Sell Your Crochet Patterns, Build Your Career - Go Crochet Coaching

A crochet career can feel so vague and overwhelming but I can help you stop drifting. I'm a life coach with extensive experience in the crochet and yarn industry. Because of that I'm the perfect sounding board and guide for you to establish career goals, outline steps to achieve success, and keep you focused.

Let's figure out what a crochet career could look like for you. What are your strengths and how do you market them? Where do you need to gain experience and confidence?  I have designed and sold more than 300 patterns, written 5 books, and appeared on the Knit and Crochet Now! tv show for the past 5 seasons. I'm a teacher, runner, mom, an unapologetic optimist. Use me.

Would you like to read some recommendations from other professionals in the field? Hear from author, designer, and former mentee, Brenda Bourg HERE. Hear from author, knit and crochet designer and yarn company representative Sandi Rosner HERE. 

Do you need an ally or a person in your corner? I believe in encouraging clients to achieve all goals that bring them health and happiness, including fitness and career/life balance goals.

The cool thing about coaching is that your experiences are cumulative. Everything you learn, you will use and build on long past when coaching time is over.

The commitment is one month. After a month, you decide if you want another month. It's that simple.

Take the crochet industry by storm. 

Motivation Monday! What's your Theme Song?

Do you remember the 90's tv show, Ally McBeal? It was a quirky show for sure. One of the things I remember about it though was that Ally always had a "theme song". A song that represented her life at any given moment.

What would your theme song be?

I change my theme song every so often depending on what is going on in my life. I also change my favorite color every so often. It's part of the reason why I don't want to get a tattoo... what if my motto changes?

At one point, I thought about getting a 13.1 (Half marathon) tattoo. But what if I do more than 13.1 one day? Will I regret having the 13.1 when I could have the new accomplishment instead? Why limit myself.

Ok, back to theme songs. It occurs to me that a theme song should be more aspirational... helping you aspire to greater things rather than a commentary on how things are right now.

A song could be a kind of prayer in a way and certainly a Hymn would be an awesome theme song. Maybe I need different theme songs for different things. Like the theme from the Rocky movies for when I'm running. The song, "Dream On" from Aerosmith just popped into my head, I wonder if I should try that theme song for a few weeks and see if it fits.

In a theme song, lyrics are really important. Maybe I need a "Dream On" tattoo.

How to Become a Crochet Designer! Find a Way to Say Yes!

You might think I'm going to tell you to start with a great idea, but I'm not. My advice might come as kind of a surprise. If you have heard me speak at Professional Development Day for the Crochet Guild of America, you already know what I'm going to say. "Find a way to say YES". Being easy to work with, professional, on time, honest, delivering what you proposed, is 90% of success.

Many designers are great, creative, inspiring, but if they can't deliver on time, as promised, or are a general hassle to work with (too many questions, too many delays, changing the proposed project after it has been decided, too diva-ish...) they get known for being hard to work with and unreliable.

Being professional, asking for clarification, negotiating, are all fine. Demanding, assuming, and slacking, are not fine. Learn more about becoming a Crochet Designer, here. Click here for information on one-on-one Go Crochet Coaching. 

Have you been asked to work with a color you didn't care for? A yarn that you found offensive? Can you say, 'YES' anyway? What would make you say, "no"?

Pass/Fail

Juggling work and family is not a new struggle. Men and women both have to figure it out. Work from home moms like me have to figure it out. Work outside of the home women have to figure it out. It seems that the balance is constantly being checked.

Today is National Running Day. After a few days of not running, my derriere begins to bond with the couch. If I don't break that bond after 6-7 days I'm in danger of growing roots and never getting up. Today, I had to get out.

Let's face it, there is nothing more important than family. My family has kept me busy the past few weeks but things are settling down into a new summertime rhythm. I haven't even had time to run in the past week. Time to re-focus on work and looking forward.

Today's run was pass/fail. I remember the serendipity of getting a course in college that was not graded but merely a pass/fail. That was today's run. The only thing that got me out the door was giving myself permission to just pass. It didn't have to be an A+ run. Just get it done. Some tasks in life are like that. It's not cheating to make some tasks a pass/fail. We can't give 100% to every task, everyday, all the time. Part of the life/work balance is figuring out which tasks need 100% effort and which tasks are pass/fail.

Is there any tasks in your life that you have placed undue emphasis, that are really pass/fail tasks?

Happy National Running Day! If you go on a walk today...I dare you to add 10 jog strides if it is healthy for you.

A Promise

I promise, some crochet is happening here at GoCrochet. I can't wait until some of the designs I have been working on the past few months are revealed! It can't be too long now. 

French Toast from the weekend. Yum. 

Chief before his graduation. 

And after! Yay! The weekend was full of parties and a dance and bowling and another party. 

Chief started a voluntary summer class at his new school this morning. There was no time to get nervous about High school. I think he was so exhausted from the weekend he'll probably sleep through the first class. 

Ahh, the busy-ness of the last 10 days is now subsiding and back to our new summer normal! 

Crochet Concupiscence and Go Crochet Coaching

Check it out! Kathryn at Crochet Concupiscence gave Go Crochet Coaching a shout-out!

Thank you Kathryn!

In no particular order

Chickee's BF graduated from high school. Great job to him! 

Chickee was inducted into the National Honor Society and French Honor Society. (I didn't even know that was a thing...)

Chickee turned 16. 

Chief had his mother/son breakfast at school.

And we have fun at the end of the year volleyball party. (Chickee was the skills coach and me and another mom were the administrative coaches). They had a great 6-2 regular season and made it to the semi-finals in the tournament. 

I've been doing a little crocheting here and there... 

The rest of this coming week looks just as busy! 

These Ten Days

These 10 Days are super exciting and busy at our house. Chickee turns 16 in the next week. Chief graduates from 8th grade in the next week. Tom has a business trip for a few days at some point. There is an end of the year volleyball party, a swim party (brrr), two graduation parties. Chickee's boyfriend graduates from high school. There is a Sweet 16 party. A driver's license to be tested for. A mother/son breakfast at school,

Here's a random cat photo for your entertainment. Our cats will only drink water out of a faucet. Here is Minnie waiting for me to turn on the tub for her.

I'll try to keep up my posting schedule but it's a little hectic around here. Luckily the busy-ness is all fun and happy Blessings.

I have a portable project I need to start so that I can take it with me wherever I go.

A Garden of Shawls

Karen Whooley has done it again! Designer, teacher, author, Karen Whooley has once again succeeded in creating a collection of crochet patterns that are beautiful and accessible. It's her 20th book!

The details: It's 92 pages, hardcopy and digital copies are available. It's 12 inspired patterns. Many of them have rhythmic stitch patterns paired with eye-catching edgings. They are constructed in different methods and they are all beautiful. (And there are charts!)

Solar takes advantage of the current trend of gorgeous gradation using Black Trillium Fibre Studio Yarn.

(Photo: Anne Podlesak)

I think Violaceous would be so enjoyable to work! And of course, the color speaks to me. Again in Black Trillium yarn... (maybe I'd better get to know that yarn a little better!)

(Photo: Anne Podlesak)

Many of them have integrated edgings which I just LOVE. I love the concept of stitching the edging side to side as the project is worked.  Just look at Briar, below, made in Bare Naked Wools, Chebris Lace.

(Photo: Anne Podlesak)

It's already selling like hotcakes and I can see why. The projects are just hard enough to be intriguing but easy enough that they aren't impossible. Check it out!



*I was not compensated for my review. There are affiliate links in this post.

Flashbacks You'll Love

This blog is pretty old. There is a great deal of good stuff in the older posts.

(I miss my cuddly Charlie)

Here are some of my favorite posts you may have missed:

Trial and Error Learning in the Creative Process.

Essential Tools for Becoming a Designer 








How Designers Create, A Style Discussion.

The 3-Way Challenge

I knew the Flying Pig Marathon was going to be around/near the same time I was going to be taping Knit and Crochet Now. I thought that since I would be traveling, I would NOT take the opportunity to run my first full marathon (smart, right?)

So, I registered for the Half Marathon (13.1 miles). All good, right? My BRF (Best Running Friend), Lisa picked up my race packet for the Half on Friday and much to our surprise... I had forgotten that I had registered for ALL THE RACES. It must have been a post-race afterglow from the previous year when the prices were super low...

Luckily, Lisa was running all the races too... and I couldn't let my money go to waste... so Saturday the 6th we ran the 5K and the 10K (3.1 miles and 6.2 miles respectively), then on Sunday the 7th, we ran the Half!  Crazy busy but so much fun!

 Here we are starting the 10K, all bright eyed and bushy tailed...

 Then 30 minutes later, here we are starting the 5k, a little less bright-eyed...

 Then super early Sunday morning we got up to run the Half.

And I immediately laid down and put my feet up a tree in an impromptu yoga recovery thing! Ahhhh! Done. 

Cincinnati is famous for Skyline Chili. The Chili is noodles with chili and cheese called a "3-way" The top medal is my bonus medal for completing the Skyline chili "3-way challenge" for completing 3 races in one weekend.  This is the same race that has crocheted chandeliers in the finish area!

I never dreamed 5 years ago that when faced with the 3-way challenge I would shrug my shoulders and say, "Let's do it".  Step by step, running has changed my life. It all started with 20 jogging steps while the kids were at soccer practice.

More New Friends! Knit and Crochet Now!

We last left off with introducing you to Meredith Crawford, OneSocialGirl.
Then I got to meet MORE new friends to the Knit and Crochet Now show.

I know I already shared that Melissa Leapman was in the house! Did I also share that Jenny King is back visiting from Australia?

Jenny is adorable and sweet and a great business woman. I can't wait to tell you about her new yarns! If you can't wait either and want to go take a peek, head on over to her website... Jenny King Designs.

Then I got to meet the effervescent Kristen Mangus! Here Kristen has a fangirl moment with the Crafty Gemini, Vanessa Vargas Wilson. 

But first, Kristen is the Youtube star of GoodKnitKisses. She is especially passionate about loom knitting! She really opened my eyes to what is possible on the loom. You're going to fangirl over her and her patterns.

 

I didn't get much time with the lovely and intelligent Crafty Gemini, but we had some stimulating conversation at dinner where we talked Business! That woman knows her stuff! You probably are already one of her more than 300,000 YouTube fans but if you aren't familiar, go check out one of her more than 390 videos. 

Above is the whole cast except for the darling Melissa Leapman who had to fly home before the storm hit! The cast is: Co-hosts (and co-producers in charge) Connie Ellison and Lena Skvagerson, And then, myself, Jenny King,  Melissa Leapman, Meredith Crawford, Kristen Mangus and Vanessa Vargas Wilson. 

Knit and Crochet Now, Season 8 MORE, and Crochet Coaching!

First... my first month crochet coaching slots are filling up quickly. If you want help with submissions, design consultation, etiquette for CGOA and TNNA, you need to sign up with me QUICK. We are running out of time.  Send me an email for more details Ellen@ GoCrochet dot com.
And see these previous posts about the program to get your crochet career going! Slots will be open on an ongoing basis but I can only take a few 'first month' people at a time so they get good attention.

(Pin it!)

Back to Knit and Crochet Now! Season 8 has some major changes from previous seasons but all the great project inspiration and tips and quality is there!

 If you missed reading my previous posts about Knit and Crochet Now, Season 8, click here to catch up! I already shared that the amazing Melissa Leapman, has joined the cast! (above on the left).

 Meredith Crawford joined the show! She's from Dallas, TX. She's One Social Girl! And she wrote Crochet with One Sheepish Girl for Soho in 2013.

She's super cute and you can find her everywhere as OneSocialGirl.

On the show this season, I am demonstrating projects and I'm back in the Technique Corner! Any of you who enjoy my online classes are going to love the technique corner. Here, Scott Campbell takes some promo photos! Yes, you caught me.. Business on the top, runner on the bottom. Yoga pants and running shoes with full hair and makeup... yep. That's me. :) 

Knit and Crochet Now, Season 8

What a whirlwind! The taping of Knit and Crochet Now is always so exciting that this year was no different!

I made some new friends! I arrived at the studio on Tuesday and spent the day preparing all the projects I was going to teach, organizing my step-outs, making sure I had all the tools and details I needed. I met the crew and got familiar with the studio.

We filmed at a new location in Cleveland this year. The set looks gorgeous! Every color seems to pot pop on this set! Pictured below, Melissa Leapman looks beautiful and chic!

Melissa is new to the cast this year, which is totally a smart choice! When I search for Melissa in Books on Amazon... I got 229 results. Seriously. Her Indispensable Stitch Collection for Crocheters
is currently in my take-everywhere tote bag.  Check out her book!  Of course she is also a successful knit author. (cough, cough, understatement)

Here, Melissa and I are with Connie Ellison. Connie and Lena are co-hosting the show this season. Connie has been in the industry with Annie's for years! She works tirelessly on the Annie's Signature Collections, Annie's books and now the show too! Connie is the brilliant editor who saw the potential in my love for Bruges Lace. 

I still have so much to tell you! Come back Wednesday when I'll reveal another cast member! (The top photo is a hint!)

Encouragement from designer & author, Brenda Bourg!

Did you see? Designer & author, Brenda Bourg has some words of encouragement about joining me in crochet coaching!

Here's her quote:
"Ellen is a fantastic mentor - I was fortunate enough to have her as one myself! She cares if you succeed and goes all out to help you make it happen. Her hard-earned wisdom and professional insight have proven to be an invaluable resource. Ellen knows our field inside and out and generously shares what she knows with those she mentors - don't let this opportunity pass you by!"

Here I am with Brenda at CGOA a couple of years ago... was it Reno? Brenda is the newsletter co-editor for the Talking Crochet Newsletter. She is also a consistent design contributor to Crochet! magazine and has written her own book, Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet. Read more about Brenda's creative and encouraging endeavors at her new blog and website, Encouraged by Design. 




Here's the original post about crochet coaching. Check out Wednesday's post for Sandi Rosner's awesome recommendation as well.  Message me for details at Ellen @ GoCrochet dot com.

Knit and Crochet Now! Behind the Scenes!

We are taping Knit and Crochet Now this week! It will begin airing in September. Depending on your local station it may air right away or they may air it in January/February. To get it as soon as possible, become an All-access member.

Back on the set, this year with Lena Skvagerson, Connie Ellison, Jenny King, Melissa Leapman, and I haven't met three more mystery cast members that I will reveal to you later!

Sandi endorses Crochet Coaching with Ellen!

I have to share!  Crochet and knit designer and author, Sandi Rosner, wrote this lovely comment about my Crochet Coaching venture...

"This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wants to turn their hobby into an income stream.
Ellen's combination of experience in all facets of this industry together with her sensible and empathetic personality make her the ideal mentor for people at any stage of their career. She has the answers to your questions and she knows the people you need to know. She is also just generally awesome. You couldn't ask for a better coach than Ellen."

Thank you Sandi!  Sandi and I have worked together on various projects for years. Pictured above, here I am with Sandi at the season 7 taping of Knit and Crochet Now, where she was the assistant producer and general wrangler, organizer and adviser. She has written a lovely crochet book and is a very talented knit designer in addition to using her eye for talent when she purchases patterns for Premier Yarns.

Here's the blog post where I revealed the new Crochet Coaching program. Message me at Ellen @ GoCrochet dot com and let's get started achieving your goals!



21 Crocheted Tanks and Tunics



*I didn't offer Sandi any compensation or trade for her endorsement. We just respect each other's work. This is common in the crochet industry. When one of us succeeds, it raises the reputation of the industry and benefits us all.