SHOW # 5 MY HOBBY IS CROCHET

Kinga Erdem is Founder of one of the most massive, vibrant and supportive crochet groups on FB; My Hobby is Crochet.  She is just the sweetest and humblest of women. Her blog My Hobby is Crochet boasts grand resources stock full of free patterns and tutorials; a playground for Crocheters.

After I joined her FB Group, I was determined to get Kinga Erdem on the podcast. Why? I needed to know how, and what drives a person to run a colossal group, a blog with free patterns and sensational quest bloggers, all for no salary.  I was group moderator; with over 700 members in one country, a single empty nester, and that was an overtime job!  Hence, I was on a mission to see how Kinga manages as a full time Mother. Moreover, allow the members to truly see the time and sacrifices made to give us creatives a safe place for growth, sharing, encouragement, and learning

 Even during the interview there is a moment where you are going to hear, and get a deeper behind the scenes peak of the devoted lives of group owners and admins

Well Kinga and I were messaging back and forth about the interview; whilst, she’s on maternity leave, lives in Germany, and there’s a huge time difference between. Eventually, we agreed an Admin would be just as good to interview.

It was a great pleasure to interview Jackie Edwards, one of the many admins near my time zone. We had a hard time ending the interview; and I stifled lots of giggles, and laughter!

I introduce to the world Kinga Erdem Founder of My Hobby Is Crochet and her Admin Jackie Edwards

The Interview: Jackie (admin for 2 years) gives behind the scenes work of one of the largest Crochet Groups, she shares about:

1. Kinga (Founder  of My Hobby is Crochet) and Clare ( BobWilson123  & Bobwilson123.org) are friends and how they both collaborated with their own crochet group Kinga and Clare.
2. How Kinga chose the name for her blog/website.
3. The way My Hobby is Crochet grew into an enormous group today.
4. Kinga lives in Germany and able to keep up with a massive international group
5. The Admins are spread out globally but, are able to efficiently manage the group w/o a schedule.
6. Behind the scenes, the Admins translate member’s native language and vice versa. In order for members in over 15 countries to communicate with other members.
7. The time and dedication it took for them to create the guidelines for the group and adhering to them are vital.
8. Few of the challenges of moderating 50,000 people in one place, and maintaining to harmony.
9. Keeping the group focused on crochet helps make the community crochet a great experience
10. The difficulties of protecting patterns and arts, also insuring that all artists and designers are given the proper recognition and copyrights are imperative as a crochet community.
11. One of the most hilarious time in the group all the admins agreed upon.
12. The inspiring projects and moments; and an initiative among the Delaware members in the group joining Code Purple to make crochet mats and other accessories for the homeless population.
13. Highlights the noteworthy work of Owner, Admins and Members who are stars among My Hobby Is Crochet, and the great things they do outside of the group and in the crochet world. Admins share free patterns, help members with patterns and share so much value within the group.

My Hobby Is Crochet Admins & Links 

Jackie Edwards: Healing Yarns 

Rachelle Herron Rachelle Hand Crochet Treasrure

Celina Lane Simply Collectibles Crochet

Kathy Lashely Elk Studios  

Kirstin Coning Creations                

Erin Forte'

A'May Beans Warren        

Kimberly Ulrich 

My Hobby Is Crochet Links &  Social Media Links

Code Purple     Ravelry   Instagram   Facebook  BLOG

In The Loop

       5 great ways to maximize your Online Groups experience

1. Follow the rules: if you are in a group for Chefs try to stay as close to subject of cooking as much as you can. However, times may arise when one is going through personal issues and need some encouragement, I’d say share but not too much. Once words are released on the world wide web there is no going back.
2. Don’t take offense easily, other people’s interpretation or perception of a comment is taken wrongly. Remember people from all nationalities, cultures, and experiences make up these dynamic groups; and not interacting face to face. But, there’s one thing that can cross these borders, Emoticons! Take advantage of these little internet goodies, and use nice ones. This can maintain a community of fun, growth.
3. Add value, by posting a question (that’s not too controversial) or joining discussions. Give good feedback to a question or comment. Share funny, encouraging; picture, stories and quotes. They are great at making members smile, laugh, or feel motivated.
4. Don’t be Spammy. I am all for promoting your page, blog, or website; it’s exciting and a great sense of accomplishments and you want to share among members. I did when my blog and podcast launched I just wanted to share. However, asking to purchase products and/or adding sales lead links changes the whole dynamics of the group.  The owner worked hard to create a mood of sharing and caring not taking. Imagine hanging with a friend and all they want is your money; or you build a reputable company and a boot-legger comes in selling their products in your establishments to your customers. You’ll be upset. Nevertheless, there are groups for that purpose and you should take advantage of that selling platform.

5. If you feel the group is not for you, leave quietly and create your own group with like- minded people.

Stitch of the Week  Popcorn Stitch You can go to CC’s     (Crocheters Connection) Pinterest Board  for ideas, and inspiration.

My favorite part of the show is our Pet Baby Shout outs:   Janice Anderson  shared an adorable picture of Phoebe and says she is her lapdog and shadow  

If you’d like your pet name shout out on the show just post a picture and comment under the Pet Lover’s Post on CC FB Page

Thank you to Kinga Erdem, Jackie Edwards and all the Admins from my Hobby Is Crochet a massive crochet community that is doing great things; CAL's, free patterns, pattern tutorials; support from over 50,500 other creatives and designers; and so much more.

Kinga is all over the web and social media platforms with the same name tag: My Hobby Is Crochet.

I am honored you have joined me, kindly subscribe, download and please leave feedback,

Feedback helps me to make the show better for you.  It was a pleasure.

Forever Hooked,

Priscilla Prince