Podcast Episode 206: From Handmade Crochet to Digital Crochet Patterns -with Jocelyn of Oak and Marlow

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE:   https://youtu.be/MShvtLmscBA

ABOUT JOCELYN:

Hey there! I’m Jocelyn, I’m the maker and creative designer behind Oak & Marlow. 

Growing up in a family of artists – my mom, a talented doll maker - I developed a love for textile arts. I can remember many nights working away on creative projects in my bedroom, hoping no one would hear my sewing machine clunking away into the wee hours of the night.

Back in 2001, I attended Dundas Valley School of Art in Ontario, and since then, I’ve explored a wide range of creative outlets, from mural painting to sewing, jewelry making, and cake designing.

In 2004, I discovered crochet and dabbled in some simple projects like hats and baby blankets. However, it wasn’t until 2016 that I ventured into crafting handmade items to sell. Drawing on my artistic background, I eventually uncovered a love for designing my own crochet patterns.

And that’s how Oak & Marlow came to be – a space where I can share my original crochet designs with all of you. Every pattern you’ll discover here has been created with attention to detail, staying true to my goal of offering simple, and beautiful patterns for both beginners and modern makers.

Crochet has been my way of finding a little calm in this crazy world. There’s something about the repetitive and meditative nature that grounds me when life gets hectic. So, whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just starting your yarny adventure, grab your hook and a cozy seat. Let’s make something beautiful together!

EPISODE SUMMARY:  

In this episode of "How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy," I had the pleasure of welcoming Jocelyn, the creative mind behind Oak and Marlow, to the podcast. Jocelyn's journey into the world of crochet and Etsy is both inspiring and relatable, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in turning their passion into a thriving business.

We kicked off the episode with a bit of personal sharing, as I recounted my recent cruise experience with my daughter, which took an unexpected turn when we contracted norovirus. After that, I was excited to dive into the main topic of the day: Jocelyn's incredible story.

Jocelyn shared her background, growing up in a family of artists and developing a love for textile arts. She began her crochet journey in 2004 but only ventured into selling handmade items in 2016. We discussed how she transitioned from creating physical crochet products to designing and selling crochet patterns on Etsy, which has become her secret sauce for success. Jocelyn explained the benefits of digital sales, emphasizing the connection she feels when others use her patterns to create their own beautiful items.

As we explored her business model, Jocelyn revealed how she balances her time between creating new patterns, maintaining her blog, and engaging with her community on social media. She shared insights into her marketing strategy, highlighting the importance of collaboration within the crochet community, which has played a significant role in her growth.

One of the most exciting parts of our conversation was when Jocelyn recounted the moment her Mabel chicken pattern went viral. With the help of testers and the supportive crochet community, she experienced a surge in sales that transformed her business. We discussed the importance of community over competition and how this mindset has fostered a culture of support among crochet makers.

Jocelyn also opened up about the challenges she faced with math and stitch counting while writing patterns. She shared her process of learning to create patterns, using tools like Canva to format her designs, and how she eventually found a tech editor to help streamline her workflow.

Throughout the episode, we touched on the significance of social media, particularly Instagram, in driving traffic to her Etsy shop. Jocelyn shared her approach to content creation, emphasizing the need for consistency and the value of showcasing her products while also incorporating her personal story.

As we wrapped up, Jocelyn hinted at exciting plans for the future, including the possibility of coaching others in the crochet community. Her journey is a testament to the power of creativity, community, and perseverance, making this episode a treasure trove of insights for aspiring Etsy sellers and crafters alike.

Join us for this inspiring conversation, and be sure to check out Jocelyn's work at Oak and Marlow!

EPISODE DETAILS 

Have you ever considered pivoting your handmade Etsy shop into a digital product shop serving the same niche? That’s exactly what Jocelyn of Oak and Marlow did with her crochet business--- and she’s thriving! Tune in to hear how she learned how to write patterns, the amazing role social media has played in her growth, and her tips for starting and scaling an Etsy business.

**“How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy” is not affiliated with or endorsed by Etsy.com 

STUFF I MENTIONED: 

 ➡️ Join the Template Drop Membership for weekly templates (commercial use): https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/the-template-drop

➡️Check out ProfitTree’s new product research tool ETSY RADAR: https://lifetime.profittree.io/?via=lizzie87

Get the best profit tracking tool to help you know your numbers AND a product research tool for a one time fee of $67. (completely insane)

✅FREE Etsy Ads Masterclass: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/request-etsy-ads-masterclass 

FIND JOCELYN:

Instagram - Oak and Marlow

Website - oakandmarlow.com

Email - [email protected]

----------------------

FIND LIZZIE:

Find me on Instagram and TikTok @HowtoSellYourStuff 

HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF WEBSITE: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/ 

HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF SHOWNOTES: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/206         

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:

Lizzie’s Weekly Trendspotting and Product Opportunity membership:

Are you a print on demand OR digital product Etsy seller who’s tight on time or still learning all of the Etsy secrets? Let me give you a leg up with my weekly trends and opportunities report!

Get your first month for just $17 with code KEEP20

⭐Register for weekly trend reports and product opportunities emailed straight to your inbox: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/JxNYgLnw

*Some of the links above are affiliate links which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. You can see my affiliate disclosure here: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/affiliate-disclosure