Advertise on podcast: Hot Cakes: Unpopular Craft Opinions

Hot Cakes Episode 23: Vanity Metrics Aren’t All That This week, Sara and Jules are discussing vanity metrics (follower count, likes, etc) and how they don’t necessarily translate to success in business. And how they affect things like testing knitting/crocheting, influencer marketing, and business collaborations! thanks for tuning in! Follow Hot Cakes on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/hotcakescraftpod/ Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/hotcakescraftpod Where to find Jules (she/her): @juliettepecautdesigns www.juliettepecautdesigns.com instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Jules is wearing: Magpie Crop Top by Juliette Pécaut https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/magpie-crop-top Jules’ WIP: Swatches for the Slow Knitting Yarn Directory https://www.slow-knitting.com/yarn-directory Sara is wearing: Rota Sleeveless Top by Irene Lin https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rota-sleeveless-top Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Simply the Vest by Juliette Pécaut https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simply-the-vest-4 Yarn: Lana Grossa Solo Lino https://www.bostonfibercompany.com/products/solo-lino Things we mention: VT Sheep & Wool https://vtsheepandwoolfest.com/ Music by Steve Ingle

This week, Sara and Jules are discussing YOUR hot takes, including crochet vs knitting, influencers promoting bad patterns, test knitting woes, and whether it’s acceptable to microwave tea after it is steeped. thanks for tuning in! follow Hot Cakes on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/hotcakescraftpod/ Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/hotcakescraftpod Where to find Jules (she/her): @juliettepecautdesigns www.juliettepecautdesigns.com instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Jules is wearing: Newton Corner Top by Sophie Veksler https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/newton-corner-top Jules’ WIP: Pattern: coming soon! Yarn: Ellen’s 1/2 Pint Farm Marled Wool Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Simply the Vest by Juliette Pécaut https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simply-the-vest-4 Yarn: Noro Tensan https://www.bostonfibercompany.com/products/tensan Things we mention: Boston Fiber Festival — Sept 12-13 https://bostonfiberfestival.com/ VT Sheep & Wool https://vtsheepandwoolfest.com/ Soolla Bag (affiliate link!) https://kelbournewoolens.com/products/soolla-studio-bags?variant=51158144188714&sca_ref=11759051.k4Wwabv9tv Deborah Knits @KnitwithDeborah Erika (Grapefruit & Gardenia) @KnitKind Drift and Drape Scarf https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/drift-and-drape-scarf Treasure Goddess Yarn https://www.treasuregoddess.com/collections/treasured-dk-luxe-yarn-baby-alpaca-silk-cashmere Music by Steve Ingle

This week, Sara and Jules are discussing transphobia, nostalgia, and how the craft industry can help shape public opinion. buckle up, we’re pretty fired up in this one! follow Hot Cakes on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/hotcakescraftpod/ Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/hotcakescraftpod Where to find Jules (she/her): @juliettepecautdesigns www.juliettepecautdesigns.com instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Jules is wearing: Bealtaine Tank by Juliette Pécaut in JPD Alpaca Silk Boucle https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bealtaine-tank Sara is wearing: Simply the Vest by Juliette Pécaut in Urth Yarns Etesia https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simply-the-vest-4 Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Flax DK by Tin Can Knits https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flax-dk Yarn: East Coast Yarn Merino DK Jules’ WIP: Pattern: coming soon! Yarn: Ellen’s 1/2 Pint Farm Marled Wool Things we mention: Jules’ Lumos reels https://www.instagram.com/p/Da0kjlBxz3L/ Jules’ KISS Shawl pattern https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kiss-shawl-5 Boston Fiber Festival — Sept 12-13 https://bostonfiberfestival.com/ VT Sheep & Wool https://vtsheepandwoolfest.com/ Music by Steve Ingle

This week, Sara and Jules are chatting about Rhinebeck sweaters! should you knit the always popular Andrea Mowry pattern or something more unique? should you use New York wool or wool local to you? or should you just do whatever you want as long as you do it with thoughtfulness and intention?? find out what we think in this episode of Hot Cakes! follow Hot Cakes on Instagram! Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi Where to find Jules (she/her): @juliettepecautdesigns www.juliettepecautdesigns.com instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Jules is wearing: Bealtaine Tank by Juliette Pécaut in Dirty Water Dyeworks Shimmer and Ritual Dyes Fae Sara is wearing: Simply the Vest by Juliette Pécaut in Urth Yarns Etesia Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Rosa Little by Along avec Anna Yarn: Anzula Lucero Jules’ WIP: Pattern: Hytte by Saskie & Co Yarn: Istex Plötulopi Things we mention: CatKnit Pullover Hudson Valley Textile Project Sweaters for Good Campaign Southeast New England Fibershed Sweaters for Good MAL (erika and melissa) Megs & Co Empire Estate Samhain Sweater Indie Untangled Marketplace Music by Steve Ingle

This week, Sara and Jules are tackling one of our favorite topics — size inclusivity! learn what it means, why it’s important, how it ties into other types of inclusivity, and how a lack of diversity persists in the fiber industry. we also just rant a bit about fatphobia and skinny culture, so if that sounds like your thing, please join us! follow Hot Cakes on Instagram! Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/hotcakescraftpod Where to find Jules (she/her): @juliettepecautdesigns www.juliettepecautdesigns.com instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Jules is wearing: Simply the Vest by Juliette Pécaut in Leading Men Fiber Arts DK Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Simply the Vest by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: Noro Tensan https://www.bostonfibercompany.com/products/tensan Jules’ WIP: Pattern: Farasta by Juliette Pécaut (from Laine 52 Weeks of Sweaters) https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/farasta Yarn: JPD Suri Silk Lace held with JPD Merino Fingering https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/products/suri-silk-lace-naturally-dyed-wool-yarn https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/products/merino-fingering-naturally-dyed-wool-yarn Things we mention: Ysolda’s Size Chart https://ysolda.com/blogs/journal/ysolda-s-sizing-chart-for-knitwear-designers Tian Connaughton’s Cardigans for Every Body https://www.tianconnaughton.com/cardigans-for-every-body Boston Fiber Festival — Sept 12-13 https://bostonfiberfestival.com/ Music by Steve Ingle

This week, Sara and Jules are discussing pity marketing — why consumers are sick of it, why it’s a bad business strategy, and what you could do instead! Follow Hot Cakes on Instagram! Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi Where to find Jules (she/her): @juliettepecautdesigns www.juliettepecautdesigns.com instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Jules’ WIP: Pattern: Farasta by Juliette Pécaut (from Laine 52 Weeks of Sweaters) Yarn: JPD Suri Silk Lace held with JPD Merino Fingering https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/products/suri-silk-lace-naturally-dyed-wool-yarn https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/products/merino-fingering-naturally-dyed-wool-yarn Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Simply the Vest by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: Noro Tensan Things we mention: Hello Lavender oyster earrings HapBee Creative Studios stitch markers Forager Fabrics Kickstarter Big Up Box Yarn Truck Go Fund Me Wool Works — July 18 https://www.wool.works/ Boston Fiber Festival — Sept 12-13 https://bostonfiberfestival.com/ Music by Steve Ingle

Hot Cakes Episode 17: Stop Devaluing “Hobby” Skills! (Episode 16 is on YouTube!) We are back from our hiatus! In this episode of Hot Cakes, Sara and Jules discuss what to expect (and what NOT to expect) from knitting/crochet patterns and classes, how skills are devalued in the fiber arts industry, and why it matters to pay artists in this capitalist hellscape. Fun! Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/hotcakescraftpod Where to find Jules (she/her): www.juliettepecautdesigns.com instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Sara is wearing: Pattern: Simply the Vest V Neck by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: Urth Yarns Etesia in “Squid” Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Bealtaine Tank by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: Malabrigo Mora in Ravelry Red Jules is wearing: Pattern: Simply the Vest V Neck by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: Nashua Handknits Isabella Jules’ WIP: Pattern: coming soon!! Yarn: JPD Alpaca Silk Boucle dyed with cutch held with JPD Merino Fingering undyed Things we mention: Lil Bucky Bag by Leila Makes Threadloop (like Ravelry for sewing!) Wool Works — July 18 Boston Fiber Festival — Sept 12-13 Music by Steve Ingle

In this episode of Hot Cakes, Sara and Jules are chatting about the importance of not collaborating with fascists (iykyk) and answering some questions and discussing hot takes from you, our lovely audience! Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/hotcakescraftpod Where to find Jules (she/her): www.juliettepecautdesigns.com instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Sara is wearing: Pattern: Pressed Flowers Cardigan by Amy Christoffers Yarn: East Coast Yarn Sport and La Bien Aimee Merino Sport Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Simply the Vest V Neck by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: Urth Yarns Etesia in “Squid” Jules is wearing: Pattern: Off the Grid by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: Imperial Yarns Denali in “Sagebrush” Jules’ WIP: Pattern: unnamed variation of Simply the Vest (coming soon!) by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: Baa Ram Ewe Woodnote DK in “Toad” Things we mention: Finish Line Socks kits: https://www.bostonfibercompany.com/products/finish-line-sock-kits BFC Classes: https://www.bostonfibercompany.com/pages/classes Music by Steve Ingle

SORRY THIS IS SO LATE - LOVE, SARA In this episode of Hot Cakes, Sara and Jules talk about best practices for running a crafting circle at your LYS, how to avoid alienating your customers, and how to build a sustainable and meaningful community at your shop! Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/hotcakescraftpod Where to find Jules (she/her): www.juliettepecautdesigns.com instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Rumble Raglan by Lydia Morrow Yarn: Ex Libris Fibers Jules is wearing: Pattern: Simply the Vest V Neck by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: Junction Fiber Mill Making Tracks in Cider Doughnuts (MC) and Undyed (CC) Jules’ WIP: Pattern: Bealtaine Tank by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: JPD Alpaca Silk Boucle in Cutch Things we mention: Gore Place Sheep Shearing Festival (April 25): https://goreplace.org/sheepshearing-festival LYS Day is also April 25! Finish Line Socks kits: https://www.bostonfibercompany.com/products/finish-line-sock-kits BFC Classes: https://www.bostonfibercompany.com/pages/classes Music by Steve Ingle

Hot Cakes Episode 13: Don’t Monetize Your Hobby In this episode of Hot Cakes, Sara and Jules talk about why you shouldn’t monetize your hobby and how side hustles are a terrible side effect of late-stage capitalism (from two people who have monetized their hobbies and/or have several side hustles — oops!) Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/hotcakescraftpod Where to find Jules (she/her): www.juliettepecautdesigns.com instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Sara is wearing: Cardigan Pattern: Loopy Mango Rhinebeck Cardigan Cardigan Yarn: Loopy Mango Dream Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Baby Aoasta Sweater by The Knit Purl Girl Yarn: Shirsty Cat Designs Sparkle DK Jules is wearing: Pattern: Sure Thing Raglan (coming later in 2026!) by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: The Perfect Blend Yarn and Tea Shop Alpaca Jules’ WIP: Pattern: Sure Thing Raglan by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: Wooldreamers Mota Things we mention: Gore Place Sheep Shearing Festival (April 25): https://goreplace.org/sheepshearing-festival BFC Classes: https://www.bostonfibercompany.com/pages/classes Music by Steve Ingle

SORRY THIS IS LATE I LOST TRACK OF TIME LOVE YOU!!!! - Sara Hot Cakes Episode 12: To Test or Not to Test In this episode of Hot Cakes, Sara and Jules discuss test knitting and crocheting! We chat about best practices, what the real goal of testing is/should be, and whether you even need to get your designs tested or not (the answer might suprise you!) Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/hotcakescraftpod Where to find Jules (she/her): www.juliettepecautdesigns.com instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Sara is wearing: Tank Pattern: Rota Top by Irene Lin Tank Yarn: Unknown Cardigan Pattern: Loopy Mango Rhinebeck Cardigan Cardigan Yarn: Loopy Mango Dream Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Rumble Raglan by Lydia Morrow Yarn: Ex Libris Fibers Merino/Yak/Nylon and Anzula Merino/Yak/Silk Jules is wearing: Pattern: Hometown Harbor by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: Woolentwine Thrive Unspun and Knitting for Olive Soft Silk Mohair Jules’ WIP: Pattern: Florafetti by Juliette Pécaut (new version coming soon!) Yarn: Juliette Pécaut Designs Highland DK Things we mention: Honse Design: https://www.instagram.com/honsedesign/ Size Inclusive Collective: https://www.instagram.com/sizeinclusivecollective/ Gore Place Sheep Shearing Festival (April 25): https://goreplace.org/sheepshearing-festival BFC Classes: https://www.bostonfibercompany.com/pages/classes Music by Steve Ingle

In this episode of Hot Cakes, Sara and Jules read emails from you, our lovely viewers/listeners, and share our opinions about your opinions! Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/hotcakescraftpod Where to find Jules (she/her): www.juliettepecautdesigns.com instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Jules is wearing: Pattern: a sweater with no pattern!! yet Yarn: The Perfect Blend PBYS Alpaca Jules’ WIP: Pattern: Florafetti by Juliette Pécaut (new pattern coming soon!) Yarn: Juliette Pécaut Designs Highland DK Sara is wearing: Pattern: Tolsta Tee by Rebecca Clow Yarn: Boston Fiber Company DK Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Rumble Raglan by Lydia Morrow Yarn: Ex Libris Fibers Things we mention: Southeastern New England Fibershed: https://senefibershed.org/ Wayland Farm Fiber Day (March 8): https://www.russellsgardencenter.com/event-details/wayland-winter-farmers-market-farm-fiber-day-2026-03-08-10-30 BPM Fiber Fest (March 21-22): https://bostonpublicmarket.org/boston-public-market-fiberfest-2026/ Gore Place Sheep Shearing Festival (April 25): https://goreplace.org/sheepshearing-festival BFC Classes: https://www.bostonfibercompany.com/pages/classes Music by Steve Ingle

Hot Cakes Episode 10: Why We’re Not Worried About Pattern Copying In this episode of Hot Cakes, Sara and Jules discuss the frequent allegations of pattern stealing/copying that crop up in the indie design world and how design inspiration and knitwear trends affect what patterns you see most often! Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi Where to find Jules (she/her): www.juliettepecautdesigns.com, instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com, instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Jules is wearing: Pattern: Loons in Love by Juliette Pécaut, Yarn: Harrisville Designs Shetland Jules’ WIP: Pattern: Farasta by Juliette Pécaut, Yarn: Juliette Pécaut Designs Merino Fingering and Suri Silk Lace Sara is wearing: Pattern: Vacation Vest by Park Williams, Yarn: Junkyarn Cotton Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Upstream Sweater by Alice Hoyle, Yarn: Upland Fiber Co Cor Worsted Things we mention: Hot Cakes Episode 2 — Stealing Patterns is Not Cool Patty Lyons What the Flip trick Flower Pattern controversy The Loon Sweater Size Inclusive Collective Southeastern New England Fibershed Wayland Farm Fiber Day (March 8) BPM Fiber Fest (March 21-22) Gore Place Sheep Shearing Festival (April 25) BFC Classes and Yarn Tasting with Cascade Yarns Music by Steve Ingle

Hot Cakes Episode 9: Audience comments! In this episode of Hot Cakes, Sara and Jules are catching up after our hiatus and responding to some YouTube comments from you, our lovely subscribers! Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/hotcakescraftpod Where to find Jules (she/her): www.juliettepecautdesigns.com instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Jules is wearing: Pattern: Samhain Sweater by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: Megs and Co Empire Estate DK Jules’ WIP: Pattern: Loons in Love (free chart by Juliette Pécaut) Yarn: Harrisville Designs Shetland Sara is wearing: Pattern: Astrid Sweater by Knitting for Olive Yarn: East Coast Yarn Suri held with East Coast Yarn Sock Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Farasta by Juliette Pécaut Yarn: Kelbourne Woolens Cricket held with Knitten Word Velnias Things we mention: NE Knits podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@neknits JPD Video Diary: https://www.youtube.com/@juliettepecautdesigns Music by Steve Ingle

Hot Cakes Episode 8: Rhinebeck Edition! In this episode of Hot Cakes, Sara and Jules are recording from the New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck! We give you our Rhinebeck hot takes, discuss what we’re wearing and making, and if you stay to the end, there’s a special guest appearance from Sara’s niece Jeannie! Do you have a hot take? Email us at [email protected]! Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/hotcakescraftpod Where to find Jules (she/her): www.juliettepecautdesigns.com instagram.com/juliettepecautdesigns Mailing list: https://juliettepecautdesigns.com/pages/subscribe Where to find Sara (they/she): www.bostonfibercompany.com instagram.com/bostonfibercompany Jules is wearing: Pattern: an upcoming pattern (do you have a name suggestion? drop it in the comments below!) Yarn: Knit Picks City Tweed DK in “Toad” Jules’ WIP: Pattern: a lace-weight triangle scarf that may or may not become a pattern Yarn: Knit Picks Alpaca Lace Cloud in “Lydia” Sara is wearing: Pattern: Simply the Vest by Juliette Pécaut Designs: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simply-the-vest-4 Yarn: Moondrake Fuwa Fuwa Brushed Cashmere Sara’s WIP: Pattern: Upstream Sweater by Alice Hoyle: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/upstream-sweater Yarn: Upland Fiber Co Cor Worsted in “Flock” Things we mention: CatKnit Pullover by Andrea Rangel: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/catknit-pullover Music by Steve Ingle