What if learning a simple skill could help you quiet your inner critic, build confidence, and rediscover the joy of creating? In this episode of Homesteading Made Simple, Wendi welcomes Alice O’Connell, a former British actress turned knitting teacher and founder of Learn to Knit Online. Alice shares how knitting became her source of calm during long days on television sets and eventually grew into a passion for helping others embrace creativity, overcome perfectionism, and discover self-compassion. Through touching stories of her students, Alice reveals how learning to knit can become about so much more than yarn and needles. It’s about giving yourself permission to be a beginner, celebrating small victories, and discovering what you’re capable of. Whether you’ve never picked up knitting needles or you’re an experienced crafter, this conversation will inspire you to slow down, create something beautiful, and find joy in the process.
Have you ever wanted to learn something new but talked yourself out of it because you were afraid you wouldn’t be good at it?
You’re not alone!
This week, I’m joined by the absolutely delightful Alice O’Connell of Learn to Knit Online. Alice spent years working as a British television and theater actress before discovering knitting as a way to stay calm, grounded, and awake during long days on set.
What started with a rather lumpy scarf eventually became a lifelong passion for teaching others.
And let me tell you, Alice has some incredible stories to share!
In this episode, we talk about:
- How Alice discovered knitting while working as an actress.
- Why being a messy beginner is actually a wonderful gift.
- How knitting can encourage calm, creativity, and self-compassion.
- Letting go of perfectionism and harsh self-criticism.
- The surprising transformations Alice has witnessed in her students.
- Why learning practical skills is an important form of self-care.
- How repetitive creative activities can provide a welcome break from everyday stress.
- The joy of making handmade gifts and creating family heirlooms.
- How to get started knitting without spending a fortune.
We also share some personal stories about learning new skills, including my own adventures in quilting and learning to knit mittens and socks while serving as a missionary in Finland.
One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is that we don’t have to be perfect at something to find joy in doing it.
Sometimes the greatest gift we can give ourselves is permission to learn, make mistakes, laugh, and celebrate the little victories along the way.
So grab two sticks and some yarn, and come join us!
- Alice O’Connell, Learn to Knit Online — https://www.learntoknitonline.com/
- Learn to Knit (Netherlands site) — https://www.learntoknit.nl/
- Meet Alice — https://www.learntoknitonline.com/knittingteacheralice
- Knit With Confidence course (Amsterdam classes) — https://www.learntoknitonline.com/knitwithconfidence
- Alice’s Knitting Blog — https://www.learntoknitonline.com/learntoknitblog
- Alice on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/learntoknitonline/
- Alice on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOk74C8UXmaaXMysKIduTGA
- Sophie Scarf pattern by PetiteKnit — https://www.petiteknit.com/products/sophie-scarf · Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sophie-scarf-2
Come find me
Here’s what I want from you this week: make something. Knit a wonky row, bake a lopsided loaf, plant one pot of herbs. It doesn’t have to be pretty. It has to be yours.
Then send me a picture. I mean it. Ceramics, bread, a scarf with a hole in it — I don’t care what it is. DM me on Instagram at @joyfulprepper, post it in the Joyfully Prepared Facebook group, or send it through the website. You will get the biggest cheer you can imagine, because I know you’re doing your best.
And share this one with the friend who says, “Oh, I could never do that.” She can. She just needs someone to tell her it’s okay to be messy first.
- Website — https://joyfullyprepared.com/
- All episodes — https://joyfullyprepared.com/podcast/
- Send me a message — https://joyfullyprepared.com/contact-me/
- Free Facebook group — https://www.facebook.com/groups/joyfulprep
- Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/joyfulprepper/
- Joyfully Prepared Library — https://joyfullypreparedlibrary.com/
- Looking for homestead property in Central Florida? — https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/
- YouTube —Homesteading Made Simple