Earlier this year, I asked those of you subscribed to my mailing list what you wanted from the newsletter. I learnt that the main thing was more behind the scenes glimpses e.g. making the samples and creating designs. I have definitely been sharing that in the newsletter but thought it could be fun to host some live-streamed sessions where I work on my samples and swatches or maybe other design tasks and anyone who wants to can join me and work on their own project alongside or ask questions, chat etc. I want it to feel like a drop-in: no commitment, just come and go as you please whenever it suits you and interact or listen according to your mood and interest. Sometimes people ask questions about my patterns too, e.g. how to work a technique that is unfamiliar to them and I thought this could be the best way for someone to ask the question and for me to be able to demonstrate.
After looking at which platforms allow the best opportunities for interacting with those watching, I decided that Twitch would be the best option. It's a platform designed specifically for live-streaming with a community feel and, although it's best known for video game streaming, it has a fantastic Creative section where musicians, foodies, artists etc. share their skills live and that includes a Makers and Crafting category, which is where I plan to host my live sessions. To me it feels a little like visiting a craft fair where stallholders are doing a bit of their craft as people browse and chat to them and that's exactly what I want. You can pop in and ask your question and then dash off if you are busy or grab your project, a drink and snack and join me for the whole session.
Live streams can be viewed on the Twitch website or their apps for smartphones, tablets and Smart TVs. You don't need to sign up to watch but to join in the chat or ask questions, that is necessary. Questions and chat take place in a group text chat alongside the video panel so you can craft along in your bathrobe and hair towel and nobody will know unless you tell us! You can already see the Love and Fibres channel, along with some of my clips and videos!
I'm streaming regularly every Thursday morning at 10:30 UK time and Monday evening at 10:30 UK time. We've had a few fun sessions so far and I'm learning a lot about how to manage the camera and the chat etc. Here's a short clip from my last session:
I'll be working on my design for a Tunisian crochet corset belt and I'll also be asking on Instagram what else I should work on during the sessions, so watch out for my stories there over the coming week to let me know what you'd like to see in progress.
Do let me know if you have any thoughts or questions about live streaming. Just reply in the comments section to this post to reach my email in-box.
You are unrealistically cool knitting your products. It seems to me that a lot of people would like to get your product, for example mittens or hats that will warm all seasons) The only thing missing is some cool video presentation or colorful photos for your products. For example, you can combine videos and put it on the main page of the site so that the user can immediately see