Have you ever wondered where crochet actually came from? When you dig into the archives, you won’t find ancient Roman ruins or Egyptian tombs—instead, you’ll find one of the biggest mysteries in the fiber world.

In this episode, we are taking a deep dive into the fascinating, rebellious, and survival-driven history of crochet. From the rugged origins of "Shepherd’s Knitting" in Scotland to the trenches of World War I, we explore how this craft has always shown up exactly when humanity needed it most.

In this episode, we cover:

The Ancient Mystery: Why crochet appears out of nowhere in the 19th century and the theories behind Shepherd’s Knitting and Tambour Embroidery.

Royal Influence: The story of Queen Victoria personally crocheting scarves for soldiers during the Boer War at age 81.

Crochet as Survival: How the Red Cross used crochet for WWI trench gear and how soldiers used it to cope with "shell shock" (PTSD).

The Revolution: How the humble Granny Square went from a "make do and mend" necessity to a symbol of 1970s counterculture and fashion.

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

Hey friends! In this episode, I want to share a story with you from a couple of weeks ago that I just can't shake. You know I’ve been working hard for a solid four years to really scale my crochet business. I’ve been moving the needle forward just a little bit every single day—it’s slow growth, but it is growth.

Recently, I joined a business coaching program that has been a total game-changer (there is no way I would have learned what I know now without it!), but that doesn’t mean the doubt simply disappears.

Join me as I open up about a recent "Debbie Downer" moment I had while driving home. I was letting the doubt creep in, wondering exactly when that life-changing breakthrough was finally going to happen, until I had a powerful realization at a red light that shifted my entire perspective. If you are a creative business owner waiting for your sign to keep going, this episode is for you.

Connect with Me:

• Website: ⁠www.marcymade.co⁠
• Instagram: ⁠@SimplyHooked1⁠ 
• Email: [email protected]

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

🔆⁠Easter Patterns in Simply Crochet Magazine⁠

🔆⁠Features in Simply Crochet Magazine

We are heading into the end of the year, which means it’s time to start dreaming about your 2026 goals. If seeing your name in print or landing a major brand deal is on your vision board, this episode is your blueprint.

In this "Best Of" archive episode (originally recorded when my book ⁠Crochet Snuggle Buddies⁠ launched!), I am breaking down the exact behind-the-scenes story of how I landed a book deal and international magazine covers with a single cold email.

I used to think editors were unreachable. Then, I learned a "service-first" pitch strategy from entrepreneurs Susie Moore and Cathy Heller that changed everything. Instead of asking for a favor, I asked, "How can I help you meet your needs?" The result? A book contract, multiple magazine features, and a massive shift in my business trajectory.

In this episode, we cover:

• The "Service-First" Pitch: How to write an email that editors actually want to read (and respond to!).
• The Mindset Shift: Why saying "I am a crochet designer" out loud was the key to unlocking my confidence.
• The Timeline: From a Monday night Google search in February to a book launch in March—how fast things can move when you take action.
• Manifesting the Cover: How I set a specific goal to get my Amigurumi designs on the ⁠front cover of a UK magazine⁠—and made it happen.
• Cold Email Strategy: Who to contact, what to say, and how to follow up.

Whether you want to submit a pattern, write an article, or pitch a collaboration, this episode proves that you are one email away from a completely different career.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• My Book: ⁠Crochet Snuggle Buddies⁠ 
• Inspiration: ⁠Susie Moore⁠ & ⁠Cathy Heller⁠

Connect with Me:

• Website: ⁠www.marcymade.co⁠
• Instagram: ⁠@SimplyHooked1⁠ 
• Email: [email protected]

Note: This episode is a replay from March 2025, but the strategy is timeless for anyone looking to make big moves in 2026!

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

🔆⁠Easter Patterns in Simply Crochet Magazine⁠

🔆⁠Features in Simply Crochet Magazine

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build a successful crochet business, this episode is for you. I’m sharing exactly what I would do if I had to rebuild my crochet business from scratch.

After many years of owning a crochet business, I’m breaking down the 13 smartest decisions that changed everything—from choosing what to sell, using pattern testers, Pinterest and SEO, blogging for organic traffic, building an email list, running ads the right way, managing money, understanding seasonal sales, and protecting the joy of crochet.

Whether you sell crochet patterns, handmade items, run an Etsy or Shopify shop, or want to build passive income with your craft, this episode will help you stop guessing and start building with clarity and confidence.

This isn’t theory, it’s lived experience. Press play and start building smarter.

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 Crochet Project Planner⁠⁠**

This Thanksgiving, take a few quiet minutes just for you. In this calming guided meditation, we slow down, reconnect with gratitude, and ground ourselves before the whirlwind of cooking, hosting, traveling, and giving begins.

Whether you're a crocheter, a creative entrepreneur, a busy mom, or someone craving more peace in the middle of a full life, this meditation helps you return to center.
You’ll release tension, reset your mindset, and remember the powerful truth: your life can change simply by choosing gratitude, one moment at a time.

This episode blends gentle encouragement with mindset principles you love — the belief that gratitude opens doors, shifts energy, and helps you design a life full of joy, abundance, and purpose.

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 Free Community on Skool!

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join The Next Crochet Kit Club⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

Running out of time but still want to give handmade? 🎄 If you are looking for last-minute crochet gifts that don't take weeks to finish, this episode is your survival guide.

In this episode of Simply Hooked, I’m sharing 12 fast crochet projects perfect for family, friends, teachers, and neighbors. These are beginner-friendly patterns you can often finish in a single sitting using yarn you already have!

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• One-Hour Projects: Quick wins including ornaments and stocking stuffers.

• Stash Busting: How to use scrap yarn and cotton yarn to make beautiful, low-cost gifts.

• Gift Guides: Specific ideas for hard-to-buy-for people like teens, coworkers, and coffee lovers.

• Plushies & Decor: Adorable items that look impressive but work up fast.

Whether you need a gift for a new driver or a thoughtful token for a teacher, these easy crochet ideas will save your holiday season without the stress. Grab your hook and let’s get gifting!

PATTERN LINKS

Facial Pads

Mug Cozies

Ear Warmer

Bookmarks

Small Basket

Bubble Plushies

Pencil

Earbud Cases

Swinging Duck Mirror Hanger

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 Crochet Project Planner⁠**

Welcome to Threads of Wisdom, a bite-sized series from Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast for makers who want to grow their mindset, creativity, and handmade business.

In this inspiring mini-episode, we revisit a timeless quote from Earl Nightingale — “You become what you think about.” Discover how your thoughts shape your crochet journey, influence your business success, and determine the kind of creative life you build.

You’ll learn:
● How your mindset directly impacts your crochet business, creativity, and motivation
● Simple ways to reframe negative thoughts and boost your confidence as a maker
● Why focusing on your goals and visualizing success helps you grow faster — in life and in business

Think of this as a mental reset for makers — a reminder that the same way each stitch builds a masterpiece, each thought builds your future. Tune in, realign your mindset, and start crafting a life (and business) you truly love.

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

In this confidence-boosting episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, we dive deep into overcoming imposter syndrome as a crochet designer and creative entrepreneur. If you’ve ever questioned your talent, compared yourself to other designers, or wondered why anyone would choose your crochet patterns, this episode will speak straight to your heart.

I share personal stories from my own creative journey—including a moment in the frozen food aisle that completely transformed the way I view creativity, originality, and the crochet industry. You’ll walk away with practical tools, mindset shifts, and encouragement to help you step confidently into your role as a designer.

Inside this episode, you’ll discover how to:
✨ Rewire negative self-talk and build a stronger mindset as a crochet designer
✨ Find your unique creative voice in a crowded crochet pattern market
✨ Confidently grow your crochet business without comparing yourself to others
✨ Understand why variety, originality, and authenticity matter in the handmade world
✨ Remember that your creativity is needed—and someone is waiting for the exact patterns only you can create

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

Is your creative space disappearing under a mountain of yarn? If you are drowning in unfinished objects (WIPs) or struggling with yarn organization, it’s time to take control of your craft.

In this episode, I’m unveiling the Simply Hooked Crochet Project Planner—a complete system I designed specifically to help fiber artists finish what they start. We aren't just talking about a notebook; we are talking about a workflow that keeps your crochet patterns and supplies organized.

Inside the Planner System:

• Project Trackers & Logs: Never forget hook sizes or yarn lots again.

• Yarn Inventory Sheets: Manage your stash so you know exactly what you have.

• Pattern Organization: A dedicated system with alphabetized folders for printed patterns.

• Lifetime Value: Includes printable refills so you never run out of pages.

Great for Gifting:Available in two editions (Classic or Deluxe with crochet stickers and a pen!), this planner makes one of the best gifts for crocheters this season.

GRAB THE PLANNER HERE**

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

Do you have piles of unfinished crochet projects tucked away in baskets and bags? In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, we dive deep into the world of crochet WIPs (Works in Progress). Whether you’re a beginner crocheter or a seasoned maker with a growing yarn stash, you’ll learn practical tips to organize, track, and actually finish your projects—without feeling overwhelmed.

I’ll walk you through my favorite WIP tracking methods, how to set realistic crochet goals, and why using a crochet project planner can transform your workflow. You’ll discover strategies for managing multiple amigurumi patterns, keeping your yarn inventory under control, and finding joy in every stitch—even when projects pile up.

-- GRAB THE CROCHET PROJECT PLANNER HERE --

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
● Why crocheters accumulate so many WIPs and how to avoid “project guilt”
● Simple systems for organizing crochet patterns, yarn, and tools
● How to create a crochet WIP tracker or planner that actually works
● Tips for staying motivated and finishing crochet projects faster
● Ways to turn your unfinished WIPs into crochet gifts, donations, or items to sell

If you’ve ever felt stuck in WIP overload, this episode will help you reclaim your crochet confidence, finish more projects, and fall back in love with the craft you started for joy.

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