Crochet Terms Explained: Why Crochet Stitches Have Two Languages | Crochet Community Chat
Did you know crochet has two different languages? 🧶 If you’ve ever been confused by a crochet pattern that doesn’t look right, chances are you’ve run into the difference between UK vs US crochet terms. In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, we unpack why crochet stitches are named differently, how this split happened, and what it means for your projects today.You’ll learn:● The fascinating history behind UK and US crochet stitch names● Why a UK double crochet is the same as a US single crochet● Crochet tips for beginners on how to read patterns confidently● How to spot which terminology your pattern uses before you startWhether you’re just learning how to crochet or you’ve been making projects for years, this episode will help you master crochet pattern reading, avoid mix-ups, and understand the story behind the stitches you love.Read this blog for a printable PDF of this abbreviation chart.For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth, which goes into much more detail on scaling!🔆Join Our Skool Community🔆Join The Next Crochet Kit Club🔆Learn to Crochet Course🔆Shop My Crochet Patterns🔆Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book🧶Grab Some Crochet Merch🧶Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern
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How to Design a Crochet Pattern: My Step-by-Step Process from Idea to Launch | Crochet Business Tips
If you’ve ever wondered how to design a crochet pattern and actually turn it into a profitable part of your crochet business, this episode is for you. I’m walking you through my complete crochet pattern design process—from the very first idea to launching the finished pattern in my shop.In this behind-the-scenes look, you’ll learn:● Crochet business tips for designing patterns that stand out in a crowded market● How to brainstorm unique crochet pattern ideas that actually sell● My step-by-step crochet design process: sketching, prototyping, testing, and formatting● Why pattern testing is essential for creating professional, beginner-friendly crochet patterns● How I photograph, write, and format patterns for platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and Ravelry● Marketing strategies for promoting your crochet patterns with social media, email, and PinterestWhether you’re dreaming of starting a crochet business, already selling patterns and looking for fresh tips, or just curious about what goes into crochet pattern design, this episode will give you the roadmap.By the end, you’ll know exactly how to:● Turn crochet ideas into polished, professional patterns● Build a crochet side hustle or full-time business with patterns that sell● Use my proven system to go from idea → pattern → launch day with confidence👉 Tune in for practical crochet business tips, pattern design strategies, and inspiration to help you grow your crochet business and share your creativity with the world.For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth, which goes into much more detail on scaling!🔆Join Our Skool Community🔆Join The Next Crochet Kit Club🔆Learn to Crochet Course🔆Shop My Crochet Patterns🔆Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book🧶Grab Some Crochet Merch🧶Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern
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Belief Before Results | Mindset for Crochet Business, Handmade Sellers & Creative Entrepreneurs
Hey friend, if you’ve ever felt stuck in your crochet business or handmade journey because the results aren’t coming fast enough—you’re not alone. In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, I share a lesson every creative entrepreneur and handmade business owner needs to hear: belief comes before results.Here’s what you’ll take away:● How to stay motivated when your crochet patterns, handmade crafts, or online shop sales feel slow● Why consistency and mindset are more powerful than instant results for long-term growth● Encouragement for makers, crafters, and small business owners who feel like giving up when progress doesn’t show right awayIf you’re a crochet lover, handmade seller, or creative entrepreneur looking for inspiration to keep going during the slow seasons, this episode will remind you: belief is the fuel that keeps us stitching, creating, and building businesses we love.✨ Your crochet business matters. Your creativity matters. And the results will come when you lead with belief.For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth, which goes into much more detail on scaling!🔆Join Our Skool Community🔆Join The Next Crochet Kit Club🔆Learn to Crochet Course🔆Shop My Crochet Patterns🔆Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book🧶Grab Some Crochet Merch🧶Grab The FREE Donkey Pattern
Want to grow your crochet skills and create a life you love through creativity? Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast helps you do exactly that. I’m Marcy Gardner—crochet designer, entrepreneur, and mom—and each week I bring you crochet inspiration, beginner-friendly amigurumi tips, and creative business strategies designed for makers like you. From selling at craft fairs to making meaningful gifts, this podcast is about using your yarn and your gifts to bring joy, freedom, and impact. If you dream of turning yarn into purpose, projects, or even profit, you’re in the right place.
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