Before we went to South Africa, I sat down with Marie Segares from Creative Yarn Entrepreneur for an interview about balancing crafting with the rest of my life. The interview aired as we were driving up to Yarndale the weekend before last, and although I hesitantly told my friend (who was driving) about it so that we could listen to it, I have been too shy to share it with the world in general.
Crochet designing is not my full-time job. If you have read my About Me, you will know that I work as a radiotherapist at Charing Cross Hospital in London. I also have a wonderful husband and 3 beautiful boys. Time is the most important commodity in my life and it feels like I never have enough of it. I don’t want to start talking about the impact my 2 ‘jobs’ have had on the boys, because I can do without dwelling on that today, but if you listen to the interview, you will hear how much this upsets me.
In my interview with Marie, we talk about how I manage past projects that don’t quite live up to my current standard (isn’t hindsight a beautiful thing?); juggling designing, work, and my family; and the importance of learning when and how to say NO!
Even if crochet is not your ‘thing’, you might find something in the interview that speaks to you, especially in the last half-hour, which looks at what I have learned about vulnerability and ‘Saying No’ (largely from my little sister and Brené Brown).
You can find the interview (and the show notes for the interview) HERE. I particularly suggest listening to the linked interview with Brené Brown! It has made such a difference in my life!!
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Judy says
Dedri, how nice it was to put a voice with the face! I thoroughly enjoyed the interview and your unflinching honesty regarding your experience getting to where you are and, especially, learning to say “no.” I was telling a friend about your words and your explanation about how important it is to feel energized and invigorated by the tasks you perform. She agreed completely and added that saying yes because you think it’s the right, or “friend”-ly thing to do does no one any good if it makes you feel eventually resentful for the time it takes away from work that feeds your heart and soul. You should know what an inspiration you are to those of us who craft both for pleasure and for payment (note, I did not say “profit”–at least not yet), and I thank you for giving me another reason to be so grateful that I found your website.
Jenny says
I agree wholeheartedly, Judy :)
Jenny
Carolyn says
Hello Dedri and of course, Jenny….I loved listening to the podcast. You are my sweet forever friend. I, too, have had to learn to say no and to prioritize. I will forever be grateful you helped me with those first blocks and reading patterns. Your original Sophie mandala is in a place of honor as a pillow in my comfy bedroom chair. I think of you as I pass by that chair numerous times each day and as I sit to relax at the end of my day. Of course, the universe is also sharing that space. ;) Eagerly awaiting Charlotte….but I am patient.
Dedri Uys says
Carolyn…my dear friend, every time I look at my Block a Week 2014, I remember you and the ‘drama-of-the-joining’, so I guess we think of each other very often :) x
Carol Glover says
Hi Dedri have just finished listening to your podcast interview. Thanks for sharing your journey. I love the name lookatwhatimade! It inspired me to tackle Sophies Universe which isnt quite finished yet as I ran out of yarn and time six months ago. Long story. And gave me the confidence to complete Mandala Madness. and almost Dreamweaver. My problem now is out of all the simply wonderful creations by yourself and others what do I do next after I finish Sophies Universe next month.
xx Carol
Jenny says
How about the new Charlotte’s Dream pattern that will be released soon, Carol? Jenny :)
Donna says
Hello Dedri! Your comments regarding Sophie really struck home for me. I fell in love with Sophie last year and enjoy working on her so much so that I am putting off her completion. She definitely brings me to a happy place so I have her on standby.
Marie Segares says
Thanks for being so open and honest with my listeners and your readers, Dedri, and for introducing me to the Brenee Brown video!
Dedri Uys says
You’re welcome, Marie. I enjoyed doing the interview with you!