The Green Bean Podcast Episode 8

[@chantellemcleod6705]

I really love your podcast, you have a very calming gentle manner :) Thanks for sharing!

[@bluejay5531]

Dear Katie, I am sooo enjoying your podcasts, so soothing, soulful, nurturing...

[@melhartley2402]

The nature walks mixed in with talking and creativity are why I love your podcast.

[@lindas5964]

It is such a lovely experience sitting with you while I’m knitting. The music, gorgeous walks through the countryside, your quiet humor…. Just love these podcasts and am happy I have many to catch up on. Thank you again for creating them. 💛

[@judithdenise5983]

Thank you for including we viewers in your creative pursuits and nature walks. Very enjoyable.

[@dianehigham1293]

You are the first person (for me anyway) to actually mention the 'stress' involved in creating. I have a small business and I feel 'guilty' at times when I feel stressed doing something I love. But as you've said in a previous podcast, it's about producing something you are 110% happy with and that's when the pressure's on. Thank you so much for your inspiring videos xxx

[@juliewholohan2415]

Wow, love your fabric idea...have a granddaughter who loves nature.....dresses from your unique fabric would be a treat...and yes my challenge this year is to finish UFOs. I am struggling also with a head full of ideas and am constantly starting new projects...this year is the year for completion of already started projects and to try very hard not to start new ones till I’m caught up...I recently found a quote from Sherlock Holmes that I put up on my wall to keep me focused “ one should not leave this world without a sense of completion”. 😁 I love your podcasts and being privileged enough to spend time with you and Jack whilst hand stitching.....❤️

[@knittingpoppy]

Another beautiful episode ~ Sunday morning knitting with you is so calming and enjoyable! I’m not sure if I could be a monogamous knitter because I need different projects to carry around and different difficulties of project ~ though I do like the idea. I try to keep to no more than 4 on the needles & seem good at keeping to this. As much as I love the idea of giving loved ones knitted Christmas presents I don’t want my knitting to become a stressful thing, so if I’ve done presents already I’ll give them and if I can get a few more done I will ~ but not putting pressure on myself. Thanks again Katie and wishing your freelance career every success in your super new studio. 🌻 Jack was such a good doggie! 🐕

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you so much. Jack was good, wasn't he?! I promise I didn't bribe him...

[@christycampbell1874]

You are seriously so precious! Thank you for a delightful half hour😊

[@annmoore6562]

Your podcasts are so delightful to watch and listen to. Somehow the pace seems positively magical to me. I want to have a go at monogamous knitting. You know, just until I see something else that I have to knit - like a toy or a hat or some mittens for my grandchildren. True confession - I have no hope of sticking to one project. Oh, well. Knitting for love is what counts for me.

[@ajanetreiber5773]

Your podcast is absolutely delightful - your talent, the music, the woods and moors, all wonderful. Thank you.

[@Lamara5292]

Oh the knitting. I start so many projects, finish very few of them. I think I just like doing something . Thanks for sharing.

[@AStateofDeNile]

You look so content and happy with your decision to freelance. Your dress is lovely. Lovely countryside footage. I am sure your Christmas knitting will be cherished. Look forward to your next episode.

[@nitterpub5157]

You look sooo happy! It seems you have made great life changes. Your drawings are beautiful-I look forward to the new Green Bean 😊

[@emyrnaloy]

I love your podcast, your creative projects and the beautiful countryside walks with Jack. I had to laugh at your WIPs - which I like to call my UFOs - Unfinished Objects. Usually, sooner or later, they get finished! Thank you for sharing your work and a little of your life.

[@valeriebishop561]

So nice to visit with you Katie and all the BEST getting back to full time work that you love to do! Can't wait to hear more.

[@catherinemortimer7956]

I am happy to join you and sweet Jack on your journey. You are a blessing to watch.

[@tarviragus]

I think I might make you feel completely comfortable with your ten projects - I have hundreds!! Literally! I like the act of knitting more than a finished object so I just cast on whatever I fancy and when my eye is taken by something else that will get cast on too. Maybe I will finish or maybe I won't and I am the same with spinning, cross-stitch, hand embroidery, dress making and so on. Lots and lots of lovely projects to be picked up and put down over the years and finished if the mood takes me. My oldest wip is from the early 80's and I still pick it up and knit on it occasionally and still enjoy working on it. Lovely to see you and Jack and that familiar, hauntingly beautiful, Devon landscape and my best wishes to you in your new freelance life Katie. x

[@KatieGreenBean]

Oh my gosh, even reading about your hundreds of WIPs gave me the heebie jeebies!!!!!!!! Whatever works for you though. If that's your creative process, I say go with it!

[@joanneb6059]

Really love your calm manner and seeing all the beautiful things you make. Thank you for sharing

[@eileenwhitmore2677]

It is so lovely to see you back and Jack of course.

[@FluffyFibers]

Hello Katie! I was finally able to watch your new episode today... Thank you for another soothing moment in your company! Everything you share is so inspiring. Congratulations on your new journey and your beautiful new creative space!

[@melaniehodgson4093]

All the best for your future lovely woman. So lovely to catch up and see what you’re up to with your crafting.

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thanking you!

[@lolalea100]

Thank you Katie...another charming episode...full of a delightful projects...magical scenery and thoughtful reflections. Such a delightful ending to my day.

[@xusblasco5563]

Thanks so so so much! All the best with this adventure of yours. Waching you and Jack is delightful 🌸🍂💚🌳

[@thecottagenest]

Best of wishes in your new chapter, Katie! I was so happy to see your new podcast and spend this time with you. Even my husband, who could here it playing on my laptop, commented about how soothing it is. One day I plan to take you into my studio with me for a day and let all of your episodes play while I potter around. Your partner is such a peach to surprise you with your new studio space. Those kind of acts of love are so precious!

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you so much!

[@caroljuniper5100]

Thank you for another lovely episode - the Spoonflower fabric is beautiful - so clever of you.

[@celestegarcia486]

Hi Katie---- Good to see you and Jack and to hear about your recent adventures. Welcome back to home. I think that Jack is extra happy to have you back. He sat on your lap for much longer than in previous episodes. Love to hear about your knitting projects. The one you were working on in the podcast will be beautiful with the green stripes. Sending warm wishes to. you and your dear Jack. Thank you.

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you Celeste, Jack is definitely happy about my new lifestyle. He likes to sit by my feet all day, and I am so happy about that too.

[@BrigitaMencigarJb29m]

You both are wonderful. It's so calming, heartful... and fabric is just gorgeous. Thank You and all blessings on Your

[@angelalewis460]

I'm in with the monogamous knitting! I've got to get mine under control. Years ago, I only ever did one knitting project at a time.

[@KatieGreenBean]

Three cheers for monogamous knitting! I am terrified, but I think it will be a Good Thing.

[@rozeevy4305]

Thank you for sharing the beauty of the Tamar Valley. Good to visit with you and Jack. Peace and love :)

[@Woodland1234]

Great podcast. Good luck going freelance😍. Love the oyster cater cushion...would love to make one!

[@cynthiatorres-nusse2684]

Tha k you Katie. You've made me better about myself. I am a monogamous knitter. In fact, I didn't even know there was a term for my knitting reality. I love learning new words or terms to describe my experiences. Good luck with your resolution. 😊

[@jokeklein7879]

Hi Katie, I recently discoverd your podcast. I really love you calm way of doing, and Jack is nice too. I think you are making beautiful drawings and I also love your knitting and sewing. I am a knitting spinner who crochets every now and then. I have been sewing, but not recently. I like to leave things I work on ready for action, so it gets very messy around me. Who knows, in the future I might have a spare room ... I am gonna binchwatch some of your episodes ;-)

[@oakley06013]

I'm also trying to be a more monogamous knitter. I did while making the children's hospice hats... and you know, it worked. All the hats that I planned out so far are finished (this is the third drop-off I'll be making) and then I decided to take a bit of break from them. Right now I'm working on hat/scarf combo for our - and/or any local - shelters. I've got two scarves (just a simple basketweave pattern) that are almost finished (perhaps this evening) and one of the hats is done. So I'll cast on for hat #2 tonight if I'm lucky. The point, besides my needless pats on the back, was that the monogamous-type knitting has worked out well for me and I'm so pleased to be able to bring in a finished pile - 34 so far - of hats w/toppers for the upcoming holiday season. Thanks for an enjoyable podcast and I hope to make it back here soon... your patterns and projects (and doggy) are lovely. Congratulations on your nomination and trip... autumn in NY is beautiful and I've always found this time of year full of promise for the upcoming year before us.

[@Lorraine24_]

Thank you Katie for such a relaxing podcast. I enjoy seeing your drawing and knitting and general craftiness!

[@mharvis]

Thank you for allowing me to go on this new adventure with you, I find your podcast extremely inspiring and somehow meditative, so glad you will continue this channel.

[@Tonilari]

Love your podcast, I too struggle between it’s ok to have lots of WIPS to guilt, but you know I try to remind myself life is too short not to do what makes you happy... Good luck with your freelance work how exciting x

[@artifactsofappreciation]

Thank you for another beautiful episode. I am so excited to hear more from you about your endeavours back into freelancing. It is wonderful to hear someone that wants to be real about their creative life, I can't tell you how excited I am to hear more about it. And I look forward to seeing all of your many projects!

[@joannecoward3955]

Hello Katie thank you for another lovely podcast, good luck with the changes you are making in your creative life I think you are right about waiting for all the things to align it never happens unless you make it happen yourself. I am a monogamous knitter and always have been I always have yarn and patterns in the wings but won't cast on till whatever I am working on is finished I get overwhelmed easily if I don't work this way. Love to you and Jack x

[@knuffi5141]

such a joy to listen while knitting and calm down after a busy week - whish you great success for the future. thank you for sharing - see you soon - best rgds Gisela

[@mrsrabbitsmoments8854]

How lovely to see you podcasting. So looking forward to everything you do x

[@CountanceD]

I have many projects on the needles as well. For me. the process of moving the needles reduces anxiety and relieves stress. So when I need to fix a mistake, which often requires concentration and thinking, I set it aside and start another project. When I’m in a more calm place, I return to my projects which require thought and repair them.

[@louisetedorsthorst]

Hi Katie, Thank you for your beautiful podcast, I love it! I recently discovered your last podcast and I decided to start at episode 1 to catch on while you are recovering from your operation. I hope you are doing well. Lots of greetings from the Netherlands.

[@emodablest]

I like learning of and from you. Thank you for taking the time to include us in your reflections.

[@sianhoskins6512]

I'm loving your podcasts, I heard you talking on a video on John Arbon's virtual MOW in 2021 and you mentioned your podcast so decided to give it ago. I've been binge watching them while knitting :) They're so wholesome and I love how honest you are and you're very therapeutic to listen to

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you so much for joining us, Sian, welcome! :)

[@suelongview9925]

Thank you so much for the swift delivery of your lovely book and for signing and drawing in it. I think it is going to be helpful to lots of people. You have a very positive energy about you this episode!

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you Sue! I have a very positive mood at the moment, so it's lovely to hear this episode captured it. Thank you again for buying my book :)

[@terrysheehan9831]

Wonderful podcast Katie. I wish you all the best on your new ventures. I look forward to seeing your process of turning all those wips turn into fo's.

[@KatieGreenBean]

Eeeek, me too!

[@margaritaortiz820]

Loving your podcast Katie. Love from Ireland.

[@suewebb9032]

What a beautiful and relaxing podcast...wishing you luck in your new adventures. I have loads of knitting on the go, and so many projects I want to do too. Jack is such a sweetheart, and it's so nice to be able to walk around lovely places. My dog sat on me while I was watching your podcast, and is fast asleep next to me now....think it was your lovely calm voice, and relaxing music. I would be interested in buying your magazine when you have finished it...have a lovely day sue x

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you for watching! And so nice to hear of another canine 'fan' - there seem to be quite a few!

[@rote_universe]

This is the first time I watch your podcast and I love it! You encouraged me to pick up my knitting today 😊 I used to knit a lot, and what I would usually do was to have two wips: one small and one bigger project, and at least one of them shouldn't require a lot of thinking. That worked really well for me! I didn't feel overwhelmed but still had some variation. But I don't want to discourage you from you monogamous knitting project, it sound like a great idea and it is nice to just sit down and not have think what project you should pick up!

[@natalierussell4536]

I love your podcast. So soothing. I usually only have two projects on the go. A small easy one for work (I do night shifts) and a larger for home.

[@annparsons6238]

Your podcasts are always a delight to watch . Thank you Katie . Wishing you all the best in your new ventures. I usually do only focus on one project at a time but do find circumstances mean I need a very simple knit to have to hand that does not require concentration. Excluding gift knits !!

[@CarrieMtn]

Thanks Katie. Congrats on your Harvey nomination. What a lovely episode. I especially liked your walk in the woods. I kept waiting for you to get close enough for me to see your hat. Maybe I can try watching on my big screen at work! Best of luck on your new creative adventures!

[@KatieGreenBean]

Aha - do you use instagram? I have some better pictures there, but still not great. I ought to show it off properly. It's a hand felted beauty with curling purple horns!

[@CarrieMtn]

I saw a few pics on IG, it looks intriguing!

[@stephaniekingman9349]

I love your podcasts! I don't draw much, but I always feel like drawing after watching you. You will be fine with your new direction in life. LOVE your podcasts!

[@LochBriarKnits]

Congrats on your freelance journey. Great episode and as always, the scenery where you live is breathtaking!

[@April_Davis]

So glad for another visit with you. 🌼💚 Good luck on new endeavors 💚🌼

[@katherineradburn7573]

So enjoyed this podcast! It was nice to hear you about WIP overwhelm and I really admire your idea to try to become a monogamous knitter .... though I don’t know if I could do it. Also the oystercatcher fabric is just amazing! I love your pillow project!!

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you. I don't know if I can do the monogamous thing either, but I am going to try!

[@goundreykruse]

I do love your podcasts - they are slow, quiet and considered and just very lovely. How brilliant that you are making the decision to freelance again. I am also moving towards working for myself rather than others (I'm a visual artist) so it is always interesting to see how other folk manage that transition. I will be first in the queue for a copy of The Green Bean when it's available. Your podcasts have also inspired my sewing - I've done three dresses so far with plans for walking skirts next, and all with pockets of course. Looking forward to your next episode :-)

[@KatieGreenBean]

Hooray for your sewing, and your change of direction in work as well - best of luck with it :)

[@jennyhearn6462]

Great to see your podcast again. I’m always pleased to hear that someone is following their heart and taking the brave step to go freelance, best wishes to you. Your talk of monogamous knitting has got me thinking about my WIPs. I’ve allowed the numbers to creep up and I don’t like the feeling of so much unfinished business. A single WIP is probably not going to work, I like to have at least one simple thing and one challenge, but I can certainly improved my focus.

[@cheryljackson5093]

Thank you so much for another beautiful podcast Katie!! I wish you much success on you new adventures and look forward to hearing of your progress! I’m definitely like you on “being overwhelmed with too many WIPS” so I am planning on joining you on the “road to monogamous knitting” next year! ~ Cheryl

[@KatieGreenBean]

Hi Cheryl, thank you for the solidarity! I suspect I am going to need a lot of support on the road...

[@lynettewykes9923]

Another lovely podcast, thank you.

[@tamsnell8189]

Hi Katie, I just wanted to say that I love your dress and the pockets are such a bonus-I LOVE pockets!! I’m trying to catch up on your podcasts, so I’m looking forward to hearing how your monogamous knitting is going (after Christmas). I used to be a monogamous knitter and then started a couple extra projects. Now, I’m thinking about going back to it, as I do think you get more finished objects. Take care :-) Tam

[@pammace3820]

Hi Katie, thanks for making another beautiful and interesting podcast. I like to learn the different processes and ways creatives work. I enjoy watching them very much and find your podcasts inspiring. Yes your podcasts can seem idyllic (I quite like this) but I think that we all present a more rosy picture to the world than what’s going on below the surface. Most folk will realise there is more than the surface. I hope that your freelance decision is right for you. It’s always right if it makes you happier. Life’s a process and nothing is in stone but happiness should be paramount at all times. I wish you all the best.

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you so much Pam, and I agree, I do also want this podcast to celebrate the things that are great. You have hit on exactly what it is I want to portray...that my decision to return to freelancing is not a 'happily ever after', because nothing is set in stone as you say. This is such a helpful thought in how I want to convey things in future episodes - thank you for helping me to clarify!

[@pammace3820]

Katie Green awww thank you. I’m glad my words were helpful.

[@naturalearthfarm9910]

So glad you are going to share what it is really like to have a freelance/art creating type business. We have been supporting our large family from the works of our hands for 9 years and while we wouldn't have it any other way - it can get very hard and stressful at times. Thank you.

[@sandraponte3121]

So glad to hear you’re illustrating full time now and will also be podcasting more often! Wishing you the best with everything!

[@PamelaCatherine24]

Thank you for another beautiful look into your life as an artist. I enjoy all of your episodes, eagerly awaiting the next. Your work is stunning and unique, really drawing me into your world. Please give Jack a pat from me. I wish you the best in your new position and hope life grants you all of the good things. Hugs from Kansas, USA. ❤️ P.S. I also have a problem casting on too many things, and I never seem to finish!

[@KatieGreenBean]

Consider Jack duly patted :) Thank you!

[@edelweissspinster8947]

Lovely podcast! I just discovered it and will now podcast binge the other episodes! Thanks for sharing! xx

[@mairead5891]

I love the walk in the woods - you've caught the season perfectly! And I know what you mean by feeling overwhelmed with works in progress. I have around ten (including a Syrup Waffle I'm knitting for Frankie's KAL!) and feel it's a bit out of control. A friend tackled hers by working on only one of her wips for a week, then moving on to another in rotation. That way they all got some concentrated time and she's finishing them all!

[@KatieGreenBean]

Ooooh, one a week sounds like an interesting approach. I think I've decided to alternate between languishing WIP and new cast on, finishing each before the next. Perhaps also alternating between small project and large, so I can get some gratification. Heading over to Ravelry to spy on your Syrup Waffle (it's also in my queue!)...

[@StitchyJam_Knitting_Podcast]

I love that you wear the things you make in these videos :)

[@sarahstubblefield7710]

I’m a new follower. I especially like your sewing construction and design talks

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you so much, Sarah, welcome :)

[@suzannestokes8933]

Another beautiful podcast Katie. Very calming ❤️

[@josjewosje]

Thank you for another lovely episode. You look so beautiful in your dress! And such a sweet Jack. Congratulations on your new studio and good luck with all new endeavors.

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you Josh! I too love the dress, I think it is the best one I have made so far, so comfortable and just right :)

[@Alisoncs1]

Lovely as always, and made even better by Jack cuddles. I especially liked his little yawns at the beginning 😀. I was a monogamous knitter until I discovered Ravelry. There is benefit in having a few projects in different weights/needle sizes to give your hands a change and in a knitting as therapy book the author actually recommends having different projects for different purposes, e.g. one when you need sth simple and soothing, one that provides a challenge, etc. But I absolutely understand the stress of too many wips and nothing getting finished, so there's definitely a balance to be had.

[@KatieGreenBean]

A balance to be had - I think this is really key. If there's a benefit, then it's good and helpful. If it's stressful, I don't think it is!!

[@janebrock9058]

Loved the episode...so relaxing. I just love the scenery. I also use SpoonFlower. Last year, I took at picture of my dog, used a free app to make it into a cartoon like finish, sent it to spoonflower and got a repeating minky fabric. It is now his blanket of himself. You ought to try it with Jack! LOL

[@KatieGreenBean]

Haha, Unfortunately Jack prefers luxury handknit shawls as his blankets of choice. Or piles of dirty laundry. Anything I've ever bought exclusively for him has been rejected!!

[@janebrock9058]

@@KatieGreenBean Well, looks like you have another hand knit project to find time for, haha, Cast On!

[@Sternenelfin]

Dear Katie, i really love watching your Podcast :-)). Thank you so much for this Episode. The cushin will be gorgeous , especially with the special fabric at the back 😃👍🏻😃😍. Take Care and looking forward seeing you and Jack soon again. 😃. Annette

[@meghanfredrickson7028]

So lovely to see you again Katie! Congratulations on taking the leap back into freelance artistry. I too am guilty of casting on more wips when unduly stressed. I think it's the endorphins of something new that overrides the drain of the stress, haha. Unfortunately it then gives me guilt about the languishing wips. 2019, it's the year of clearing the needles!

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you so much! Imagine, if I only had one WIP at a time, all my needles would live in the box! And seven eighths of my project bag collection would be redundant!!!

[@ullafredriksson745]

Yes it's good when you have done a choice so you can go on with the most creative and the most interesting .Looking forward following you in your "new" life too.

[@muhlenstedt]

Such good news!I am looking foward for the Green Bean e-zine and wish you all the best in your new path.

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you! Actually The Green Bean will also be a paper zine - last time I did paper only, but this time I will do digital as well as print. I also plan to make all the back issues available digitally soon :)

[@catherinemortimer7956]

Yahoo, to monogamy. I work on two projects only. Have no other wips. One is always a small project, socks or mitts, the other a large project, sweaters etc. It is very satisfying!

[@KatieGreenBean]

I have always aspired to two and never made it work. Maybe one will be manageable for me, with NO EXCEPTIONS?

[@georgiavachon4879]

I like to have more than one project on the go, usually something simple and portable like socks and something larger and more complex for home. Monogamy would be hard for me but I'm sure you can do it! I am getting so excited for your zine! The pillow cover is turning out wonderfully with that fabric!! Best of luck in your new schedule and with your commissions (:

[@dparkman491]

Really enjoyed this episode. Seems that the new studio suits both you and Jack very well. I adore oystercatchers. I always watch for them at my home on the Georgia (USA) coast. Not too common to see them in the summer. Some years, though, we’ve been lucky enough to have a group winter on our beach. As always thanks for letting us have a short visit with you and Jack. Your new path sounds exciting. Best of luck. I look forward to following your journey.

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you! We do both rather like the new space, and Jack loves having me home with him all day. It is such a gift.

[@Wanderknits21]

Hello Katie! I so enjoy your podcasts and sweet Jack. Your woods looks very much like our forests on Vancouver Island, Canada.. I sympathize with your multiple wips- I have found I can only handle 3 at any one time or I get too stressed. But I'm always thinking about what I want it cast on next. I hope your freelancing brings you everything you hope for!!

[@TheThoughtfulKnitter]

Your Oyster Catcher fabric is delightful 😍

[@bettyallam1548]

I was so happy you had posted another podcast. It drew a long ooohhhh from me. Very nice of you to share your walks with Jack in the beautiful scenery. Congratulations on your life changing decisions. You seem much more relaxed and your smile shows such self assured ness. Being an artist is not compatible with business...collecting accounts receivable. I hope you have someone to do that for you. My husband is a graphic artist and short story writer. If people don’t pay he thinks his work is unworthy. People just take advantage.i knit for the process not the product. I found myself with gorgeous project bags piling up so I had to give in and buy an armoire to HIDE them in because I was stressing out about all the unfinished work. Cheers!🇨🇦

[@Waterstitchdown]

I love your podcast. I too am an artist, knitter. I also when stressed start many new things too! Lol

[@jeanandrews6977]

Lovely episode - I do think starting multiple projects is one of the by-products of creative minds. We’re always wondering what would happen if... I wish you success with your new/old freelance career. I recall reading one of your early issues of Green Bean - not sure how or where but I enjoyed it. When I found your podcast I recalled that early introduction to your work but couldn’t quite remember what it was...which you have now cleared up for me. All the best from Ohio. Jean

[@KatieGreenBean]

Oh, how lovely to know you've come across a Green Bean of old! Thank you for sharing that :)

[@megcarr3126]

Hi Katie, this is the first of your podcasts that I have watched in a while. I am excited about you going back to being a freelance illustrator. I am really interested to find out what that entails day to day. On the knitty side of things I can't be monogamous with my projects either, but as I am quite a slow knitter I put a maximum cap of 3 at a time and they are mostly quite different. I normally have a sock or hat for my handbag knitting project, they thend to be plain stockinette or a simple pattern that I can easily memorize, a big project like a sweater, top or cardigan and usually a shawl or wrap. It's very easy for me to get overwhelmed if there is any more than that on my needles at a time. I do have my cozy memories blanket but I just knit on that when I feel like it and I have a few leftover yarns to add. I started off with sewing as my craft of choice but it has been so long since I last made a garment, at least ten years, I think that I will have to relearn. Tgis is because I had a stroke after an emergency heart surgery then which is why it's been a while, but if I can knit, I should definitely be able to sew too hey! 😁👍

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thanks Meg! I certainly plan so share an insight into the realities of freelance illustration - and how one still struggles to carve out time to draw. It's really important to me that I portray an accurate and not idealised view of this life I've chosen for myself.

[@eleanorjames6235]

I've recently come to the realisation that although Ravelry and Instagram are incredibly inspiring, I do find them a bit stressful! Knitting should be anything but stressful, so I, too, am working on cutting down on WIPs. I just need to keep reminding myself that knitting is a slow craft and that each project should be treasured. Thank you for your podcast!

[@anamariasilva1386]

Beauty posdc!!!👏👏👏

[@aeastman59]

It will be exciting to see how you now focus on your freelance work full time! I was wondering about the sound quality - the "S" sounds are very sharp sounding, at least on my computer. Its a great topic - how we keep casting on new projects - so much fun to start new things! Thank you for a thoughtful and interesting podcast!

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thanks for the feedback - I had a bad time with sound this episode as I forgot to plug my main microphone in. My camera has one built in so I could salvage the recording, but I realise it wasn't great. I promise I will remember next time!

[@HawthornCottageCraft]

I’m going to miss you being part of the Blacker team but I’m so excited for you that you have the opportunity to fulfil your passion. I’m looking forward to seeing all that you produce❤️

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you so much. I am going to miss it too. It feels weird to not be thinking about it all the time! But at the same time I know I have made the right choice for me (and Jack) x

[@CountryMaison]

Hi Katie, I enjoy your podcast so much, it is such a relaxing, calming moment for me. . . thank you. I also thought to become monogamous in my knitting but I;m not sure I will be able to achieve it. So Im giving myself the permission to cast on only 1 main project and then a small decoration, at this time for the Christmas tree. So I;m knitting a few happiness birds or love hearts, etc. . .

[@mikeobrien5944]

Thank you Katie for another wonderful episode. I like how your dress turned out and I think it was great that you made it to wear in New York. I'll be interested to hear how you do with all your Christmas knitting as I have a number of projects on the needles also. I was wondering why Jack was so well behaved and patiently sitting on your lap. Good story! Most of all I wish you all the best with your career change. And that it works out to all the expectations you have. Kindest regards, Margaret

[@KatieGreenBean]

Thank you so much, Margaret! I will grit my teeth and crack on with the Christmas knitting. It must be done!

[@knitnkitten]

one strategy for monogamous knitting is to ensure you knit quick little projects between the longer, more involved patterns🌿

[@KatieGreenBean]

This is a great tip, thank you!

[@MariaM-yn9tl]

💕Everyday checking to see if I missed you uploading a new podcast & a new one was up! Got my tea☕️& my sewing project & earbuds ready for another enjoyable video. I have an art studio but it is an out building. I would love an indoor art studio inside my home. I have so much creative “stuff” & would be so happy to have it all in one place. Enjoy your new Happy Place. 🍀Cheers to new adventures. I’m in the same place left my FT job & now home. But I’m going for hand surgery at the end of the month. Arthritis extremely painful in my left hand. Repetitive Stress/Strain Injury for sure. It’s called Basil Joint Anthroplasty. Also my right thumb trigger finger which an injection temporarily worked for now. Yes take extreme care of your hands. Every artistic creative movement we do is strain on our hands. Hopefully I will be pain free soon. I quilt, sew, crochet,knit, art journal & miniaturist. But the only thing I can do with one hand is sew on my sewing machine. Min. 12 weeks recovery I figured I can still sew. My hand will be in a hard cast I can use my fingertips to push the fabric through the machine. Don’t laugh 😂 I would die if I couldn’t create. I have all my projects lined up & ready to go. Made some lush Hygge blankets so I’m ready. Great tip use the sticky ace bandage tape & wrap around your pencils & pens & sharp tool to increase the width circumference it makes your fingers not pinch the tool you are using. So the pen is “fat” excellent tip try it let me know if it works for you. 🍀💕

[@KatieGreenBean]

Hi Maria! Thank you for all your lovely comments, I'm so glad you've been enjoying the podcasts. I wish you all the best with your surgery, and will try to coerce Jack into making more videos so we might keep you company as you recover :)

[@MariaM-yn9tl]

Katie Green thank you that’s sound wonderful. Try the tip I shared with the sticky ace bandage tape to widen your tools. You don’t want repetitive stress injury to stop your creativity best to use preventive measures. Let me know if you try it. The tape widens your grip instead of pinching your fingers tightly. Looking forward to your next podcast. My dog Piccolo loves to sit nearby also while I’m creating. ☕️🐕Happy Hygge Tuesday. 🌲🍁🍂🌲🍁🍂

[@Marjan-creative]

Thank you for sharing another beautiful and relaxing podcast! Still love the footages of you and Jack walking in the beautiful nature. Wow 10 WIP's, that's a lot 🙂. For me 3 (ish) is the limit, when I have 5 I am getting stressed 😉. How sweet of your partner to give you the spacy new studio! Now you are a fulltime illustrator that will be a great working space. Thanks again and see you next time. Greetings out of Holland 🌷⚘

[@sjohnson6607]

I know exactly what you mean about work looking idyllic. I used to garden professionally and on beautiful sunny days people would stop and say they would love to do what I do...never saw them on rainy cold days when I was putting 4 yards of wet compost on backyard gardens. I still loved it, but definitely not idyllic!

[@christinaheesakacowden-wut3809]

Dear Katie! So wonderful to hear and see number 8 of your podcast. I so enjoy your calm voice and gentle way of comunicating. Jack is so adorable and seems to enjoy the strokes of loving hands on his back. :-) I do love watching you draw. Your hands are so soft and prescious looking, just like hands of young children. They remind me of my own childrens hands. Indeed, hands and fingers are so special. I kiss them always before I tuck the kids into bed. Hands can create so many wonderful things in life and they can "touch" the world in many ways. I am very happy for you, Katie, that you started to follow your own heart and became indipendent once more. Doing the things we love are essential. Everything else will fall into place after that. Never fear anything, but embrace your talents with love and gratitude.

[@KatieGreenBean]

Hi Christina, and thank you for your lovely comments!

[@mywoolmitten]

Such a nice episode!

[@carin.zwaneveld]

Congrats with your big step, it will be great. Just believe in yourself ;-)