May 2013 Craft Social: Craft Lit: DIY Faves in Books, Novels, Movies, & Magazines

Photo care of The Zen of Making.

Photo care of The Zen of Making.

Is a new craft magazine fueling your DIY decor obsession? Or maybe listening to knitting romances is making your studio time a little more steamy? Are you crazy about the latest Lotta Jansdotter sewing book? Or are you getting your amateur sleuth on with a tricky needlework mystery? And what about that TV show you’re watching just to ogle the knitting? From craft-genre chick lit to The Great British Sewing Bee, there’s just no denying it: handmade is hot when it comes to books, novels, movies, and magazines!

With so much making, crafting, and design in the media, there’s something out there for just about everyone. Are you in love with a stitching show or smitten with international crafting magazines? Did you design your own Lebowski sweater or knit something straight out of Downton Abbey? We want to hear about it! Join your hosts Barbara (@penguintrax) and Haley (@thezenofmaking) on Tuesday, May 21st from 2-3PM EST to talk about your crafty lit and media favorites.

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March 2013 Craft Social: How Has Social Media Changed Your Crafting Business?

craft_social_hashtag

Over the past few years, the way we consume media and stay updated on our favorite craft-related sites and companies has changed dramatically. Instead of commenting on blog posts, the conversation has moved off-site: we’re interacting with the community more than ever, but now we’re doing it by tweeting, pinning, posting on Instagram, and liking on Facebook.

With so many ways to connect with readers, customers, and fellow crafters, how do you make sure that you’re where your audience is? And, with so much information flying around, how do you keep your social sharing focussed, relevant, and useful without wasting your time? Join your hosts Barbara (@penguintrax) and Haley (@thezenofmaking) on Tuesday, March 5th from 2-3PM EST to talk about how social media has changed the crafting community and the business of crafting.

How to join:

When: TUESDAY, March 5, 2-3PM EST
Topic: How Has Social Media Changed Your Crafting Business?
Hashtag: #CraftSocial

Join the conversation using TweetChat, or look for the #CraftSocial hashtag on Twitter.

Moonstruck_Cover

We’ll also have a great giveaway from the generous folks at The Shibaguyz, who have provided a set of books, including Moonstruck, their newest book of knitwear patterns, for one lucky Socialite to win during this month’s chat! (Titles include: Heady Affairs, And That’s A Wrap, Cool Weather Fashions, Crochet Ponchos, and Moonstruck.)

Has social media changed your crafting business? Bring your stories, questions, frustrations, and tips to the March 2013 Craft Social!

January 2013 Craft Social: Gazing into the Future

John William Waterhouse - The Crystal Ball

John William Waterhouse – The Crystal Ball

The future – what does it hold? Is the Pantone Color Forecast an accurate way to predict color trends for the upcoming year? What about the latest sewing tools and techniques – where do you find out about them? Love the stitch pattern on the knit shawl you saw on your favorite TV show? How do you learn that? Do you need to travel across the country to the Craft & Hobby Association show to learn about these things or are there reliable sources closer to home (and screen)?

Join Barbara (@penguintrax) and Haley (@thezenofmaking), on Tuesday, January 22 at 2 PM EST to talk about discovering and researching new trends, the latest techniques and how to keep your crafting fresh, interesting and current.

What do  you think will be the biggest crafting trend for 2013? Bring your links, experiences and predictions to the January 2013 Craft Social!

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