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Workshop day!

Feeling a bit proud. Yesterday I held my very first crochet workshop and I survived! I'd even go as far to say it went well with no major disasters or angry customers demanding a refund...yet! Since starting my little business this year I've come to realise how little confidence I have in myself. I constantly question my work and ability and often feel a bit out of my depth. Think that comes with the job though. When you are selling your creativity and skill it's hard to appreciate your own work and as a relatively new and self taught crocheter, I often feel a bit unqualified. But I got through it and really did enjoy the day. The sense of achievement is huge and I'm so pleased with myself. I couldn't have done it without my amazing and super talented friend who was by my side to help set up and take charge of the kettle! Thank you Charlie, you are an absolute angel and such a good support. I was very lucky to have a few familiar faces attending the workshop too which made it easier and helped put me at ease, plus you all did a great job!

Preparation. So I'm a planner. I make notes and lists and if I know I'm going to be speaking in front of a group I like to know exactly what I'm going to say beforehand (I'm not great at winging it and get a bit flustered when I'm on the spot) I knew I'd have to put a lot of work in to prepare. However...I was also planning my workshop during my busiest ever month. 100 orders in October was a bit of a record for me! So it was a bit of a challenge to prepare as well as keep up with all my lovely orders. I knew I wanted to do some swatches for my learners and it was important to make sure they had something to take away with them. I think the little granny square favours and goody bags were a nice touch plus they did look lovely on the table. You can't really rehearse for something like this though, the trick is really in adapting to teach the different speeds and abilities you have within the group and make sure no one gets left behind. Balancing your time with each person is really important and to try and make sure people get the one on one help them need. The room set up looked great and exactly how I had planned. The crochet bunting, vintage tea cups, cake stand and lovely yarns all looked very pretty and inviting. I was super happy with the colourful crochet tea party we created and the venue was perfect. Thank you Jo at The Beehive in Lincoln for providing such a fab space! Above all I hope everyone left feeling they got something out of it. Even if it was just a lovely fun morning with nice tea and cakes.  It's not an easy skill to get right in just a few hours and took me many evenings of frustration and failed attempts to get there. Everyone did brilliantly for a first try and I really hope they all feel inspired to keep going.

I think overall it went really well, despite my self doubt that creeps in every now and then, and I am very proud of myself. My head is full of ideas and excitement for future workshops and private crochet parties. Just need to get through the Winter rush then I can focus on where to take my business next year. I definitely want to book in some more workshops for January and hope to make it more of a regular event.

Thanks so much to everyone who came along, you were a pleasure to teach and all did so well. Look forward to welcoming you back to The Beehive very soon

If you'd like to find out about my future workshops please follow my social media and check out The Beehive, Lincoln for more info

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