Ever had a moment where you're humbled by simple wisdom? That happened to me and it hit me -  much like our passion for knitting, love is boundless and abundant. This epiphany transformed my approach to knitting, sparking an exploration into the world of color I'm sharing with you today.Together, we'll navigate the language of color, and qualify terms like 'value' and 'color combinations'. Our trusty companions on the journey are our swatches—I know! I know! swatches!?! But seriously, these humble squares hold the secret to understanding how colors contrast, blend, or interact, providing invaluable insights into how your final project will take shape. We'll play with a variety of shades, from dominant colors to neutrals, and the show-stoppers—variegated yarns. Learning to balance their energy and complexity with solid or semi-solid colors can add an entirely new dimension to your work.The culmination of our journey is a celebration of the unique individuals we are. Like any artistic endeavor, our journey through color in knitting is an expression of our self-worth and creativity. Let's embrace the vibrant colors of our personality, reflect them in our projects, and inspire others. Buckle up and grab your yarn, as we embark on this enlightening exploration of color in knitting.Be sure to discover more at EncourageBetter.com  You can see pictures of the sweater that I mention in the podcast on the blog.And before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

Imagine knitting with a color palette that resonates with your own personal experiences and connection with nature. It sounds magical, right? Well, that's exactly what we'll be exploring together in this episode.  I share my own journey of finding color inspiration in the beauty of the world around me. You'll hear about a unique knitting project I worked on using a color palette which was a departure from my usual color choices, and the reactions it garnered.  So, forget the traditional color norms, embrace the infinite color possibilities from nature, and knit with a color story that truly speaks to you! ( Definitely head over to the blog to see more!)Before you wonder how to select the right colors that would work well together, let me assure you that the color wheel is your best friend here. It is something I didn't dig into until later in adulthood and I learned some interesting practices that are easy for you to replicate, too, so that your knitting always delights you and never disappoints!  I'll guide you through the basics of the color wheel, starting from the primary colors and how they combine to form secondary and tertiary colors. We'll discuss the concepts of complementary and analogous colors, and even monochromatic color schemes, to create harmonious and visually appealing color combinations for your knitting projects. So, forget the traditional color norms, embrace the infinite color possibilities from nature, and knit with a color story that truly speaks to you!• You can (and should!) always discover more here on the blog: encouragebetter.com/blog/color•Listen to the linen workshop • Download the free linen guide (which includes a free pattern and journal pages)And before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

Ever wondered what the secret to a beautifully knitted linen piece is? Join me, Mel, and let’s venture together into the captivating world of linen, unveiling its historical richness, strength, versatility, and how it lends itself to knitting. We'll dissect its journey from the flax plant origins to your knitting needles, offering practical advice on care, winding, and usage. We'll also draw parallels to other fibers, particularly bamboo, and cotton, highlighting distinctive differences and similarities.As we navigate the intricacies of knitting with linen, we'll delve into the importance of safeguarding your hands and maintaining their health. From mitigating the twisty nature of the stitches to understanding the energy they carry, this episode is full of useful and actionable insights. You'll learn about the necessity of swatching and the impact of stretching and washing on different yarns. It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned knitter or just starting, the tips and encouragement can help!But it's not just about the knitting. We'll also explore how your words and thoughts shape your creative spirit, becoming personal rocks that can either hinder or enable your growth. Drawing on my experience and the shared frustrations of fellow knitters, we'll discuss how these challenges can be channeled into becoming our best creative selves. So, if you're a thoughtfully creative spirit or yearn to grow in that direction, this episode could just be the catalyst you need. Join us, and let’s knit and grow together!Visit the Blog for More Info!Download your FREE WORKBOOK!And before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

Have you ever found inspiration in the most unexpected places, like the fog and mist of Kodiak, Alaska? I invite you to join me here in my cozy home library as I share my journey of transforming this space into a creative haven for knitting, reading, and connecting with others. Let's dive into the art of organizing! From Agatha Christie mysteries to yarn stashes, discover how I categorize my books and ponder the best way to sort my collection of yarn. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic too - share your organization methods and any challenges you face with your stash. Plus, I'll reveal a little tip I use whenever I get new yarn that you might want to try for yourself.Lastly, I open up about my experience with ordering yarn online and the valuable lessons I've learned. We'll also discuss the significance of connecting with the stories and yarns in our stashes, both old and new, as well as the importance of recognizing our own value and creativity. So, let's embrace the joy of finding sunshine through the fog as we explore the world of crafting and creativity together!Connect after the show: Click here to Share It With Me & offer your thoughts!Want to read more? Head to Encourage Better where you will find all the extras so that we can make our knitting a magical moment filled with joy.And before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

This episode is designed around 3 key strategies to help anyone who has ever been torn between “Should I do the dishes or Just One More Row?” (And let’s be honest, I have skipped a shower or two in my time just to get through the sleeve decreases or the ribbing on a sweater!) There are moments where trade-offs need to be made, and other times a bit of discernment would be helpful. This episode is here to help a specific listener who sent an honest question that many other listeners have probably had as well. Press play and hear my 3 strategies to help you always embrace guilt free knitting! SummaryIntroduction to today’s episode. 0:01How to balance your time with other things. 1:56How to get feedback on the retreat. 4:01How to reduce the struggles of balance? 6:09Plan your work and work your plan realistically. 8:21Everyone deserves time for creativity or knitting. 12:02The need for mindset shift. 13:54Incorporate your knitting into your life activities. 15:39Blending your physical well-being and a hobby. 18:13How to leave a review. 20:43And before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

This episode shares the importance of what it means to Get Together and is the final “G” in the series. Explore the nuances of what it means to get together, as we knit together the Triangulate Pattern. This pattern is your free gift for being a listener of this podcast. I appreciate the time with you! You can find me on Instagram as MSkiKnits and DM me “GET TOGETHER” to get your free pattern if you aren’t on the email list (which, SERIOUSLY FRIEND if you aren’t on the email list you are missing out on SO MUCH! Consider this me opening my front door and inviting you in to spend more intentional time with me. That is what being part of my email VIP group is like.  CLICK HERE NOW & JOINThe show notes for this episode can be found by CLICKING HEREAnd before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

This episode explores your knitting questions: "How do I keep from getting burned out with my knits? How do I find the perfect cast on?  and What do I do to keep knitting exciting?"(You always ask the best questions! Keep them coming.) We have all been there, frustrated with the project we thought was the one, confused by the lack of excitement after the 3rd row, or looking for laundry to fold because we lost our knitting mojo (please tell me none of us have ever felt this!) Join me for today's episode with secret sauce ingredients starting with 3 E's and 1 C!I hope a few of my ideas will help, but remember: Your ideas also matter! So hop on over to the show notes for this episode and offer your take on knitting helps!Link for show notes: HEAD HERE!Find me on Pinterest: CLICK HERE!Get the email alert for the next VIP-only activity! Listeners on my email list are invited first to fun-filled events, as well as receive free knitting patterns, updates, and opportunities to connect. Here is your official invitation to be a part of that community:  CLICK TO JOIN!And before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

And before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

Ever felt such gratitude or love for another human and you were compelled to knit something for them? How did that gift knitting go? In today's podcast, we are going to learn from 2 very different responses I had from gift-knit recipients. I wonder which you relate to...maybe both?As always, there is much more to discover on the blog: CLICK HERE TO READ MOREAnd before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

The virtual retreat live already happened, HOWEVER, there is a great recorded version complete with a 20-page FREE workbook guide that includes journal pages and a free pattern you are sure to love. Join in by heading here: https://encouragebetter.com/blog/mysteries-of-linenReady to see the yarn and learn more about all things in this episode? Head over to the blog: http://www.encouragebetter.com/blog/twistsandturnsAnd before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

Surprise! I am showing up unexpectedly in your ears with this special episode. Today I am reflecting on my last passage around the Sun, and sharing things I want to take with me into the following year. I am eager to leave behind a scarcity mentality and get excited about the joys of abundance--- in my life, ESPECIALLY IN MY KNITTING! So join me today to explore turning a mountain of WIPs into a molehill and some lessons in releasing a knitted anchor of my own design. Link to today's episode info on the blog, where you can sign up for the email VIP list...and trust me YOU DEFINITELY want to get on there to join in our extra special event coming up! https://www.encouragebetter.com/blogAnd before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

Ever heard about the knit along (knit-a-long, KAL, knit together...) three days before it was ending and wished you could've joined? Or maybe you just aren't keen on social media mega groups? Then you are in for a treat today my friend! This episode shares about the Nightshift shawl by Andrea Mowry and how I didn't have to knit it in isolation. After this episode, you might just want to consider how you can take action and create your own knitting community as well!Show notes, photos, and more can be found atwww.encouragebetter.com/blog/nightshiftshawlAnd before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

Season 3 kicks off with this episode after a personal hiatus. The fun project that helped me rediscover the knitting enthusiasm I needed was from the Swaddle Pals Volume 1 by Susan B. Anderson.  Learn about the project by listening to today's episode and then heading to www.encouragebetter.com/swaddlepals There you will find more info, including pictures of my knitting, a short video clip, and a place to comment and share your thoughts, which I am always eager to hear!And before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

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.comAnd before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

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-hatAnd before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

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 HEREAnd before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

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 @SummerLeeKnitsAnd before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

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! And before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

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  And before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!

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. And before you go, Dear Knitter here is your personal invitation from me: I would love to count you amongst the EBKpodcast community. You are welcome here. Subscribe today!WANT TO LEAVE A QUICK REVIEW & BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES? CLICK HERE!