Since I am always eager to talk to you about knitting patterns and life in Kodiak, Alaska, isn’t having a podcast that combines the two a natural development?

If you are asking yourself: IS THIS PODCAST FOR ME?

Well, I am glad you asked!

If knitting is your go-to creative refuge, the place you look to craft your best self…but some day stitching solo on the sofa feels a bit empty… LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST!

Encourage Better takes you to Kodiak, Alaska— knitting adventure capital of the world (ok that is kind of an unofficial title I awarded it, but still 100% true). Stand by the shore with me, or trek up mountain peaks, cozy up under a spruce tree just by putting in your earbuds!

Knitting tips, tricks and tales to help you knit your best, Encourage Better is the must-listen-to podcast to kickstart your knitting mojo and broaden your smile!

Episodes are live right now! You can head here to see the directories as they come online. Some have a bit of a wait before showing up in the listing. See if your favorite podcast platform is currently listed: ENCOURAGE BETTER PODCAST

Please note: everything from iTunes to Spotify to Google has had the new podcast information submitted, but it may take a little time before it becomes listed in their directory. Until then definitely check things out by clicking the button below:

Here’s a the podcast transcript:

Speaker 1: (00:02)
Welcome to encourage better. A podcast dedicated to knitters and creative people searching for thoughtful moments of joy and wonder in our artistic pursuits through reflections on projects in progress--and completed-- to evaluate lessons I learn, unpack discoveries made that surprised me, things I did that frustrated me and improvements to remember for the future. Pretty lofty goals for 25 minutes together, wouldn't you say? Along the adventures, there will be knitting and UN-knitting, which is a valuable art unto itself not properly recognized. There will be hand sewing, mending, embroidery. I'll share how I capture these creative endeavors to remember for later and share with you. Tips, tricks, savvy shortcuts, to journal with words and photos. In case you find yourself desiring a treasury of your making adventures in ways that you can look back on ways that your future self will thank you for. So whether you are looking for a cheerful word in your ear as unit, or you need a kind word as you rip out all the stitches, I've got you covered. 

(01:30)
And who am I? I'm Melissa, a lover of outdoors, the ocean, the sea, the trees romping through the woods and sitting along the Rocky shoreline in the golden sunshine or misty rain... All are my absolute favorite things to do. And what does any of that have to do with knitting or being crafty? My friend, it has everything to do with it. I have been knitting over 18 years, journaling since elementary school, and playing outside as much as possible since for ever. I take my projects with me as I go for, I find inspiration for staying creative by blending. It's what I love most and enjoy. I have designed patterns for knitters for years, hats, scarves, shawls, mittens, cardigans, pullovers socks, and along the way, creating these patterns. I realized the craziest thing that clarified my work. I was never making patterns to be a designer for knitters and knitwear. I was designing a community to share with intentionally and unreservedly, share myself my adventures, my passion, to build spaces, to practice the pursuit of kindness and encouragement with fellow crafty people, and by "crafty people" that's you! 

(03:12)
Chances are this may describe you: a knitter who hops on to Instagram in love with the beautifully curated posts that fellow fiber lovers are sharing. You like and comment, excited to see what everyone is up to, longing to have what you are making noticed too! The enthusiasm and frustration, the questions and the celebrations... You would love for those feelings to intersect intentionally with others and hopefully as more than just a little heart icon in your alerts or DMs! 

(03:53)
Or maybe you are avoiding social media places because... Well, inspiration overload! Girl, I feel you! Or fella I'm tracking right with you. You find the more that you are looking with your eyes and swiping with your pointer finger, your brain is too busy and your hands are distracted from making, but your "to-make list" is World Book Encyclopedia length! Bonus points if you've ever owned an encyclopedia set.

(04:32)
But Hey, maybe this is you: You just want some intentional time directed towards being your self. Any of these fit you are you somewhere in between? Well, you are here now. And I don't think it's happenstance. Here's my dirty little secret. I am all of these things and a wee bit more. I use my knitting and crafty know-how not to make patterns for folks to recreate, but my patterns-- which there are a bunch of free on my website--those patterns are my way of reaching out to you. Just like this podcast. I'd love to share an opportunity to connect, to tell you about good things like how the water rippling along the sand left patterns that I've translated into my stitches. And also bad things, that had a good lesson, but you'll have to listen to future episodes to hear examples of those!

(05:52)
Outdoor romps long journal entries, temper tantrums with ball winders, voice memos to myself on days I don't have time to write a word, all those things blend into my creative process and make every day-- good, bad, ugly, whatever!--- an extra special, wonderful opportunity for me to learn and encourage better. 

(06:23)
If you are still listening to this intro, you may enjoy another step forward with me. So how about the next episode? They get better as they go. Trust me. I know! Like for real, I've had podcasts before and even more telling I'm an avid podcast listening junkie. All the episodes everyone does always get better. Now, no time to listen? Well maybe visit my website, encouragebetter.com. There you'll find pics of this voice in your ears and some free patterns too. Now, if social media is your thing, I'm usually popping into a square every now and again on Instagram. Find me as Mskiknits. Shoot me a DM and let me know I encouraged you to connect with me via the podcast. 

(07:21)
Well, until next time... You were created intentionally to be creative, which may be easier said than done. So whether you are spinning yarn for your next project or hanging on today by a thread, you are valuable! Simply being you is valuable and valued. I hope our paths cross again soon. Bye for now.