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In today's episode I tell you why I won't send you my favorite pair of shoes, nor will I try to read your mind!I will tell you all the value your knitting and crafting add to your life and those around you and also remind you that YOU ENRICH THE KNITTING COMMUNITY!For more information be sure to  visit www.encouragebetter.com Want to read the blog post that goes along with this episode: https://www.encouragebetter.com/blog/on-shoes-and-long-rowsAs always, if you love what you are hearing on the podcast, please leave 5 stars and a written review! Hear something I can improve? Email me  melissa at encouragebetter.com

Welcome to another episode where we enjoy creative endeavors, but this one will take you back in time with me.Mentioned and worth linking or things you may find helpful:Mindful Knitting 5 minutes + 5 Rows: On YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfaix8hYF1SuI94UzZk4LMwOn IGTV https://www.instagram.com/mskiknits/channel/Knit a Happy Hat on the blog https://www.encouragebetter.com/blog/happy-hatWant to love all the things you knit? The big secret may be easier to sort out than you think: Utilize Your Superpower! Head Here For Details https://www.encouragebetter.com

Thank you for joining in today's episode where we talk about knitting a Happy Hat, and then 10 ways to repeat it and not get bored! Instead, you can unlock the power of your creativity and feel complete satisfaction utilizing your stash for a great (quick knit) purpose.I also share my sincere thoughts on swatching, how taking a curious approach to swatching makes you a better, more inspired knitter and I offer you the opportunity to join me in one of my live workshops on swatching!And listen to see if you were one of the two winners who left a podcast review. (and even if you weren't leave a review after the episode and you may hear me announce YOU AS NEXT WEEK's WINNER!Things mentioned and the helpful links you need:Mindful Knitting: #5minutes5Rows YouTube Videos: https://youtu.be/c1OHE1CVIOgor watch on IGTV: https://www.instagram.com/mskiknits/channel/Sign up to get started on the free hat pattern: JOIN IN HEREWant to unlock your creative potential? Registerfor Swatch Me Class 1: Improve your Ability & Attitude in Swatching!  by heading here: https://encourage-better.mykajabi.com/offers/dFqZHP2fOr you can register for Swatch Me Class 2: Daydream, Improvise & Discovery Through Swatching by heading here: https://encourage-better.mykajabi.com/offers/zqBNziAyRATHER GET BOTH CLASSES FOR FREE? YES PLEASE! As a Knitter's Project Bag Collective Member you can have both!  There is a special 21-day KPBC $5 All-Access Pass which includes both classes free! That's like buying 1 class, getting the second one free, PLUS all the great extras Knitter's Project Bag Collective membership has to offer! This limited-time 21-day KPBC $5 All-Access Pass is available to purchase March 7th -21st. Interested? HEAD HERE TO JOIN!

In today's episode I share about an interesting feature of Kodiak Island that may surprise you. And even more unbelievable is how it relates to test knitting, test knitters and designers creating new patterns. Get ready for lift off!Things I mention in today's episode:My Website: www.encouragebetter.com where you can see all sorts of knitting related images that I mention todayGet on the email list: Click here!The Amber Wings Socks are a test kit I am doing for @SummerLeeKnits

Aloha Friend! This week our time together includes some ideas on how to knit up some momentum, like the handspun socks I knit inside of two days. Fast and satisfying! I actually spent more time journalling about it than making them it seemed!  I hope you enjoy hearing some ideas and suggestions of things you can knit that are small and could take relatively little time, but still provide a meaningful knit.  If you are a brand new knitter or a seasoned veteran, there are always things you can do to inject an added dose of joy in to your creative process…and you could use up some of that stash yarn that I heard a few of you have on your Knitting New Year’s Resolution List to work through! So have a listen to the podcast.  If you enjoy it, consider sharing the podcast with a friend or two!To get free patterns and insider info on all the new things you can be a part of join in here: https://www.encouragebetter.comIntroduce yourself to me on Instagram if you are there! I am MSKIKNITSI mentioned the free patterns I am giving away. They are by Summer Lee Knits. Check her out and if you want one of her sock patterns free leave a review and comment! 

Here is the start of our Encourage Better Season 2 and I couldn't be more thankful! This season I have some wonderful plans to share with you and this first episode gets us started.In this episode I share candid thoughts on how to pick a perfect knitting project when you are feeling a bit stuck or overwhelmed. I say candid, as I share a personal message I recorded for a friend that you may find helpful!I use the example of sweater knitting (in this case from hands-on fleece which is so precious!) but you could apply these ideas to knitting any project: hand knit mittens or hand knit socks or shawls...or even non-knitting applications from crochet or sewing to use making life decisions. If you are eager for more, be sure to subscribe to the podcast as well as my email messages. Being on the email list will assure you hear first about all the upcoming events and treats I share.Get on the email list by heading here: www.encouragebetter.com  

In this episode, you can learn about organizing your WIPS and UFOs as well as the importance of your past, present, and future knitting journey. AND WE HAVE SOME FUN TOO! There is a PDF Scavenger hunt-meets Bingo Board that you can download free and see how many spaces you can check off before laughing out loud!Get yours by heading here: EPISODE 7 SHOW NOTESAnd if you are interested in the free live masterclasses I will be hosting very soon jump on the waitlist: www.encouragebetter.com/mentoredThese classes are going to be fun and helpful and I hope to see you at one! So be assured I want you there and you are welcomed so join in!

There is still road ahead to travel along. There is time in 2020 to do things you want to do.  I feel this so deeply and hope to share my thoughts with you in today’s podcast episode! Head directly to the Mentoring sign up page HERE  https://mailchi.mp/encouragebetter/mentor-me-melTo connect more about things mentioned here head to https://www.encouragebetter.com You can either explore PODCASTS or sign up to be on the waitlist by heading here: https://www.encouragebetter.com/mentored

Today I actually take you along on my first Alaskan camping trip, which included time in the kayak.Things mentioned:My YouTube Channel CLICK HERE  ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfaix8hYF1SuI94UzZk4LMw?view_as=subscriber ) and the video relating to today's episode is HERE  https://youtu.be/L8f8Ld6Orjg The free adorably fun pumpkin pattern is available for just a little while longer and can be downloaded by HEADING HERE  https://www.encouragebetter.com  I am having so much fun making these in order to share with a few neighbors. 

If knitting is your go-to creative refuge, the place you craft your best self, but somedays stitching solo on the sofa feels a bit empty and lackluster, turn on this podcast! Encourage Better takes you to Kodiak Island, Alaska---the knitting adventure capital of the world...ok, that is my take on it and not 100% official, but still entirely accurate. Trek up mountain peaks, stand along the shore, and romp among the forest of spruce trees *all through your earbuds*! Tips, tricks, and tales every episode Encourage Better is the must-listen-to-podcast to kickstart your knitting mojo and broaden your smile!In today's episode, we start off inside, but venture out on the water together, the perfect place to knit! If you need a Knitting Survival Checklist for On-The-Go Yarny Adventures, I have you covered! Head here: SURVIVAL CHECKLIST DOWNLOAD Grab it now to make sure you are prepared for your next romp in the woods or mountain top trek!Featured today:Unabridged Vest by Alicia Plummer And here is a special treat about that beautiful pattern for those reading the show notes:I will be gifting 10 of these patterns to the first 10 people that 1. Subscribe to the podcast & snap a screenshot!2. Share it on Instagram and tag me @mskiknits NOT ON INSTAGRAM? NO WORRIES! Here is what you do:1. Subscribe to the podcast2. Leave a review (my goal is always to earn a 5 star review, so if you can't do that, how about emailing me and sharing with me the way I can help to make this podcast a 5 star experience for you---that will also qualify you for the pattern giveaway!)And if you are worried that you are too late... Try any way! Every podcast I will feature my favorite review and if it is YOURS you will get a free pattern or special treat from me! Phoebe Yarn by Quince & Co in SolAlso the delightful instagram account that got me all energized to cast on the Unabridged Vest was @Rach_Wild She is a real upbeat knitter with an eye for styling knits!

If knitting is your go-to creative refuge, the place you craft your best self, but somedays stitching solo on the sofa feels a bit empty and lackluster, turn on this podcast! Encourage Better takes you to Kodiak Island, Alaska---the knitting adventure capital of the world...ok, that is my take on it and not 100% official, but still entirely accurate. Trek up mountain peaks, stand along the shore, and romp among the forest of spruce trees *all through your earbuds*! Knitting tips, tricks, and tales every episode Encourage Better is the must-listen-to-podcast to kickstart your knitting mojo and broaden your smile!Enjoy this welcome episode. To read and see more visit: https://www.encouragebetter.com/ebpodcast

Aloha Friend & Welcome to Encourage Better: Knitting Adventures in Alaska podcast. You may be wondering...am I in the right place? Is this kind of podcast for me?If knitting is your go-to creative refuge, the place you craft your best self, but somedays stitching solo on the sofa feels a bit empty and lackluster, turn on this podcast! Encourage Better takes you to Kodiak Island, Alaska---the knitting adventure capital of the world...ok, that is my take on it and not 100% official, but still entirely accurate. Trek up mountain peaks, stand along the shore, and romp among the forest of spruce trees *all through your earbuds*! Knitting tips, tricks, and tales every episode Encourage Better is the must-listen-to-podcast to kickstart your knitting mojo and broaden your smile!In this episode, I share how I get out the door with my knitting, prepped for success on the go...and I do it in under 5 minutes thanks in part to this helpful Notion Survival Kit!To read and see more visit: https://www.encouragebetter.com/notions 

If knitting is your go-to creative refuge, the place you craft your best self, but somedays stitching solo on the sofa feels a bit empty and lackluster, turn on this podcast! Encourage Better takes you to Kodiak Island, Alaska---the knitting adventure capital of the world...ok, that is my take on it and not 100% official, but still entirely accurate. Trek up mountain peaks, stand along the shore, and romp among the forest of spruce trees *all through your earbuds*! Knitting tips, tricks, and tales every episode Encourage Better is the must-listen-to-podcast to kickstart your knitting mojo and broaden your smile!In this episode, Autumn is in the air & a free pattern gift to you is on my mind! So join in and see what there is to make!To read and see more visit: https://www.encouragebetter.com/giving-pumpkins 

If knitting is your go-to creative refuge, the place you craft your best self, but somedays stitching solo on the sofa feels a bit empty and lackluster, turn on this podcast! Encourage Better takes you to Kodiak Island, Alaska---the knitting adventure capital of the world...ok, that is my take on it and not 100% official, but still entirely accurate. Trek up mountain peaks, stand along the shore, and romp among the forest of spruce trees *all through your earbuds*! Knitting tips, tricks, and tales every episode Encourage Better is the must-listen-to-podcast to kickstart your knitting mojo and broaden your smile!In today's episode, I share my Winston Sweater by Jane Richmond. My version morphed into something completely different! Learn the lessons on sweater knitting alterations from my adventures knitting both the original and the completely different Winstons. It may help you when you decide to change up your next project!See the photos and read more: https://www.encouragebetter.com