This week, let’s talk a bit about “crazy” ideas.

Knit Stars Season 5 was the high Season of COVID. I had planned the ultimate travel bucket list year, with plans to film in Australia, Japan, Mallorca, Copenhagen and points all across North America.

It all fell away in a heartbeat as all the countries closed. We pivoted and one by one, let out sighs of relief as we found crews on each continent to film on location.

And then came GG’s turn.

From the beginning, Gaye Glasspie @ggmadeit had been nervous about filming her class. Yes, just like the rest of us, even GG has her share of “nots” to untangle – things she puts off doing or learning that can end up holding her back.

“But what would I teach? I’m not a Knit Star,” she kept protesting.
“Just get on camera and be you,” I kept saying. “Everything that comes out of your mouth is gold. You have no idea how brilliant you are and how many people you will help.”

She insisted on being the last class filmed that Season. And just a couple days before filming, she called me and looking for every possible way out. A full-on case of imposter syndrome had set in.

“Do you want me to fly there?” I asked, hesitantly. It seemed like a “crazy” idea. Everything was shut down. I didn’t even know if I could even get there with the current restrictions.

“Would you really?” GG asked.

And I was on a plane.

To witness what happened over the next two days was a gift I’ll never forget.

I watched Gaye Glasspie transform. Before my eyes and Brad’s, she stepped fully into her power – driven by her deep desire to help others transform as well.

GG’s Knit Stars Masterclass is like nothing we’ve ever filmed, before or since. It’s the only time she’s taught a class online. And it is genius in action.

Step by step, GG shows you how to use 3 key pillars – Vulnerability, Authenticity and Consistency – to strengthen your message. She pulls back the curtain on the system she’s developed and used to build her own Orange Empire. In true GG style, she holds nothing back.

Whether you’re looking to build your following, build your business or simply form deeper, more meaningful online connections, GG’s Masterclass is a must-see.

In order to make it as accessible as possible, we’ve just released GG’s Masterclass from Knit Stars Season 5 as a Single Release.
Click here to get it at introductory pricing of just $47 for a limited time (it will go up to the usual $97 before too long).

Alright, so the idea to fly to film with GG in the middle of COVID didn’t turn out to be such a crazy idea.

So here comes another one…

I’m taking off my knitted hat for a minute and putting on my creative entrepreneur hat. Do you have a creative business or are thinking of starting one? Would you be interested in joining other creative business owners on a group call, where I could share things I’ve learned about creative business from Loops, Knit Stars and my previous 20 years in branding? If this might interest you or someone you know, read on…

So, as I flew around the world filming with our Season 9 Knit Stars this past year, a new idea has been bubbling up for me.

And I’m going to practice what GG preaches, get a little vulnerable here and see if you think it’s a good one.

It was actually Brad, our amazing Knit Stars cinematographer, that pointed it out to me. Over and over he’s pointed it out.

You see, at some point when I’m on set with a Knit Star, usually while Brad is setting up for the next shot or we’re waiting for lunch to get there…

The conversation turns to business. I always want to know, what’s working well for each Star? What could be working better? What are their big goals, dreams, aspirations, pain points? How can I help?

And over the years, lots of these Stars have come back and told me – much to my surprise and delight – that those little conversations planted seeds of big change…

After our chat by the lake on their shoot, Arne + Carlos added a new business line – and as it turned out, the timing was perfect – because then the pandemic came and temporarily shut down in-person teaching.

After his Knit Stars Season, Louis Boria left healthcare in NYC, moved to Spain and took @brooklynboyknits to the next level.

And after we brainstormed together on her shoot, Chantal took a big leap and left her full-time job to focus on building her @knitatude business.

Now to be clear, all of the credit goes to the Stars for making these things happen. But sometimes it takes a friend like Brad to notice, to hold up the mirror and help you see that you might have something more to offer the world.

And I’ve realized, helping others embrace their creativity, using my decades of experience in branding and entrepreneurship to help others grow – it’s fun.

Like, really FUN!

When I was filming her Season 9 Masterclass with Gudrun Johnston in Hadley, Mass., she was wearing the most awesome cowl.

I’ve always been a sucker for anything with a plaid vibe. This new “Cloud Drift” design of hers was such a modern take on plaid, I had to know all about it. Weirdly, I actually dreamed about this cowl last night. In the dream, Gudrun’s husband was asking if I could mention it in the newsletter (not even joking!)

And now the secret’s out…it’s been released as Simply Shetland’s Rhinebeck ‘24 Kit here.

According to Gudrun (who also serves as Simply Shetland’s Brand Director), “The construction is inspired by traditional Shetland hap (shawl) construction. It’s mosaic knitting which is a fun way to use color without doing stranded knitting. It’s all garter stitch based which is also something Shetland shawls tend to be.”

Oh, and speaking of Rhinebeck, we’re doing a Knit Stars meetup again this year! Plan to meet us on the Hill at 11am ET along with a slew of your favorite Knit Stars past and present. We’ll have fun giveaways like last year. Can’t wait to see you!

Peanut Brittle

Here’s an early idea for holiday gift-giving that requires no yarn! Knit Stars team member Mandy says her dad loves to make this for clients and friends each year. “Always a hit!” they say!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white sugar
• 2/3 cup Karo syrup
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2/3 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoon baking soda (fresh)
• 14-16 ounces raw Spanish peanuts

Instructions:

1. Mix the sugar, Karo & water in a pot and turn it on as high as possible. Continuously stir gently until it threads (300-310F°/148-154C°). Threading means when you scoop up the fluid in the stir spoon and pour it out, the last few drops will create a very fine string instead of dripping. The thread will float in the air and stay attached to the spoon.
2. Leave the temperature on high and slowly stir the peanuts into the solution to avoid them clumping, then immediately lower the temperature to medium low. The solution will slowly get back to a full liquid stage and start boiling lightly. Keep the temperature between 290 and 310 for 10 minutes to allow the peanuts time to roast.
3. After 10 minutes and the solution turns golden brown, stir in the butter, vanilla and salt. Once thoroughly dissolved, stir in the baking soda. When you stir in the baking soda it will transform immediately into a foaming solution. Thoroughly mix the baking soda in until you cannot see any powder let, then pour it over a large cookie sheet that has been lightly coated with Pam.
4. Let cool, crack it up to bite size pieces and eat until you get sick. Store in air tight container.