Playing Hooky

Pour yourself a cup and get cozy! In this episode, I'm the Yarn Barista, brewing up answers to all of your crochet questions. We're tackling questions you've sent in, from the basics of linked double crochets to the difference between cardigans & boleros to how we adapt our crochet to the seasons and environment. I'll share my best tips and tricks to help you level up your crochet skills. It's like a one-on-one yarn session, but with more coffee!

Join us for a deeply personal and practical episode of our crochet podcast! We're tackling three essential topics for every crocheter's journey. First, we'll demystify the art of blocking, showing you how this simple finishing step can transform your projects from handmade to professional. Then, we'll get real about the "summer slump"—that all-too-common feeling of losing your creative spark when the weather heats up—and share our best tips for reigniting your passion. Finally, we'll explore the incredible mental health benefits of crochet, from reducing stress and anxiety to building a sense of accomplishment and community. Get ready to find your calm, get your projects looking perfect, and fall in love with your craft all over again.

Welcome back, yarn friends! This week, we're absolutely obsessed with mosaic crochet and can't wait to share why. We'll break down what makes it so captivating and give you some ideas for your next graphic project. Then, prepare to fall in love (or even deeper in love!) with Tunisian crochet as we explore its versatility. Of course, no episode is complete without a peek into our current project bags! We're pulling out all the stops to show you what's on our hooks, the lessons we're learning, and maybe even a few new cast-ons. Join us for some cozy crochet chat!

This episode dives headfirst into the often-chaotic world of crafting, starting with a relatable chat about Mercury in Retrograde and the recent mayhem it's brought to our lives. But fear not, we're not just commiserating! We're moving swiftly into practical solutions for those frustrating moments when your yarn seems to have a mind of its own. Get ready to learn effective methods for rectifying common crochet and knitting mistakes, from dropped stitches to wonky edges. And if that wasn't enough, we're demystifying short rows, breaking down this seemingly intimidating technique into easy-to-understand steps. This episode is all about conquering those crafting challenges that make us a little nervous, turning intimidation into pure creative confidence!

This episode is a vibrant journey into the creative mind, perfect for fellow bibliophiles and project enthusiasts. We're diving deep into our latest book reviews, sharing what we've been reading and loving – or perhaps not so much! But it's not all about finished works; we're also pulling back the curtain on our Works in Progress (WIPs). Get ready for an honest look at the messy, exciting, and sometimes challenging reality of bringing new ideas to life, from early drafts to ongoing projects.Beyond the words on the page and the tasks on our to-do lists, we're exploring the often-overlooked connection between hues and creative inspiration. We'll chat about the colors that currently appeal to us and how these visual preferences might influence our creative flow and the mood of our projects. And speaking of flow, we'll round out the episode by discussing our best tips and tricks for scheduling projects, sharing how we keep our diverse creative endeavors on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

This week, we're navigating a spectrum of human experience, from profound tragedy to creative triumph and digital disruption. Join us as we reflect on the heartbreaking impact of the recent Kerr County Flood here in Texas, sharing insights on community resilience and the road to recovery.Then, we'll shift gears to the meticulously crafted world of garment construction, delving into the age-old debate of top-down versus bottom-up sewing methods. Discover the benefits and challenges of each approach and how they shape the clothes we wear.Finally, we'll pull back the curtain on the latest "Etsy Drama," exploring why so many independent makers and small business owners are choosing to boycott the popular platform (again!). What's driving this movement, and what does it mean for the future of handmade goods?We will also give you some great websites to check out if you're looking to increase your yarn stash!

Get ready for a cozy crafting session and a hearty dose of pop culture! In this episode, we're diving deep into all things fiber, from what's currently on our crochet hook to our latest works in progress. We'll unravel the mysteries of invisible and visible yarn joins, explore the best knot options for a seamless finish, and share our go-to techniques to elevate your projects. But it's not all yarn and needles – we're also dishing on our top literary recommendations, plus the movies and mini-series that are sparking our creative inspiration. Tune in for stitches, stories, and a good old-fashioned chat!

Get ready for some sunshine and stitches! This episode, we're talking summer vacation plans (and how they involve yarn, of course!). Plus, we're sharing all the reasons why supporting your local yarn shop is so important. And for all you finishing fanatics, we're diving deep into the magical world of blocking wires – you won't believe the difference they make!

Hey there, fellow fiber fanatics! Welcome to Playing Hooky, the podcast where we ditch the to-do list and dive headfirst into the wonderful world of crochet, yarn, and all things fiber. Whether you're a seasoned stitcher with a mountain of WIPs or just casting on your first slip knot, you've found your cozy corner of the internet. Join us as we explore the latest trends in the yarniverse, unravel the mysteries of intricate patterns, and chat with inspiring makers who share our passion for the craft. So grab your hook, your favorite skein, and let's play hooky together!