Podcast

Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast

Crafts, Leisure

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 of two—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.

Crafts chart
#30
Episodes
84
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
13 min
On air since
2025
Latest episode
1 day ago

Episodes

84 episodes, newest first

  1. Is Your Creative Passion Selfish? Why Your Business is a Gift to the World

    Show notes

    A couple of years ago, I found myself wrestling with a question that carried more weight than I expected: If I reached the point where my crochet business could fully support my family, would that be selfish?

    I have always held jobs that felt like they had a "tangible" contribution to society. That sense of purpose is deeply fulfilling, and I never wanted to lose it. Doubt began to creep in: would designing crochet patterns truly make a difference? Or would it just be self-indulgent—a personal dream that doesn’t actually serve anyone else?

    That uneasy feeling of guilt stayed with me until a conversation with a close friend shifted my perspective entirely. If you have ever wondered whether pursuing your creative passion is worthwhile, or if you've worried that it is somehow "less important" than a traditional career, this is for you.

    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

    9 min
  2. How to Price Crochet Plushies and Amigurumi Without Undercharging | Crochet Business Tips

    Show notes

    Not sure what to charge for your crochet plushies or amigurumi? In this episode, I’m sharing the pricing framework I’ve developed after years of selling handmade crochet at markets and online.

    I talk about how I use size as a starting point, then adjust for complexity, skill level, materials, finishing work and overall value. I also share real examples from my own business, including why I price 5–7 inch plushies around $25, 10-inch plushies around $40, larger plushies at $60–$65 and up, my $97 lovey baby blankets, and the camel I sold for $87 at a market.

    We’ll also talk about why pricing by the hour alone can be misleading, why customers are paying for your expertise as well as your time, and why the finished quality of your work matters. Plus, I’ll explain how to factor in premium yarn, booth fees, online selling costs and what your market is actually willing to pay.

    If you’ve ever wondered, “How much should I charge for my crochet?” this episode will give you a practical place to start without relying on one complicated formula.

    SIMPLY HOOKED 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

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

    20 min
  3. A New Direction: Introducing Hooked on Growth for Crochet Business Owners

    Show notes

    Simply Hooked is growing in a new direction — and I’m excited to finally share what that means.

    In this episode, I’m talking about the transition of the Simply Hooked Crochet Corner community into Hooked on Growth, a community created specifically for crochet business owners, pattern designers, Etsy sellers, craft market vendors and anyone who wants to turn their crochet into income.

    We’ll be digging into real crochet business topics like Etsy SEO, product photography, pricing, email marketing, conversion rates, product strategy, craft markets and growing an online crochet business — along with real examples of what I’m testing and learning inside Simply Hooked.

    And if you’re here simply because you love crochet, don’t worry: Simply Hooked isn’t becoming a business-only brand. Patterns, projects, tutorials and conversations about the craft aren’t going anywhere. Hooked on Growth is simply giving the business side of our community a place to go deeper.

    If you already sell crochet patterns or finished products — or you’re thinking about turning crochet into a business — I’d love to have you join us and help shape what Hooked on Growth becomes.

    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

    7 min
  4. Handmade in the Headlines: Crochet News, World Records, Community & the Rise of Handmade

    Show notes

    Crochet is making headlines around the world! In this first edition of Handmade in the Headlines, we’re looking at some of the most interesting, inspiring and unexpected crochet and handmade stories in the news.

    We’ll talk about nearly 48,000 crocheted flags stretching for miles in India, a community crochet project bringing generations together in Las Vegas, teenage boys crocheting for a cause in Texas, and an emotional story about fiber art and healing. We’ll also dig into a growing branding trend: as AI-generated content becomes more common, could things that are truly handmade become even more valuable?

    And because no crochet news roundup would be complete without a little unexpected baseball talk, we’re also discussing why Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet keeps showing up in my Google Alerts.

    Grab your current WIP and join me for a trip through the latest crochet, yarn and handmade stories making headlines.

    Find Simply Hooked crochet patterns and kits at marcymade.co.

    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

    10 min
  5. What Really Grows a Crochet Business | Etsy, Entrepreneurship & Staying the Course

    Show notes

    What really takes a crochet business from zero sales to thousands? The answer isn’t one Etsy trick, one viral product, or one marketing strategy. It’s years of learning, testing, improving, and continuing to show up.

    In this episode, I’m sharing why entrepreneurship is a marathon, what four years of seriously growing my crochet business has taught me, and why I believe God may be preparing us for the success we’re praying for long before we can see it.

    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

    Amazing Grace 2011 - Classical Whimsical by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100820

    Artist: http://incompetech.com/⁠⁠

    13 min
  6. Crochet Pattern Listing Tips: How Better Product Images Increased My Add-to-Cart Rate

    Show notes

    Your crochet pattern may not be the problem. The way you are presenting it could be. In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, I’m sharing how improving my crochet pattern listing images helped increase my add-to-cart rate and changed the way I think about selling digital products online.

    We’ll talk about why attractive finished-project photos are not enough, which customer questions your product images should answer, and how to help shoppers understand exactly what they are purchasing. If you sell crochet patterns, digital products, or handmade items on Etsy or your own website, this episode will help you create stronger product listings that build confidence and make buying decisions easier.

    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

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    MUSIC USED

    Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1400054

    Artist: http://incompetech.com/

    24 min
  7. A Chat with Louie: How He Built Club Crochet, Turned a High School Hobby Into a Crochet Business & Created Crochet Goomis and Battle Goomis

    Show notes

    What can happen when you pick up a crochet hook simply because you are curious and allow that creativity to lead the way?

    In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, I sit down with Louie, the creator behind Louie’s Loops and Club Crochet, to talk about turning an unexpected high school hobby into a thriving crochet business, creative career, and worldwide community.

    Louie began crocheting in 2008 after learning how to make hats as a teenager. That first project eventually led to crochet tutorials, original amigurumi patterns, stop-motion “Yarnimations,” a successful Kickstarter campaign, and Club Crochet, a community that now connects more than 150,000 crocheters around the world.

    Louie shares what inspired him to learn crochet, how the people around him reacted, and when he first realized his projects could become more than a hobby. We also talk about balancing a growing creative business with a full-time job, recognizing when it was finally time to pursue entrepreneurship, protecting personal time, and continuing to enjoy crochet after it becomes your career.

    We also explore Louie’s newest creative chapter, Crochet Goomis. This imaginative crochet book features 50 amigurumi characters, including dragons, dinosaurs, gnomes, donuts, and other creatures from the world of Goomia. Louie is bringing those characters beyond the pages of the book through Battle Goomis, a craftable tabletop card game where players can collect, crochet, and battle their characters.

    This episode is an encouraging listen for crocheters, amigurumi designers, makers, content creators, and creative business owners who are following an unconventional idea without knowing exactly where it may lead.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT LOUIE AND THE GOOMIS

    • Preorder Crochet Goomis directly from Club Crochet:
    https://clubcrochet.com/shop/crochetgoomis/
    • Preorder Crochet Goomis on Amazon:
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/1837837066
    • Explore the world of Crochet Goomis:
    https://clubcrochet.com/goomis/
    • Follow Battle Goomis on BackerKit:
    https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/louie-s-loops/battle-goomis-the-craftable-card-game/pre-launch
    • Explore Club Crochet:
    https://clubcrochet.com/
    • Visit Louie’s Loops:
    https://louiesloops.com/

    Be sure to follow Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast so you do not miss future conversations about crochet, creativity, amigurumi, and building a handmade business.

    Share this episode with a crocheter, maker, or creative entrepreneur who needs a reminder that one small idea can grow into something far greater than they imagined.

    SIMPLY HOOKED LINKS

    Join Our Skool Community⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch

    Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1400054

    Artist: http://incompetech.com/⁠

    1 hr 1 min
  8. The Power of Compound Effort in Your Crochet Business | How Small Daily Actions Build Momentum, Boost Craft Sales, and Grow Your Brand | Actionable Strategy Tips for Makers & Creators

    Show notes

    What if the small efforts you make every day are building something far greater than you can see right now?

    In this encouraging episode we explore the power of compound effort and how consistent, intentional action can lead to meaningful business growth, personal development, and long-term success.

    This episode is a reminder that major accomplishments are often created through ordinary days of steady work. Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep taking the next step. Your effort is adding up.

    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

    16 min
  9. 20 Easy Amigurumi Accessories for Crochet Plushies | Beginner-Friendly Ideas to Upgrade Your Chunky Plush Patterns, Boost Etsy and Shopify Sales, & Stand Out at Your Next Craft Market

    Show notes

    Give your crochet plushies more personality with 20 easy amigurumi accessory ideas! From hats, scarves and backpacks to tiny food, seasonal props and removable outfits, these creative additions can help you use leftover yarn, personalize handmade gifts and make your plushies stand out at craft markets.

    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

    https://www.marcymade.co/

    14 min
  10. When You Feel Behind: A Mindset Reset for Crocheters, Moms & Creative Business Owners | Overcoming Overwhelm, Time Management Tips, & Motivation for Makers and Your Craft Business Community

    Show notes

    Have you ever looked around and felt like every other maker, crochet designer, or creative business owner is growing faster than you? Maybe they are releasing new patterns, posting consistently, launching collections, and showing up online while you feel like you can barely keep up with real life.

    In this episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, I’m sharing a personal mindset reset after taking nearly two months away from the podcast. At the beginning of the year, I had big goals for my crochet business, but after our family made the decision to relocate, the next few months were full of moving logistics, realtors, buying and selling a house, packing, unpacking, working full-time, childcare, sickness, and trying to settle into a new season.

    If this episode encourages you, share it with a crochet friend, maker, or creative business owner who needs the reminder that she is not behind.

    Find beginner-friendly crochet patterns at https://www.marcymade.co/.

    12 min
  11. 9 Last-Minute Mother’s Day Crochet Gifts That Are Quick, Easy & Meaningful | Spring Craft Market Inventory Ideas, Quick Amigurumi Patterns to Sell, & Boost Your Etsy or Shopify Sales

    Show notes

    If Mother’s Day snuck up on you this year, don't worry, you aren't alone. In this episode of Simply Hooked, I’m sharing nine of my favorite last-minute crochet gift ideas that are quick to make but still feel incredibly meaningful.

    From practical self-care items to beautiful handmade accessories, these are projects you can realistically finish in an hour or two.

    Enjoy links to patterns mentioned below!

    Soap Saver

    Face Scrubbies

    Flower Jewelry Tray

    Daisy Flower Earrings

    Farmer’s Market Bag

    Potted Plant Cozy (Yarnspirations here, BHooked here)

    Daisy Bookmark

    Modern Wrap Towel Holder

    Cozy Crochet Socks

    A last-minute gift doesn’t mean a meaningless one. Grab your yarn and let’s create something from the heart for the moms we love.

    Pre-order my new farm crochet pattern bundle here! It will be released on May 9, 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

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

    🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

    7 min
  12. Life Update + I Went Down a Rabbit Hole on Hand-Dyed Yarn… Here’s What I Learned | Sourcing Organic Cotton & Luxury Materials for Amigurumi, Pattern Design Tips, & Craft Sales

    Show notes

    Have you ever looked at a gorgeous, speckled skein and wondered how it’s actually made? I’m going down a rabbit hole to explore the chemistry and creativity behind indie-dyed yarn. In this episode, I break down the basics of yarn dyeing for beginners, including:

    •

    Fiber Types: Why wool and animal fibers take dye differently than cotton or acrylic.

    •

    Dyeing Techniques: The difference between immersion dyeing, hand-painting, and creating those trendy variegated and tonal looks.

    •

    The Science: How acid dyes, heat, and pH levels bond color to fiber.

    •

    Safety Tips: How to experiment with DIY yarn dyeing without ruining your kitchen.

    Whether you're a knitter, crocheter, or just a lover of fiber arts, join me as I discover how a little vinegar and heat can turn a plain skein into a work of art.

    Are you ready to try dyeing your own yarn, or are you just here for the beautiful 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

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

    11 min
  13. The Worms Aren’t in the Nest: Faith, Hustle, and Building Your Crochet Business | Inspiring Creative Entrepreneurs to Take Action, Grow a Skool Community, & Boost Amigurumi Sales

    Show notes

    In this episode, I’m sharing a mindset shift that honestly stopped me in my tracks: “God feeds the birds, but He doesn’t drop the worms in their nests.” It challenged me to think about where I’ve been waiting instead of moving, and I have a feeling I’m not the only one.

    If you’ve been feeling stuck in your crochet business or creative journey, this episode is for you. I’m talking about the difference between trusting God’s provision and staying passive, and what it really looks like to partner faith with action.

    I’ll encourage you to step out of the “nest,” take messy action, and start building the business and life you’ve been dreaming about, because the opportunities are out there, and you already have what you need to go get them.

    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

    8 min
  14. What to Make for Spring Craft Markets: 12 Quick & Easy Crochet Ideas That Actually Sell | Amigurumi Patterns, Chunky Plushies, Bestseller Inventory Prep, & How to Increase Your Craft Sales

    Show notes

    Friends, spring is just around the corner! I’m finally seeing those first green blades of grass peeking through the yard, and I cannot wait for those perfect 75-degree days. For us crocheters, this is a huge season. You likely haven't done a market since the Christmas rush, and you’ve spent the last three months experimenting with new stitches, but now, it’s time to get down to business.

    I know that prepping for spring markets can feel a little overwhelming. You’re looking at your yarn stash and your calendar, wondering: What should I actually be making right now?

    In today’s episode, I’ve curated a list of 12 quick, easy, and strategic crochet makes designed to stop people in their tracks and turn "just looking" into a sale. From impulse-buy keychains to my favorite long-eared bunny plushies, we’re breaking down the patterns that fill your tables without burning you out.

    Patterns Mentioned in This Episode:

    Flower Power Keychains by Lavender Loop Crochet

    Plushie Peeps by Jessica Cooper (Crochet It Creations)

    Mini Easter Baskets by Jo to the World Creations

    Bouquet of Flowers by Cuteville Toys

    Flower Coasters by One Dog Woof

    Bunny Coasters by Krista (Easy Crochet)

    Daisy Granny Squares by Laura (Tillie Tulip)

    Naztazia 5 Ways to Connect Granny Squares

    Easter Eggs and Carrots by Kristi Tullus

    Flower Frog Plushie by Allison (Wonder Crochet)

    Long-Eared Bunny Plushie with Carrot by Marcy Gardner

    The Day-to-Day Bucket Hat by Jess (Make & Do Crew)

    Sunflower Mug Cozy by Marcy Gardner

    SIMPLY HOOKED LINKS & RESOURCES

    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

    16 min
  15. Stop Wishing, Start Scaling: Proven Tips for Handmade Business Success | Marketing Strategies for Amigurumi Makers, Selling Physical Kits and Courses, & Expanding Your Craft Business

    Show notes

    In this episode, we’re diving into the critical mindset shift every handmade business owner needs to make to see consistent growth. If you’ve spent months "hoping" for sales or waiting for the algorithm to finally favor your Etsy shop, it’s time to take back control.

    We discuss why deciding to grow is the essential first step toward scaling your brand and moving beyond the "hope and pray" method.

    LINKS & RESOURCES

    🔆⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

    🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

    8 min
  16. Starting a Crochet Podcast: What One Year Taught Me About Business and Creativity | Growing a Skool Community, Shopify and Etsy Sales, & Strategies for Creative Entrepreneurs

    Show notes

    I started this crochet podcast with nothing more than an idea and the courage to press record. One year and 69 episodes later, I’m reflecting on how what began as a simple experiment to connect with the crochet community became something much bigger.

    Along the way, the podcast turned into a place where I could share the real journey of building a handmade business while raising a family, the messy, beautiful, behind-the-scenes moments that rarely get talked about.

    In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest lessons I learned from a year of podcasting, including how public accountability can help you finally start, how niching down helps your content grow, why podcast titles and SEO matter, and how podcasting unexpectedly became a time capsule of this season of my life.

    If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast, growing a handmade business, or sharing your voice with the creative community, this episode is your reminder to stop waiting for perfect and simply press record.

    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 Community on Skool!⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

    20 min
  17. Crochet Business SEO: How to Use Google Search Console to Explode Your Organic Traffic | Tips for Handmade Sellers to Grow Your Shop Online Without Ads

    Show notes

    Does the "backend" of your website feel like a foreign language? You aren't alone. For years, I avoided the technical side of my crochet business because I thought I needed a computer science degree (or a massive budget) to understand it.

    I was wrong. In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the most powerful, free tool in your business arsenal: SEO (Search Engine Optimization). While social media algorithms change overnight, SEO is a long-term asset that works while you sleep, pairing eager customers with your patterns and kits 24/7.

    In this episode, we break down:

    •

    The 5 Pillars of On-Page SEO: Learn why Meta Titles, Descriptions, Headers, Filenames, and Alt Text are the "digital signposts" that lead Google to your shop.

    •

    The Secret of Indexing: Why your beautiful crochet work might be "invisible" to the world and how to fix it.

    •

    Google Search Console (GSC) 101: How to use this free tool to read Google’s mind.

    •

    Finding "Hidden Gems": My favorite strategy for finding keywords you’re almost ranking for and nudging them onto Page One.

    Stop guessing what your customers want and start using data to grow your handmade brand. It's time to stop being afraid of the tech and start building an engine for free, consistent traffic.

    LINKS AND RESOURCES

    🔆⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

    🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

    13 min
  18. 12 Essential Shopify Apps to Scale My Crochet Business: Tips for Selling Amigurumi Patterns and the Best Tools for Automating My E-Commerce Store

    Show notes

    Are you ready to scale your crochet business and step into your CEO era? In this episode of Simply Hooked, I’m sharing the exact Shopify apps and automation tools that power my multi-six-figure handmade business.

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed by manual tasks, stuck on Etsy, or dreaming of turning your crochet patterns and kits into real passive income, this episode is your complete Shopify tech stack masterclass.

    I walk you through the 12 must-have Shopify apps for crochet designers, digital product sellers, and handmade business owners who want to automate their store, increase conversions, and grow revenue without working more hours.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

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    How I automate digital crochet pattern delivery so I can make sales while I sleep

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    My strategy for “magazine-style” crochet blog posts that rank on Google and convert readers into buyers

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    Why customer photos and crochet project reviews are the most powerful sales tool for handmade brands

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    How I built trust and credibility when transitioning from Etsy to Shopify

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    The Shopify tools I use to increase average order value with bundles, upsells, and pre-orders

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    My exact tech stack for scaling a handmade business into a real ecommerce brand

    My Simply Hooked Must-Have Shopify App Stack (Crochet Business Edition)

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    Filemonk – Secure digital download delivery for crochet patterns and PDFs

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    Avada SEO Suite – Automated SEO, image optimization, and Google ranking support

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    Avada Boost Sales – Trust badges, urgency notifications, and social proof popups

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    Bloggle – Drag-and-drop blog builder for SEO-friendly crochet tutorials and content marketing

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    EA Sticky Cart – Keeps the “Add to Cart” button visible to reduce friction and boost conversions

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    Kaching Upsell – “Buy More, Save More” bundles to increase average order value

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    PageFly – High-converting landing pages for launches, courses, and funnels

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    Loox Reviews – Visual reviews with customer photos of finished crochet projects

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    Stoq – Pre-order management for physical crochet kits and limited releases

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    Lably – Visual badges for best-sellers, new patterns, and trending products

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    Shopify Search & Discovery – Smart filters to help customers navigate large pattern vaults

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    Etsy Reviews – Import Etsy reviews to instantly build credibility on Shopify

    LINKS & RESOURCES

    🔆Get Hank the Hippo's Kit + Storybook

    🔆⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

    🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Crochet Merch⁠

    23 min
  19. Reflections on a Busy, Beautiful Life: Balancing a Crochet Business, Motherhood, and the "Founder’s Prayer"

    Show notes

    "What a privilege to be tired from work you once begged the universe for."

    When I first heard those words, I burst into tears. If you are a crochet business owner, a mom of little ones, or a creative entrepreneur juggling a full-time career on top of your dreams, I know you feel this in your bones.

    In this episode, I’m getting vulnerable about the "Founder’s Prayer" (referenced by Miles Adcox) and how it perfectly describes the "beautiful chaos" of my life right now. We often talk about business growth and scaling a handmade brand, but we don’t always talk about the tension of living inside an answered prayer, even when that prayer includes laundry piles, toddler arguments over spoon colors, and a never-ending to-do list.

    In this episode, we explore:

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    Why exhaustion is often proof of a life built on purpose.

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    Reframing overwhelm as a sign of the growth you once dreamed about.

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    The reality of "outgrowing" the versions of ourselves that used to settle for less.

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    Finding a quiet sense of gratitude in the middle of solo parenting and business deadlines.

    Whether you’re currently packing orders, designing your next amigurumi pattern, or just trying to survive the bedtime rush, I hope this episode reminds you that it’s okay to be tired. The weight you’re carrying is the weight of a life you once prayed for.

    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

    8 min
  20. Where Does Yarn Come From? The Truth About Natural vs. Synthetic Fibers for Amigurumi and Clothing | Crochet and Knitting Life

    Show notes

    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.

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    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!

    🔆⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

    🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠

    13 min