Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast

Marcy Gardner

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.

  1. 15H AGO

    A Gentle New Year Reset for Crocheters: Expand Your Awareness, Set 12 Week Goals, and Create with Intention

    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

    16 min
  2. 12/18/2025

    The History of Crochet: Origins, WWI Survival, Queen Victoria & The Granny Square Revolution

    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

    6 min
  3. 12/15/2025

    When Will The Breakthrough Happen? Navigating The Highs And Lows Of Creative Entrepreneurship, Trusting God’s Timing, & The Reality Of Scaling A Handmade Crochet Business

    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.co⁠Instagram: ⁠@SimplyHooked1⁠ Email: hello@marcymade.coFor 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

    6 min
  4. How I Landed a Book Deal & Magazine Cover with ONE Cold Email: My Exact Pitch Strategy for Crochet Designers & Creative Entrepreneurs to Get Published, Grow Authority & Monetize Their Craft

    12/11/2025

    How I Landed a Book Deal & Magazine Cover with ONE Cold Email: My Exact Pitch Strategy for Crochet Designers & Creative Entrepreneurs to Get Published, Grow Authority & Monetize Their Craft

    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.co⁠Instagram: ⁠@SimplyHooked1⁠ Email: hello@marcymade.co 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

    18 min
  5. 12/04/2025

    13 Things I’d Do If I Rebuilt My Crochet Business From Scratch | Selling Crochet, Start a Crochet Business, Etsy Seller Tips

    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**

    22 min
  6. 11/21/2025

    12 Last Minute Crochet Gifts: Quick & Easy Projects You Can Finish in One Sitting | Fast Patterns, Stocking Stuffers & Ornaments

    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**

    13 min
  7. 11/15/2025

    How Your Thoughts Shape Your Creative Life | Mindset & Motivation for Crocheters and Makers

    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

    5 min
4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

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.

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