I am ecstatic to share my thoughts and a special interview with Marie Segares about her latest publication, "Make Money Teaching Crochet: Launch Your Business, Increase Your Side Income, Reach More Students". Plus, scroll down to see how you can win a free copy of the eBook!
Book Review:
Disclaimer: Before I share my thoughts on this book, please note a review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. Although I accepted this product for review, I did not receive any additional compensation and all opinions are my own.
Warm, friendly and inviting... "Make Money Teaching Crochet" by Marie Segares will have you excited to read more and learn just how you can teach your craft with ease!
I was immediately drawn into the book by Marie's easy-to-follow writing style and the well laid out segments. I especially loved the CroPro Tip Boxes throughout the book, which drew useful tips directly from Marie's own experiences!
The more I read, the more strongly my desire to teach others to crochet came out.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about making an income from teaching crochet and other fiber crafts.
For more information about this book, the author, and purchasing details, please click here.
Book Interview with Marie Segares:
Rebeckah's Treasures Asks:
What inspired you to write “Make Money Teaching Crochet”?
Marie Segares Responds:
I’ve been teaching crochet since 2008 (and knitting since 2011) and during that time, I’ve met hundreds of great students and dozens of talented teachers. Teaching brought me into the yarn industry and opened a lot of doors for me. I’ve also earned a steady side income from teaching part time over the last 8 years.
I wrote the book because many of the dedicated teachers I’ve met struggle to make teaching profitable for them. I wanted to share what I’ve learned to help keep these teachers involved so more people can learn to crochet.
What inspired you to write “Make Money Teaching Crochet”?
Marie Segares Responds:
I’ve been teaching crochet since 2008 (and knitting since 2011) and during that time, I’ve met hundreds of great students and dozens of talented teachers. Teaching brought me into the yarn industry and opened a lot of doors for me. I’ve also earned a steady side income from teaching part time over the last 8 years.
I wrote the book because many of the dedicated teachers I’ve met struggle to make teaching profitable for them. I wanted to share what I’ve learned to help keep these teachers involved so more people can learn to crochet.
Rebeckah:
What are you hoping crafters will get from reading this book?
Marie:
I hope readers will come away from the book thinking seriously about teaching as a way to grow their business and get practical tips for improving their both their teaching and the way they market their classes to prospective students.
What are you hoping crafters will get from reading this book?
Marie:
I hope readers will come away from the book thinking seriously about teaching as a way to grow their business and get practical tips for improving their both their teaching and the way they market their classes to prospective students.
Rebeckah:
What is your primary motive behind showing others how to supplement their income by teaching crochet?
Marie:
I started the Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Show podcast back in 2014 because I didn’t see a lot of business information out there that was specific to the yarn industry. It’s very easy to start a crochet, knitting, or yarn-related business, but it’s just as easy to burn out, lose focus, or end up disappointed. I hope to strengthen the industry by sharing what I’ve learned over the years.
What is your primary motive behind showing others how to supplement their income by teaching crochet?
Marie:
I started the Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Show podcast back in 2014 because I didn’t see a lot of business information out there that was specific to the yarn industry. It’s very easy to start a crochet, knitting, or yarn-related business, but it’s just as easy to burn out, lose focus, or end up disappointed. I hope to strengthen the industry by sharing what I’ve learned over the years.
Rebeckah:
Who taught you how to crochet, and when?
Marie:
My grandmother taught me to crochet back in 1984. She was an extremely gifted fiber artist. She was a master crocheter, knitter, and seamstress, and her embroidery was pretty great, too.
Who taught you how to crochet, and when?
Marie:
My grandmother taught me to crochet back in 1984. She was an extremely gifted fiber artist. She was a master crocheter, knitter, and seamstress, and her embroidery was pretty great, too.
Rebeckah:
How long after you learned to crochet did you discover the joys and business opportunities that could come from teaching others?
Marie:
Although I crocheted off and on for most of my life, I tended to just make the same project (a double crochet scarf) over and over until about 2002, when I learned how to read patterns. I got very excited about crochet then, and it was also a time when many of my friends were having babies, so I had a lot of projects on the hook all the time.
I didn’t think about crochet as a business opportunity until 2007, when I took the Craft Yarn Council’s Certified Instructors Program in crochet. While I was getting my certification, I started to see the possibilities of making money from my favorite craft.
How long after you learned to crochet did you discover the joys and business opportunities that could come from teaching others?
Marie:
Although I crocheted off and on for most of my life, I tended to just make the same project (a double crochet scarf) over and over until about 2002, when I learned how to read patterns. I got very excited about crochet then, and it was also a time when many of my friends were having babies, so I had a lot of projects on the hook all the time.
I didn’t think about crochet as a business opportunity until 2007, when I took the Craft Yarn Council’s Certified Instructors Program in crochet. While I was getting my certification, I started to see the possibilities of making money from my favorite craft.
Rebeckah:
What does teaching others to crochet bring to you?
Marie:
Besides being a much more pleasant “part time job” than others I’ve tried, I get to meet wonderful students and indirectly become part of the special moments in their lives as I help them with projects for gifts for loved ones.
What does teaching others to crochet bring to you?
Marie:
Besides being a much more pleasant “part time job” than others I’ve tried, I get to meet wonderful students and indirectly become part of the special moments in their lives as I help them with projects for gifts for loved ones.
Rebeckah:
In your experience, how easy is it to teach crochet to someone who wants to learn?
Marie:
There’s no easy answer to this. While having a desire to learn is certainly helpful, learning to crochet engages motor skills as well as senses. I’ve had some students who are really excited about crocheting but have trouble using their hands for various reasons and others who aren’t that interested but pick it up faster because they have more developed fine motor skills.
I try to stay encouraging and work with students at the level that makes sense for them. I remind every student that it isn’t a competitive sport and people will pick things up at their own pace.
In your experience, how easy is it to teach crochet to someone who wants to learn?
Marie:
There’s no easy answer to this. While having a desire to learn is certainly helpful, learning to crochet engages motor skills as well as senses. I’ve had some students who are really excited about crocheting but have trouble using their hands for various reasons and others who aren’t that interested but pick it up faster because they have more developed fine motor skills.
I try to stay encouraging and work with students at the level that makes sense for them. I remind every student that it isn’t a competitive sport and people will pick things up at their own pace.
Rebeckah:
What, in your experience, is the most challenging undertaking when it comes to teaching crochet?
Marie:
There are plenty of challenges and no class is the same as another, but one thing I find challenging is students who are very self-critical. This is especially tough when beginners don’t give themselves a chance to improve because they think their crochet is “ugly.” I try to remain very positive in class and remind people that “practice makes perfect,” but some students get very frustrated quickly and it is difficult to improve their moods.
What, in your experience, is the most challenging undertaking when it comes to teaching crochet?
Marie:
There are plenty of challenges and no class is the same as another, but one thing I find challenging is students who are very self-critical. This is especially tough when beginners don’t give themselves a chance to improve because they think their crochet is “ugly.” I try to remain very positive in class and remind people that “practice makes perfect,” but some students get very frustrated quickly and it is difficult to improve their moods.
Rebeckah:
What are your thoughts on teaching one-on-one or a small group of a few or more? Do you have a preference for one over the other?
Marie:
I’ve done both and it really depends on the situation. When I’m working with students with health challenges, I much prefer teaching one-on-one so I can give the student undivided attention. I’ve taught students who are recovering from strokes or have memory challenges and it’s tough to give them enough support in a group class. On the other hand, group classes can be a lot of fun for both me and the students!
What are your thoughts on teaching one-on-one or a small group of a few or more? Do you have a preference for one over the other?
Marie:
I’ve done both and it really depends on the situation. When I’m working with students with health challenges, I much prefer teaching one-on-one so I can give the student undivided attention. I’ve taught students who are recovering from strokes or have memory challenges and it’s tough to give them enough support in a group class. On the other hand, group classes can be a lot of fun for both me and the students!
Rebeckah:
Can non-crocheters, such as knitters and crafters, benefit from reading this book too?
Marie:
Yes, definitely. If you’re thinking about teaching any craft, or if you’re already teaching but not making as much money as you’d like, this book can help. The examples are focused on crochet but it’s easy to transfer the information in the book to another craft.
Can non-crocheters, such as knitters and crafters, benefit from reading this book too?
Marie:
Yes, definitely. If you’re thinking about teaching any craft, or if you’re already teaching but not making as much money as you’d like, this book can help. The examples are focused on crochet but it’s easy to transfer the information in the book to another craft.
Rebeckah:
Do you have any tips or advice for readers looking to supplement their income by teaching their craft?
Marie:
I have tons of tips and advice and I’ve included them in the book :).
But here’s one that I think is particularly helpful and pretty easy to do. Before you set your prices for your classes, do a little market research by finding out what local yarn shops, craft stores, and private teachers in your area are already charging. You can find a lot of this information online through store websites, via local “classifieds” sites like CraigsList, or from teaching websites like ClassClassifieds.com or TakeLessons.com. (You can also call around, pretending to be a prospective student.) This will give you a good idea of what people are willing to pay for crochet lessons in your community.
Do you have any tips or advice for readers looking to supplement their income by teaching their craft?
Marie:
I have tons of tips and advice and I’ve included them in the book :).
But here’s one that I think is particularly helpful and pretty easy to do. Before you set your prices for your classes, do a little market research by finding out what local yarn shops, craft stores, and private teachers in your area are already charging. You can find a lot of this information online through store websites, via local “classifieds” sites like CraigsList, or from teaching websites like ClassClassifieds.com or TakeLessons.com. (You can also call around, pretending to be a prospective student.) This will give you a good idea of what people are willing to pay for crochet lessons in your community.
Rebeckah:
Do you have any additional favourite business resources for those starting their teaching crochet ventures?
Marie:
I have a detailed resources section in the book and I talk quite a bit about the Craft Yarn Council Certified Instructors Program. It provides great training for people who are new to teaching.
Do you have any additional favourite business resources for those starting their teaching crochet ventures?
Marie:
I have a detailed resources section in the book and I talk quite a bit about the Craft Yarn Council Certified Instructors Program. It provides great training for people who are new to teaching.
Giveaway Time!
One lucky Rebeckah's Treasures reader has a chance to win a FREE Ultimate Printable Edition eBook copy of "Make Money Teaching Crochet" by Marie Segares!
Follow these steps to enter this giveaway:
Step 1: Leave a comment below - answering ONE or BOTH of these Questions:
Step 2: Once you have commented below, let us know you've completed Step 1 by entering it into the Rafflecopter. *If you do not do this, I will not be able to count your entries.
*OPTIONAL STEPS: Complete as many of the additional daily or one-time entry options available in the Rafflecopter for more chances to win.
Step 3: Keep an eye out for the winner to be announced the afternoon after giveaway ends. And be sure to follow Rebeckah's Treasures on her social channels to keep up to date!
*This giveaway is OPEN WORLDWIDE to persons who are 18 or older. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. It ends on July 4th, 2016 at 12:00 a.m. EST.
Step 1: Leave a comment below - answering ONE or BOTH of these Questions:
- What would learning how to make money teaching crochet do for you? OR
- Why do you love to teach crochet?
Step 2: Once you have commented below, let us know you've completed Step 1 by entering it into the Rafflecopter. *If you do not do this, I will not be able to count your entries.
*OPTIONAL STEPS: Complete as many of the additional daily or one-time entry options available in the Rafflecopter for more chances to win.
- DAILY Options include: COMMENTING on ANY blog article/post from Rebeckah's Treasures, Creative Yarn Entrepreneur AND/OR Underground Crafter and TWEETING about this Giveaway.
- One-Time Options include: FOLLOWING any or each of us on Twitter and VISITING any or each of us on Facebook.
Step 3: Keep an eye out for the winner to be announced the afternoon after giveaway ends. And be sure to follow Rebeckah's Treasures on her social channels to keep up to date!
*This giveaway is OPEN WORLDWIDE to persons who are 18 or older. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. It ends on July 4th, 2016 at 12:00 a.m. EST.
Remember to check back daily for additional entries and chances to win.
Shares of this giveaway are greatly appreciated and mean more get to join in on the fun. Thank you!
Shares of this giveaway are greatly appreciated and mean more get to join in on the fun. Thank you!
Book Tour Schedule:
Learn more about Marie and her new book by joining the book tour!
For purchasing details, please click here.
Here's the schedule:
6/11: Creative Yarn Entrepreneur
6/12: American Crochet
6/13: Crochet Concupiscence
6/14: Moogly
6/15: Yarn Obsession
6/16: Oombawka Design Crochet
6/17: Creative Income Blog
6/18: Underground Crafter
6/19: Kaleidoscope Art&Gifts
6/20: Fiber Flux
6/21: The Stitchin' Mommy
6/22: CGOA Now!
6/23: Same DiNamics Crochet
6/24: Nap Time Creations
6/25: Busting Stitches
6/26: Rhelena's Crochet Blog
6/27: Jessie At Home
6/28: Rebeckah's Treasures (you're here)
6/29: Crochet Kitten
6/30: Poetry in Yarn
7/1: Ambassador Crochet
7/2: Persia Lou
7/3: Creative Yarn Entrepreneur (wrap up/roundup post)
Thank you Marie for including me in your tour, and thank you for visiting!
For purchasing details, please click here.
Here's the schedule:
6/11: Creative Yarn Entrepreneur
6/12: American Crochet
6/13: Crochet Concupiscence
6/14: Moogly
6/15: Yarn Obsession
6/16: Oombawka Design Crochet
6/17: Creative Income Blog
6/18: Underground Crafter
6/19: Kaleidoscope Art&Gifts
6/20: Fiber Flux
6/21: The Stitchin' Mommy
6/22: CGOA Now!
6/23: Same DiNamics Crochet
6/24: Nap Time Creations
6/25: Busting Stitches
6/26: Rhelena's Crochet Blog
6/27: Jessie At Home
6/28: Rebeckah's Treasures (you're here)
6/29: Crochet Kitten
6/30: Poetry in Yarn
7/1: Ambassador Crochet
7/2: Persia Lou
7/3: Creative Yarn Entrepreneur (wrap up/roundup post)
Thank you Marie for including me in your tour, and thank you for visiting!
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