• EP #24 // Behind the scenes of a knitwear design business with Alexi Tavel
    May 14 2024

    (All links from this episode can be found below)

    Welcome to this inspiring episode of the Knitting Mamas Podcast, where we dive deep into the creative world of Alexi, one of my favorite knitwear designers and founder of Two of Wands. From early lessons with her grandmother to pioneering new trends in the knitting community, Alexi shares her evolution from a fashion student to a beloved figure in the world of fiber arts.

    In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

    • Alexi’s introduction to knitting and how it intertwined with her artistic upbringing.
    • Her journey through fashion design and costume construction, highlighting the unique skills she acquired from a non-traditional fashion program.
    • The pivotal role of a tarot reading in her decision to pivot from fashion to founding Two of Wands.
    • Insights into her design process, including how she transitioned from selling finished pieces to creating scalable knitting and crochet patterns.
    • The impact of the pandemic on her business and how it spurred new levels of creativity and collaboration.
    • Alexi’s perspective on knitting and crochet as tools for self-care and mental wellness.
    • A sneak peek into her upcoming designs and the future of Two of Wands.

    Connect with Alexi: - Follow Alexi on Instagram and Facebook @TwoOfWands - Explore her designs and sign up for exclusive updates at her website www.twoofwands.com

    Patterns and links from this episode: www.yarnsub.com (find yarn substitutions quickly)

    All hands & hearts Foundation

    French Market Bag

    Coffee Shop Scarf (her first design for LB)

    Slouchy Hanging Baskets (I might make these to store some of my yarn away from my puppy who seems to think it’s toys lol)

    Copenhagen Baskets (crochet)

    Enjoy this episode as Alexi takes us through her vibrant journey in the knitting world, illustrating that creativity and determination can weave the most beautiful patterns in both art and life. Join the Knitting Mamas Facebook Community today.

    Follow me on Instagram @theknittingmamas

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    44 mins
  • EP #23 // Knitting 101: Avoid these 5 common mistakes beginners make
    May 7 2024

    Dive into this episode where we explore essential knitting tips that can transform your crafting from frustrating to fabulous.

    Join us as we uncover how to navigate the common stumbling blocks every beginner knitter faces.

    What We’ll Cover:

    1. Why the projects you choose can make or break your knitting confidence.
    2. Discover the small step that prevents big problems in your finished pieces.
    3. How the right yarn and needles can dramatically improve your knitting results.
    4. Learn how to enjoy every stitch, even when your project isn’t perfect.
    5. Reading Patterns Like a Pro: Tips on what to look for before you cast on that can save you loads of time and trouble.

    - Wondering why your knitting projects don’t turn out as expected? We might just have the answers you’re looking for.

    - Know someone struggling with their knitting? Share this episode—they’ll thank you later!

    Learn to knit with my YouTube playlist

    Reminder:

    - Hit subscribe to never miss out on our knitting insights. Join our community of mindful knitters today and find joy in every row!

    More ways to connect and learn:

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/theknittingmamas

    Check out my YouTube Playlist for Knitting Tips:

    https://bit.ly/Learntoknit

    Join Our Knitting Mamas Community:

    https://bit.ly/Knittingmamas

    Get Your Free Beginner’s Knitting Guide:

    https://theknittingmamas.com/freeguide

    Get your Essential Oils:

    https://bit.ly/nadinesoils

    Contact Me: nadine@theknittingmamas.com

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    24 mins
  • EP #22 // Essential Oils for Stress Relief: Easy Wellness Tips for Busy Moms with Denise Williams
    Apr 30 2024

    I know we are all always looking for simple, easy ways to improve our lives, to make them easier and to keep ourselves stress free. In today’s fun episode, we’re joined by Denise Williams, my friend and essential oils expert, and I am so excited about it. She is sharing her insights on how busy moms can use essential oils to enhance their wellness and daily routines.

    What We Cover:

    1. Inspiration Behind using Essential Oils:

    Denise dives into what initially inspired her to start using essential oils and how they’ve significantly impacted her personal wellness journey.

    2. Getting Started with Essential Oils:

    For beginners, Denise outlines the simplest ways to incorporate essential oils into your everyday life, making it easy and approachable.

    3. Methods and Quality of Essential Oils:

    Learn about the three primary ways to use essential oils and understand the importance of oil quality in your wellness practices.

    4. Quick Stress-Relief Recipes:

    Denise shares her favorite quick mix for stress relief that’s perfect for busy moms looking to find a moment of calm

    5. Essential Oils in Morning Routines:

    Discover how integrating essential oils into your morning routine can help set a positive tone for the day.

    6. Safety Tips for Essential Oils:

    Essential safety tips for first-time users, especially those with children at home, to ensure everyone enjoys the benefits safely.

    Connect with Denise:

    Find more about Denise’s work and get your own essential oils by visiting Denise’s Profile.

    Recipes Mentioned:

    • Keep Calm Roller:

    • 20 drops Peace & Calming

    • 10 drops Lavender

    • 10 drops Tangerine

    • 5 drops Patchouli or Vetiver (optional)

    • Carrier oil of choice (e.g., coconut, almond, sesame, avocado)

    • Keep Calm Diffuser:

    • 4 drops Peace & Calming

    • 2 drops Lavender

    • 2 drops Tangerine

    • 1 drop Patchouli or Vetiver (optional)

    Join the Knitting Mamas free Community

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    26 mins
  • EP #21 // Overcoming Stress in 2024: 5 Top reasons you are overwhelmed and simple steps to take back your time
    Apr 23 2024

    Hello, Knitting Mamas!

    In today’s episode we’re diving deep into why you're constantly feeling on edge and how you can claw back some much-needed 'me' time.

    Join us as we uncover the top five reasons busy moms like you feel overwhelmed and the straightforward steps to turn that around.

    What We Covered Today:

    1. The single biggest time sucker in your life and how to stop it
    2. How a morning routine can add more calm to your life
    3. Why embracing 'good enough' is essential for relaxation
    4. Tips on how to ease your schedule by learning to say no.
    5. Strategies to reduce your workload and breathe easier throughout your day.

    Mom-Guilt around rest and breaks: Episode 20

    Be encouraged to take time for yourself and get excited if you thought that managing stress must be hard. I got you covered and cannot wait to see you dive in!

    PS: Mark your calendars for our next Knit and Chill Circle on April 24th – it’s like a coffee date, but with knitting! It's happening right inside the Knitting Mamas Facebook Community - come hang out with us!

    More ways to connect and learn:

    - Instagram: www.instagram.com/theknittingmamas - YouTube: Check out my Knitting Tips Playlist (https://bit.ly/Learntoknit) - Community: Join Our Knitting Mamas Facebook Group (https://bit.ly/Knittingmamas) - Free Guide: Get Your Free Beginner’s Knitting Guide (https://theknittingmamas.com/freeguide) - Email: nadine@theknittingmamas.com

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    18 mins
  • EP #20 // Learn to rest guilt free: Train your mind to take breaks without feeling guilty
    Apr 16 2024

    In today’s episode, we’re going to explore the transformative power of guilt-free rest for busy moms.

    Today, we’re covering crucial mindset shifts that will help you embrace breaks without feeling guilty. Whether you’re constantly on the move or just feel overwhelmed by day-to-day responsibilities, join me to discover how taking guilt-free breaks needs to be at the top of your to do list.

    Learn about the pivotal steps to let go of guilt:

    1. Understand why recognizing your own worth is essential for guilt-free relaxation
    2. Find out how being intentional with your time can eliminate feelings of guilt
    3. Learn to select restful activities that truly recharge you, and why it's okay to skip the ones that don't.

    Taking time for yourself isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. Feel empowered to schedule your downtime just like any other important appointment.

    Get excited about making rest a priority, mama!

    More ways to connect and learn:

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/theknittingmamas

    Watch our latest podcast episodes and related tips on YouTube:

    https://bit.ly/MindfulMomsPodcast

    Join Our Mindful Moms Community:

    https://bit.ly/MindfulMomsCommunity

    Grab Your Free Guide to Guilt-Free Rest:

    https://theknittingmamas.com/

    Explore Our Natural Wellness Solutions:

    https://bit.ly/nadinesoils

    Contact Me: nadine@theknittingmamas.com

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    22 mins
  • EP #19 // Knitting for beginners: Essential tools and tips to jumpstart your creative journey
    Apr 9 2024

    Hello, Knitting Mamas! In today's episode, we're diving into the essentials every knitting beginner needs to embark on their crafting journey confidently.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    1. The importance of choosing the right knitting needles and how they can make your projects easier and more enjoyable.
    2. Why starting with bulky yarn is a fantastic choice for beginners
    3. Essential knitting techniques
    4. An easy button for every beginner
    5. The value of being part of a supportive knitting community, where you can share your progress, ask questions, and make friends with fellow knitting enthusiasts.

    Knitting Kits: www.weareknitters.com Lionbrand Yarns + Kits: Hue & Me and WoolEase Thick & Quick Get $5 off your first online order here.

    Don't forget to join us for our next Knit + Chill Circle on April 24th – it's your opportunity to relax, knit, and enjoy good company. It's all happening in our Knitting Mamas Facebook Community. We can't wait to knit and chill with you!

    Whether you're picking up knitting needles for the first time or returning after a break, this episode is packed with valuable tips and encouragement to help you enjoy every stitch of your knitting journey.

    **More ways to connect and learn:**

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/theknittingmamas

    Check out my YouTube Playlist for Knitting Tips:

    https://bit.ly/Learntoknit

    Join Our Knitting Mamas Community:

    https://bit.ly/Knittingmamas

    Get Your Free Beginner’s Knitting Guide:

    https://theknittingmamas.com/freeguide

    Get your Essential Oils:

    https://bit.ly/nadinesoils

    Contact Me: nadine@theknittingmamas.com

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    16 mins
  • EP #18 // Elevate your mornings: Must-have journals for your daily routine
    Apr 2 2024

    Hello, Knitting Mamas! In today’s episode, we’re going to explore my favorite journals for your intentional morning routine.

    Learn why journaling can have such a positive impact on your day and happiness as a busy mama and when I actually fit all of this into my day.

    Here are the links to the journals from this episode:

    1. One line a day
    2. Morning/Evening Gratitude Journal
    3. The Happiness Journal
    4. Blank Journal/Notebook

    Join us in the Mindful Knitting Community over on Facebook to continue the discussion and see these journals in my next live video inside the group.

    More ways to connect and learn:

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/theknittingmamas

    Check out my YouTube Playlist for Knitting Tips:

    https://bit.ly/Learntoknit

    Join Our Community for Mamas:

    https://bit.ly/Knittingmamas

    Get Your Free Beginner’s Knitting Guide:

    https://theknittingmamas.com/freeguide

    Get your Essential Oils:

    https://bit.ly/nadinesoils

    Contact Me: nadine@theknittingmamas.com

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    19 mins
  • EP #17 // 3 things I wish I had known before I picked up my knitting needles
    Mar 26 2024
    Hello, Knitting Mamas! Today’s episode is particularly close to my heart, as I share the personal lessons I learned when I picked up my knitting needles again in 2020 after more than 20 years. In this episode, you’ll discover:
    • The unexpected joy of circular knitting needles
    • Small projects vs. larger ones and which one I would recommend
    • Navigating material choices and surprising realizations
    The yarn I mention in this episode is called Hue & Me by Lionbrand and can be purchased here. Knitting is for everyone: Whether you’re revisiting knitting after years or just starting, this episode aims to simplify the craft and encourage you to dive in. Let’s connect and knit together: Join our Mindful Knitting Facebook community and mark your calendars for the Knit + Chill Circle on the 27th. It’s like a cozy gathering, but with knitting, and it’s happening right inside our community. Connect, learn and work with me.

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    15 mins