We are back again, with the final questions from our recent interview with Marie Segares from Underground Crafter. If you missed it, please check out PART 1!
“I’m a crochet and knitting blogger, designer, podcaster, and teacher. I learned to crochet from my maternal grandmother in 1984, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
You can find crochet patterns, crochet tips, crochet and knitting book and product reviews, knitting patterns, sewing patterns, Cricut and other crafty tutorials, recipes, and more on my blog!“
Join us for another thoughtful and engaging conversation, where we explore the inspiration and wisdom needed to deepen our craft, as well as the impact of social media on the crafting community.
How do you feel your approach to crafting has changed from when you first started? Have your inspirations evolved, and where do you draw inspiration from now?
As a kid and through into my twenties, I didn’t know how to read patterns and intuitively made scarves and other smallish rectangular-shaped projects “by eye,” usually in half double crochet, my favorite stitch.
Once I learned to read patterns about 20 years ago, I started trying new techniques and methods. I learned about increasing and decreasing and developed more confidence about experimenting with different shapes, stitches, and textures.
How do you feel social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, etc. have influenced the world of crocheting and knitting?
Social media platforms have influenced crochet and knitting in the same ways they have impacted other parts of society. They have helped to bring virtual communities of crafters together. They have made it possible for designers and other small yarn-related businesses to build an audience, but the flip side is that much more interaction and emotional labor is required, and these platforms are pretty unstable.
It’s like building your business on a house of cards that can topple at any minute when there is a change to an algorithm.
There is also a new hobby that some people have developed — scrolling through inspiration on their favorite platform, instead of spending time making projects. I hear from a lot of crafters who get overwhelmed by seeing so many images and videos and find themselves making less and less.
These platforms have also prioritized a certain aesthetic in photography and videography. In some ways, this has helped to marginalize folks who don’t fit that aesthetic — for example, I will never be in a photo from the top down showing my legs wearing cutely styled pajama pants while crocheting with an artisanal cup of coffee at my side.
On the other hand, I think social media platforms have helped to bring some conversations — for example, about racism in the craft industry — to more folks than might have heard about it without these types of forums being available. I guess what I’m saying is that there is a fair amount of bad but also a fair amount of good that these platforms have contributed to crocheting and knitting.
There is a fair amount of bad but also a fair amount of good that these platforms have contributed to crocheting and knitting.
I understand you’re a certified knitting and crochet instructor, you also create your own patterns, and have written two books! For those looking to turn their craft into a business, what advice or insights would you share based on your experience?
In my experience, most of the folks that turn their craft hobby into a business are seeking more autonomy, flexibility, and sense of accomplishment. Some think it is a kind of get rich quick scheme, but they find out soon enough that a lot of work is involved to create a sustainable source of income.
How do you balance the creative process with the logistical aspects of running a business? And further, how do you balance both of those things with your daily life?
Not very well, I’m afraid! Being a business owner is really demanding, especially when you also have a full time job. I’ve been lucky to have a supportive partner who believes in me and my creativity.
As you reflect on your journey, is there a piece of wisdom or a quote that has stayed with you throughout that we can share with our readers?
Learning about the “3 feet rule” has really helped me. Basically, most people will never stand closer than 3 feet away from any of your crochet or knitting projects, which means that many “mistakes” that seem obvious while crocheting or knitting won’t even be visible. That has taught me not to be quick to rip out mistakes. Often they can be covered up, or can become “design elements.” You can also look back on projects that weren’t “perfect” later and see how your skills improved over time. When you pull back your work all the time, you often don’t finish as many projects and you have no record of your creative growth.
Huge thanks to Marie for sharing her wisdom and insight with us! We are always eager to create community with crafters – both beginners and advanced creators alike.
If you’d like to take this inspiration to the next level, we encourage you to browse through Marie’s extensive list of FREE PATTERNS available on her website!
