I send out a crochet newsletter once per month to everyone who supports my work through Patreon. This newsletter includes carefully curated original content that is generally unpublished elsewhere. Here is what you missed in November’s message if you aren’t on the email list:
November’s Newsletter
My thoughts on crafting through the difficult times many people are experiencing. For me, crafting is a safe space, so there aren’t political views in the email but I wanted to make sure that a lot of people are struggling in the wake of the US presidential election. I felt it important to hold space for all of the difficult feelings, things people are experiencing even if they don’t live in the US, for a variety of reasons, on both sides of the political divide. I included 5 tips for crafting through social stressors.
Ideas on crochet for activism. Those people who want to do something with their pent-up feelings can use crochet in a variety of ways to make a statement. I include a book recommendation and four ideas for crochet as activism.
Personal update. I had shared in the previous newsletter that there were some things going on in my family and I shared an update about that with much more detail in November’s email. I shared how this all relates for me to crocheting / crafting through depression whether it’s your depression or that of a loved one.
What to do when you lose your “crochet mojo” or “cro-jo”. People often experience times when they just don’t want to crochet and in addition to the feeling itself, it comes with a feeling of frustration for HAVING that feeling. I offer five tips for what to do during these times along with a link to another ten suggestions.
C2C Triangle Crochet Tutorial. I shared a step-by-step photo tutorial (with written instructions) for learning how to do corner-to-corner crochet (increasing only) to make triangles with a terrific bottom border edge. I shared some ideas of what you can make using this technique, including a picture of my newest mohair crochet triangle shawl.
Crochet Christmas Tree DIY. I showed an example of how to use the C2C triangles to create crochet Christmas trees that can be used as decorations during the upcoming holiday season. I provided tips for making changes to the DIY design to personalize it and make it special in various ways.
Quick Thoughts on Crochet Fixations. I have been a bit obsessed with the C2C crochet technique so I shared thoughts about these times when we just focus on one stitch and all it can do.
Gratitude for Patreon Support
In this email, I also shared gratitude for the people who support my work through Patreon. I shared in part:
As we move towards (American) Thanksgiving, and in the wake of all of the personal and social things happening here, I want you to know that I am immensely grateful for this gift that you give me. I am so lucky to have the support of so many people encouraging me to do what I do. I really LOVE the work I am able to do bringing information about crochet – and especially how to benefit from crafting – to more people.
The support that you give me financially helps me logistically to be able to do this. Without that money, I would have to do a lot more writing that I care a lot less about, and I’d be less focused on the crafting and writing that I really love to share.
In addition to the financial help, it gives me motivation and inspiration to keep doing this work because I see that others believe in it too. You give me energy to keep finding new understandings of myself and my community and the role that crochet plays in it. I truly hope that what I send out through my work is not just the information (although I hope that’s valuable) but also the pure energy to help others follow their own paths and passions. I believe that by doing work I truly believe in, I give permission to others to do the same, and I believe that this helps heal us individually and collectively.
General Newsletter Content
This particular email had a lot of personal touches but in general I try to make sure that each newsletter has:
- A previously unpublished story about how crochet has helped heal someone or improve his / her life
- A crochet tutorial, pattern or DIY idea (typically unpublished elsewhere)
- New thoughts, facts, ideas or insights into crochet for healing
- Tips for crochet, whether they’re health tips or technique tips
- Links to things I love – crochet books, patterns, etc.
- Discounts on yarn, books, etc. from my sponsors
- Personal information about what’s truly going on with me and how crochet relates
I try to make sure that all of this content is informative. And it is always heartfelt and authentic.
Get The Newsletter
So how do you get this monthly crochet newsletter? Anyone who contributes to my work through Patreon receives a monthly newsletter. Contributions begin at as little as $1 per month and can easily be stopped at any time. Give $1 per month, get the newsletter for the month you give; so anyone who contributes now has their $1 processed in December and receives the December newsletter.
But I am making a special offer: anyone who contributes between now and November 30th will also receive a copy of the November newsletter. It already went out to contributors but I will send a special email to every new subscriber to get the newsletter into their inbox this month.
People who donate at higher levels receive additional rewards, as indicated on the Patreon page.
Give support through Patreon today. Your micro-donations make a big difference!