WeCrochet Podcast

A recommendation from a friend goes a long way. As your crochet besties, the WeCrochet team is here to help! Today on the WeCrochet Podcast we're talking about our all favorite crochet-related things. From books to notions to even our favorite crochet insider terms to know, we are here to help you feel connected. First up Katelyn and Heather check in on their latest projects. Then the WeCrochet team gives out some crochet-related awards and shares their absolute crochet favorites. Then Katelyn and Heather chat about crochet terms and acronyms that come up when you're in an online crochet group. Here's your Crochet terms cheat sheet: Ami - Amigurumi, The Japanese art of making crochet animals and toys Bistitchual - someone who knits and crochets CAL - Crochet A Long CroJo - crochet mojo, the groove of crochet Stash - your yarn collection SABLE - stash accumulate beyond life expectancy PABLE - pattern accumulated beyond life expectancy DeStashing - when you give away or sell some of your yarn stash (usually to make room for more yarn) WIP - Work in Progress PHD - Project Half Done UFO - UnFinished Object Frog - to rip out your stitches, rip it, ri-pit, ribbit! TOAD - Trashed Object Abandoned in Disgust HOTH - Hot off the hook FOTH - Fresh of the hook JOTH - Just off the hook ISO - In Search Of TIA - Thanks in Advance LYS - Local Yarn Store NCR - Not Crochet Related Mentioned in This Episode:Gingerbread House Advent Calendar by Sarah Zimmerman Between Knits & Purls on Youtube Spindrift Cardigan by Moon Elderidge Cotlin Yarn Summer Sultan Cardi 3D Granny Squares Learn to Crochet Mini Hook Book Tuff Puff Rainbow Wall Hanging Tuff Puff Yarn Modern Crochet Patterns and Designs for the Minimalist Episode of WeCrochet Podcast where Regan and Heather make scrunchies WECROCHET PODCAST EPISODE 3: THE REAL WINNER WeCrochet Magazine Issue 7 Braided headband Kristen Clay Felici On the Double Cowl by Sati Glenn Dahlia Sweater Kindred Yarn Boardwalk Hexie Blanket Forte Filet Tee Curio #3 Yarn Bowl Swift Case Bright Crochet Hooks Enamel Pins Fable Fur yarn Snuggle puff yarn Wonderfluff yarn Galileo yarn Capra yarn Mighty Stitch yarn Twill yarn Paragon yarn Shine onerulebejeweled Woods and Wool Melissa Fisher Love & Stitchh Hello Happy Wearable Spider Web Tian Connaughton Tian Coonaughton Toni Lipsy Sara Dudek Crojo Episode Knit Picks Podcast UFO episode Timestamps:0:00 What Katelyn and Heather are working on 7:18 Our Favorites 31:45 Crochet terms to know 38:16 Credits

School is out; summer is here! On this episode of the WeCrochet Podcast, the team flashes back to some nostalgic memories of high school. Heather and Katelyn reminisce about who they were in high school and wistfully chat about that feelings of fun and silliness intrinsically tied to more youthful days of their pasts. Katelyn sits down to talk to Selin Kocalar of Woolly Wishes, a non-profit organization founded by a high schooler, dedicated to using handicrafts to heal Syrian refugee communities affected by war. The activism of Gen Z is an inspiration and, as Selin points out, there is no need to feel limited by youth. A true student-led organization, Selin details how Woolly Wishes began, accomplishments to date, and ideas for continued outreach in the future. By keeping their donation parameters accessible, Woolly Wishes is able to collect usable goods from a multitude of categories. From hats and scarves to toys and bobbles, they're set to put to use just about everything. While the focus is primarily on providing support to children in refugee communities, Woolly Wishes wont turn away those in need and will gladly provide supplies available to families as well. Selin and Katelyn discuss the best ways to donate, the most sought-after items, and how those interested can offer support. Then crochet summer school is in session and Heather, Katelyn and Producer Sarah talk all about the top ways to learn more crochet this summer. The expertly curated top ten list to Learn More about Crochet this summer includes but is not limited to: Make a friend, reach out to family and crochet together Try a new pattern Teach someone how to crochet Read a book or stitch dictionary Try a new technique Dive into Youtube Crochet Tutorials Check out Crochet Tiktok Take a Virtual Class Facebook: Join a yarn-related group, or participate in virtual crochet nights Stay Connected: listen to a podcast and sign up for our email list! Mentioned in This Episode:Woolly Wishes WeCrochet Summer Sale Stitch Together Patterns Crochet Pattern Kits Learn to Crochet dishcloths Crochet books Crochet Every Way Stitch Dictionary The New Crochet Stitch Dictionary All About Tunisian Crochet Taperstry Crochet Mini Hook Book - Learn C2C TL Yarn Crafts Heart Hook Home WeCrochet Youtube WeCrochet Tik Tok WeCrochet Facebook Group Crochet Foundry Facebook Group WeCrochet's newsletter Timestamps:0:00 Welcome to the WeCrochet Podcast 0:14 Heather and Katelyn talk about high school 3:10 Katelyn interviews Selin Kocalar of Woolly Wishes 14:33 Summer Sale 15:25 Top ten list of things to do this summer 26:51 the credits

This episode of the WeCrochet Podcast is all about crochet testing. When designers write a pattern, crochet testers are the first to try their patterns and help shape the final product through their experience making the item, and providing feedback to the designer. First, Heather and Katelyn talk about what it means to be a test crocheter/sample maker for WeCrochet compared to being a tester for indie designer. Being a tester for indie crochet patterns is more like a serious hobby than a job, but it can definitely open up connections in the community and advance your crochet skills. Katelyn also shares that she use to test for crochet designers. Next, Heather sits down with Brittany Garber of KnotBadBritt and the Makers of Color Collective to get a comprehensive insider view on being a crochet tester. Brittany shares all about what crochet testing is and isn't, what a good tester does, what a bad testing experience might be like, and what kinds of skills you should have to get involved in crochet testing. Mentioned in This Episode: Information for Designers to Work with Us KnotBadBritt's Instagram MelanatedHands hashtag on Instagram The Makers of Color Collective KnotBadBritt's website The Skeiniac Yarn yardage calculator The Testing Pool Ravelry Group Free Pattern Testers Ravelry Group Crochet Design by KnotBadBritt - Cara Earwarmer Timestamps: 0:00 The introduction with Heather and Katelyn 3:52 Heather interviews Brittney Garber aka KnotBadBritt 6:51 #MelanatedHands 8:27 The Makers of Color Collective 10:25 What is crochet testing? 13:20 An overview of the crochet testing cycle 16:23 Why would someone want to be a crochet tester? 21:13 What is expected of a crochet tester? 26:10 What does a good crochet designer do (for the tester)? 32:47 Can beginners be crochet testers? 35:16 What baseline skills should a crochet tester have? 37:41 What would a bad experience look like for a crochet tester? 40:13 How would someone find crochet testing opportunities? 43:57 Britt's top tips for a new test crocheter 47:59 Credits

In this episode of the WeCrochet Podcast, we're talking about all things TV plus crochet! In this golden age of on-demand content, TV and crochet go together like Laverne and Shirley (or Abbi and Ilana of Broad City). First Sara, Katelyn, and Heather chat about what they've been watching while they crochet. Between true crime, comedies, or even documentaries, there's a great TV show to suit any crocheter. Next, Heather and Katelyn talk about the patterns of Issue 6 of WeCrochet Magazine. The Retro Reverb collection features vintage tech-inspired motifs like mixtapes, records, and TVs, while the Mindful Makes collection is all about neutral colors and calming stitches. Finally, Producer Sarah joins Heather to nerd out about famous crocheters, theories about crochet on TV (Back to the Future, 1985, spoilers included), the most famous afghans in pop culture, and the origins of Fuller House character Kimmy Gibler's funky crocheted scarves. Get cozy on your favorite lounging chair to go through decades of crochet in TV shows and find out where you can find crochet in your favorite shows. Mentioned in This Episode: Harmonious Pullover by Natalia McHayle Galileo WeCrochet Magazine Issue 6 Stroll Gradient Riviera Tee by Sincerely, Pam Crest of the Waves Cowl by Jo Kirby Retro Reverb collection Mindful Makes Collection Episode 33 Gauge tool Episode 18 Boom Box Belt Bag & Mix Tape Wallet by Heather Mann Curio #3 Bop Shop Earrings by Ashley Zhong Record Blanket by Dawn Curran Rhythm Tote by Kathleen Berlew Wisdom Book Bag by Moon Elderidge Other celebrities that crochet Why do all TV shows have the same blanket (granny square) Bacon & Egg Scarf by Twinkie Chan Cupcake Scarf (Kellyz Creations) Cactus Scarf (designed by HelloHappy & made by @sewcraftycrochet Pattern on WeCrochet Mary Kate Killilea, costume designer"I spotted Crochet on TV thread" on Crochet Liberation Front Headquarters group on Ravelry Timestamps:0:00 Welcome to the WeCrochet Podcast 0:14 Heather, Sara, and Katelyn 7:53 Katelyn and Heather 27:05 Brava Speckled 28:20 TV Crochet Talk 54:45 Credits

Happy International Crochet Month from the WeCrochet Podcast. This episode is all about YARN! First, Sara, Katelyn, and Heather talk about how they feel when they get new yarn, and what they do while they're waiting for the yarn delivery truck to arrive. They also share which projects they're currently working on. Next, Katelyn and Sara drop all their yarn knowledge from ply, twist, weight, to wraps per inch, fiber, put-up, and more. There are a lot of things that go into choosing the right yarn for your next project. Finally, Heather chats with Wendy Peterson of YarnSub.com about the site's useful purpose of suggesting appropriate yarn substitutes, Wendy's fiber background, and a unique tip for selecting yarns for crocheters. Mentioned in this Episode: Stroll (Everglade Heather) Palette (Twist) Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick @Planty_McPlanterface on Instagram WeCrochet Magazine Issue 6 (Available starting March 24, 2021) Wraps Per Inch Tool Past WCP Episodes about: Gauge and Blocking Gansey Sweater Pattern YarnSub.com Journey's End Blanket Knit Pattern Simply Alpaca Wendy on Instagram Timestamps:0:00 Welcome + a joke 0:22 Heather, Sara and Katelyn check in 10:45 Sara and Katelyn tell you everything you need to know about yarn 34:44 Heather Interviews Wendy from YarnSub 48:24 Credits

In 2021 we're launching a series about crochet-related jobs (and how to get them). In this episode, we are talking about how crochet employs all types of people in different positions, with a focus on designers. First up, Heather and Katelyn chat with Producer Sarah about their first jobs. From being a tour guide in a cave or slinging pizzas, to getting paid in candy bars, hear a little about their journeys through employment to their positions now at WeCrochet. Next, Katelyn walks Heather through the life cycle of developing patterns at WeCrochet, and what kinds of things a contract designer has to do when they work with us. Heather also recommends some must-read articles about how to create a crochet design proposal from Chrisandra Skipper of AndSheLaughsBlog.com. Finally, Heather continues the discussion with the team from Crochet Foundry again. This time Lorene, Briana, and Pam get into how to communicate when collaborating with a creative team, as well as all the different people (and jobs) involved in making Crochet Foundry magazine a reality. Mentioned in This Episode:Episode 16 – The Art And Business Of Crochet Design with us! WeCrochet Ravelry Group - Design Calls Become A Crochet Designers - Creating a Design Proposal WeCrochet Magazine Episode 6 - Puff Bobble Popcorn Crochet Foundry Crochet Foundry Sincerely Pam Briana K Design Cre8tion Crochet Furls Hooks Our company is hiring for our Vancouver, Washington office and our Columbus, Ohio location Timestamps:0:00 Welcome to the WeCrochet Podcast 0:15 Heather, Katelyn and Producer Sarah talk about jobs 11:21 Heather and Katelyn talk about the lifecycle of the crochet pattern 27:57 Crochet Foundry Interview 47:15 Credits

Today's episode is all about the joy of crochet! First, Sara and Heather talk about the parts of crochet that bring them the most joy. From choosing colors and yarn to finishing a WIP to sharing the final photo on social media, there's a lot of joy to be found in our hobby. Next, Producer Sarah chats with Sara about the concept of "sparking joy" from author Marie Kondo's book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Producer Sarah suggests the concept of going through your yarn stash and holding each ball of yarn and WIP to see whether those items spark a physical feeling of joy when you touch them. Then they talk about ways to increase the joy in your crocheting. Finally, Heather sits down with Lisa Chayka of HELLOHappy, a crochet designer whose specialty is fun and happy crochet designs such as the Hanging Sloth Planter, Crossbody Fish Bag, and many others. Where does Lisa find inspiration? How did she start designing? What's her most popular pattern of all time? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this interview. Mentioned in This Episode:HelloHappy Designs Red Panda Planter Crossbody Fish Bag Flowering Cactus Scarf Sloth Hat Rabbit Mohair Cowl Brava Yarn Sloth Wall Hanging Sloth Hat Sloth Phone Pouch Sloth Planter Snuggle Puff Yarn Wonderfluff Yarn Fable Fur HelloHappy on Ravelry HelloHappy Website HelloHappy on Etsy HelloHappy on Instagram Timestamps: 0:00 The Opening with Heather and Sara 5:22 Producer Sarah and Sara chat about getting organized 15:15 Heather Interviews Lisa from HelloHappy 33:05 Credits

Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021! In the last episode of the year, the WeCrochet Team revisits their 2020 crafty resolutions to see what they achieved and looks forward at all the possibilities. First, Sara and Heather remind each other of their 2020 resolutions and score each other's successes. Just how many WIPs did Sara have at once this year? And did Heather ever finish the Twilight Top that she talked about so much in 2020? Next, Heather invites Regan and Producer Sarah to reflect on 2020, their New Years Eve celebration ideas, talk about this year's yarn-related accomplishments, and share their new resolutions for 2021. Finally, Sara asks Katelyn whether she sets resolutions at the beginning of each year, and the two discuss their possible goals, making changes to them until they're just right for the new year. Katelyn also presents the idea of "letting go" in 2021. Mentioned in this Episode: Twilight Top Tuff Puff Rainbow Wall Hanging Tunisian Hooks Muse (Aran) Regan's sweater WarmUp America blocks Curio #3 Palette Wonderfluff More WeCrochet Team Resolutions Timestamps:0:00 Sara and Heather take a look at last year's resolutions 5:12 Heather, Regan and Producer Sarah check in all about goals 25:26 Win a Sparkles the Unicorn Kit! 26:32 Sara and Katelyn look forward 31:58 Last words and credits

Our crafting queues are now full of fun projects that will brighten our homes for the holidays and beyond. In this episode of the WeCrochet Podcast, we're talking about our holiday crafting lists, what to do with pom-poms, and interviewing a yarnpreneur and crocheter about her yarn vending machines. First, Sara and Heather check in about crocheting for the holidays and what does or does not constitute a good crochet gift for kids or other members of the family. Find our their favorite cold-weather yarn picks and whether they are pro pom-pom. Next, Katelyn joins Heather to talk all about pom-poms: how to attach a removable pom-pom to a hat, and how to use pom-poms in your holiday decor and beyond. Pom-poms are fun and easy way to use up yarn and add some whimsy to a project. Heather and Sara briefly discuss Crochet Foundry, a group of crochet designers dedicated to creating beautiful crochet garment patterns for women of all sizes. WeCrochet now offers kits for making the most popular Crochet Foundry designs. Finally, Heather interviews Emani Outterbridge, an entrepreneur who has launched her own yarn line as well as the world's first yarn vending machines. Emani's yarn line, Needles, offers unique colors in 8 Ply Worsted Weight 100% Acrylic yarn as well as cotton t-shirt yarn. You won't be able to find these color combinations anywhere else. If you're in Philadelphia, you can get this unique yarn at one of her bright pink yarn vending machines. Outside of Philly, you can connect with her on Instagram where she says she "always on". Mentioned in This Episode:Heather's Stocking project - Color Pop Stockings Wonderfluff City Tweed Pom-pom ornaments How to attach pom-pom Faux fur pom poms wecrochet magazine issue 5 Pom-pom maker Crochet Foundry Double Espresso Cardigan Macchiato sweater Emani on Instagram @Emani.milan Shop Emani's Designs and Yarn at www.maniwear.com Timestamps: 0:00 Sara and Heather Check in 5:11 Heather and Katelyn talk pom-poms 15:02 Crochet Foundry 17:42 Interview with Emani.Milan 33:28 Credits This episode's featured photo of the pom-pom tree is by April Gopwani, and you can find a tutorial for making that tree at http://www.othcrochetnook.ca/2020/12/diy-pom-pom-holiday-tree.html

The winds have shifted and fall is here which means it's time to get serious thinking about the end of year gifting and giving. Whether you're someone who is not really into the holidays or you're someone who has had your home decked out in winter holiday decorations since August, your friends at WeCrochet are here for you. In this episode of the WeCrochet Podcast, we talk about our brand new holiday crochet patterns, and get some advice on swatching in the round from designer Brenda K.B. Anderson. First, Katelyn joins Sara and Heather to talk about the release of Issue 5 of WeCrochet Magazine and then share their favorite projects from the Warm Wishes collection. This collection is full of brightly-colored holiday decor items from ornaments to festive pillows and throws. Next Sara and Katelyn chat about the 12 Weeks of Gifting, free crochet patterns we are releasing every Tuesday. Finally, designer Brenda K.B. Anderson joins Heather again to give her tips for swatching in the round. We also discover what the crochet mascot would look like if crochet had a mascot. Listen, rate, review and share this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get podcasts! Mentioned in this Episode: Pulmu Pullover Sara's Pulmu Pullover Light Touch Pullover Punch needle kits Punch Needles WeCrochet Magazine Issue 5 Warm Wishes Collection (all the patterns mentioned) Fable Fur Tuff Puff Rainbow Wall Hanging Tuff Puff Swish Bulky 12 Weeks of Gifting Multiverse Colorwork Cap Winter Cable Hat Episode 23: Advice & Amigurumi Magic Loop/Circle Tutorial Swish DK Timestamps:0:00 Welcome to the WeCrochet Podcast 3:52 Sara, Heather and Katelyn talk about the latest WeCrochet collection 16:51 12WeeksofGifting 18:31 Brenda K.B. Anderson's interview 29:11 Credits

People have been creating and contributing to social good for as long as people have been creating. Today we're talking about craftivism, or the act of combining crafting with activism, and talking to Laverne of BzyPeach about the emPowerpeople 2020 movement. First, Producer Sarah checks in with Sara and talks about how she's been using crafting therapeutically this year. They briefly discuss craftivism and its history. Since this topic is too big to cover in just one episode, expect to have future episodes that will do a deeper dive. Next, Regan and Heather chat about the 12 Weeks of Gifting, free crochet patterns, what's on their holiday crafting list, and Regan's crochet anniversary. Finally, Heather talks to Laverne Benton about her project emPower People 2020, a craftivism project aimed at uniting crafters of all mediums to engage people across communities to spark conversation, engagement and action in the political process to uphold social justice and human rights. Mentioned in this episode: Faux Fade Wrap Palette Yarn Faux Fade Wrap CAL 12 Weeks of Gifting Episode 3 - The Real Winner EmPower People 2020 BzyPeach Empower People Crochet Pattern Timestamps:0:00 Sara and Producer Sarah talk about craftivism 10:02 Heather and Regan talk about the 12 Weeks of Gifting 13:23 Heather talks to Laverne Benton about emPower People 2020 34:24 Credits

On this episode of the WeCrochet Podcast we're celebrating our new collaboration with crochet designer Janine Myska of Knits 'n Knots, and her new collection, Cool Crochet for Warm Days and also touching upon size-inclusiveness and why it's important in crochet designs. First, now that it's officially fall Sara and Heather chat about their completed crochet projects this summer. Sara was busy crocheting nine different projects and Heather was busy with her crochet doodles. Sara gives Heather advice for how to crochet garments that actually fit. Then they talk about size inclusivity and what WeCrochet does to make sure our patterns fit as many people as possible. Next, Sara gets together with Janine Myska of Knits 'n Knots and talks about how she got started with crochet and the creation of the Cool Crochet for Warm Days collection, featuring 5 new size-inclusive crochet garment designs. Sara asks Janine why size inclusivity is important to her, and also gets some behind-the-scenes info about creating and photographing this collection. Finally, a quick mention of the Crochet Foundry Fall collection, which features 7 new size-inclusive crochet garment designs. If you want to hear more from Janine, she was a guest on our Monthly Facebook Live, Coffee and Crochet. Check out Coffee & Crochet with Janine Myska from Knits 'N Knots Mentioned in this Episode Canopy Shawl Twilight Top Lindy Chain Yarn Cool Crochet for Warm Days: A Knits 'n Knots Collection by Janine Myska Cool Crochet Kit: Golden Leaves Wrap by Janine Myska Hawthorne Yarn Curio #3 Yarn Cotlin Yarn Cool Crochet Kit: Seashore Tank by Janine Myska Cool Crochet Kit: Dancing in the Sun Wrap Pattern Kit by Janine Myska Faux Fade Wrap Free pattern by Janine Myska Crochet Foundry Magazine - Fall 2020 Timestamps:0:00 Introduction conversation with Sara and Heather 6:23 Sara interviews Janine Myska 36:45 Crochet Foundry 37:42 Credits

In this episode of the WeCrochet Podcast, we're talking about new quarantine hobbies, crochet gauge, and our favorite crochet cable pattern of the Off the Beaten Path collection from WeCrochet Magazine Issue 4. First, Heather and Sara discuss their new quarantine hobbies. Sara has been getting really into baking and Heather tells about the monster hiding in her shower. Next, Sara tells Heather everything she wanted to know about crochet gauge but was afraid to ask. Gauge is the number of stitches and the number of rows in a given stitch pattern within a certain number of inches, usually 4 inches. In its simplest form, gauge is just counting and understanding how you crochet. Sara and Heather demystify when it's more important to create a gauge swatch and how to adjust your gauge to for a pattern. Finally, the two chat about the new all-cables collection in WeCrochet Magazine Issue 4. Cables are a style of crochet (or knitting) in which textures of crossing layers are achieved by rearranging stitches. This collection, Off the Beaten Path, really showcases some exquisite crochet craftship as well as serves to help welcome the cool weather of the fall. Come get inspired to take on one of these projects. Mentioned in this episode: Swatch Ruler and Needle Gauge Universal 4" Tool Gauge Swatch Ruler Mini Tool Row counter Article about The Golden Loop WeCrochet Magazine Issue 4 Funicular Cowl by Kathleen Berlew, tested by Nicole Perry Swish Worsted Railway Hill Set by Anastasia Popova, tested by Tacia McIntosh Brava Sport Stitch Markers Henry Street Jumper, tested by Stephanie McMillan Swish DK Belleville Sweater by Natasha Robarge, tested by Beate Englehardt Hawthorne Tonal Aloft Columbia River Cabled Hat by Alla Koval, tested by Erika Loftin Andean Treasure Cascina Cabled Headband by Qualyn Stark, tested by Nicole Perry Capra DK Timestamps:0:00 Welcome to the WeCrochet Podcast 016 Heather and Sara share about their other hobbies 3:57 Sara and Heather talk about gauge 22:30 Send us your questions! 23:03 Heather and Sara talk about the new collection, Off the Beaten Path 30:46 Credits