Ever looked at a ball of yarn and wondered how it actually happened? It seems like such a simple thing, but the journey from a sheep’s back (or a scientist’s lab!) to your crochet hook is kind of mind-blowing.

In this episode of Simply Hooked, I’m taking you behind the scenes of the fiber world. We’re digging into the "glow-up" process of natural fibers—from the shearing and scouring of raw wool to the rhythmic magic of carding and spinning. I even share a bit about my own (very humbling) experience with an Ashford spinning wheel a decade ago!

What we’re covering today:

• Animal vs. Plant vs. Synthetic: The major differences between wool, cotton, and acrylic.

• The Cleaning Process: Why you can’t just rinse wool in the sink (unless you want a giant clump of felt).

• The Science of Synthetic: How petroleum-based materials become the soft amigurumi yarn we love.

• Plies & Twists: Why some yarns are sturdier than others and how they’re finished for the craft store shelf.

Every stitch we make is the final chapter of a story that started long before the yarn hit our stash. Let’s explore that story together!

The Lifetime All-Access Pattern Vault: Get every pattern I’ve ever made (and every future release!) for one single price. 

Hank the Hippo Signature Crochet Kit: Grab the preorder for the kit and the "Do You Know Hank the Hippo?" children’s book! 

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🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

What if your thoughts were the "pattern" for your entire life? In this episode of Threads of Wisdom, we explore Earl Nightingale’s transformative concept from The Strangest Secret: "We become what we think about." Discover how to weed out "mental knots" and plant the seeds for a life you 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!

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🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

Can a marriage survive a 5:30 AM market-day pack-out and a house full of amigurumi?

In this special episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, I’m sitting down with my favorite guest—my husband! He’s seen the entire evolution of my journey from the very first stitch I made in 2012 to the creative business I run today.

We’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to live with a full-time crochet designer and entrepreneur.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Origin Story

The Business of Crochet

The "Stash" Reality

Whether you’re a fellow maker looking for tips on involving your partner in your business or you just want a good laugh about the chaos of the creative life, this episode is for you!

🔆Join the Lifetime All-Access Pattern Vault: Get instant access to over 99 patterns PLUS every new pattern I release in the future.

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

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🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

If you feel stuck in the "daily grind," this episode is for you. We explore why many creative entrepreneurs self-sabotage just as they start to see success.

Using the framework from The Big Leap, we break down how to stop doing the tasks that drain you and start focusing on the work that actually moves the needle for your shop.

• Identify your Zone of Genius: The secret to scaling without burning out.

Have you ever opened a crochet pattern, taken one look at all the abbreviations, brackets, parentheses, and numbers, and immediately felt overwhelmed? You are not alone.

In this episode, we’re breaking down how to read crochet patterns for beginners and explaining why crochet patterns look so complicated in the first place. If you’ve ever wondered what stitches like sc, inc, dec, ch, sts, or instructions like [inc, sc in 3] x8 (40) actually mean, this episode will help it all finally click.

You’ll learn:
● Why crochet patterns are written in shorthand

● The real reason abbreviations exist (and why they’re actually helpful)

● How to understand brackets, repeats, and stitch counts

● What parentheses at the end of a round are really telling you

● Why the notes section at the beginning of a crochet pattern matters more than you think

● The difference between US vs UK crochet terms and how using the wrong one can completely change your project

● A simple 3-step approach to reading any crochet pattern without feeling intimidated

Whether you’re brand new to crochet, struggling to follow amigurumi patterns, or just want to feel more confident reading written instructions, this episode will help you stop feeling stuck and start understanding crochet patterns like a pro.

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

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

Does standing in the yarn aisle feel a bit like trying to read a foreign language? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re cracking the code on those cryptic yarn label symbols so you can choose your next skein with total confidence.

I’ll break down the critical difference between yarn weight and skein weight, explain why yardage matters more than the number of balls, and demystify dye lots and fiber content. Tune in to turn that confusion into clarity and ensure your hard work results in a project you love.

• Yarn Weight vs. Skein Weight: We clear up the common confusion between the thickness of the strand (categories 0-7) and the physical weight of the ball.

• The Yardage Rule: Learn why buying based on the "number of skeins" is a mistake and how to use yardage to ensure you never run out mid-project.

• Decoding Dye Lots: Discover why checking this tiny number is the secret to professional-looking blankets and garments without mismatched colors.

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

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🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

The new year does not need to start with pressure or hustle. This gentle New Year reset for crocheters is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and move forward with intention.

In this episode, we talk about awareness, creativity, and why you are not behind. Whether crochet is your hobby, your business, or something in between, this conversation will help you reconnect with what matters most and choose a focused path forward without overwhelm.

In this episode, you’ll explore:
● Why awareness always comes before change
● How to release pressure and unrealistic New Year goals
● A gentle reflection on your crochet life over the past year
● How the 12 Week Year framework helps creatives stay focused without burnout
● Choosing one meaningful twelve week intention instead of planning an entire year
● Expanding your awareness and allowing yourself to imagine what is possible

This episode is a calming reset for creative women, crocheters, and moms who want growth that feels aligned, peaceful, and sustainable.

RESOURCES AND LINKS

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

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