Craft Industry Alliance
The Craft Industry Alliance podcast is an interview show for creative business owners working in the crafts industry. Hear how craft entrepreneurs built their businesses, including overcoming roadblocks and encountering turning points along the way. Each episode ends with recommendations for great tools and resources to check out!
Episodes
Episode #320: Emily Kerr-Finnel of Wholesale in a Box
On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about wholesale with my guest Emily Kerr-Finell.
Emily is a mission-driven entrepreneur and the founder at Wholesale In a Box and Making Faire Work. A seasoned wholesale strategist, she has helped 2,000+ people start and grow small businesses. Her approach to business has been featured by The Oprah Magazine, Forbes, The Maker
Episode #319: Kristen Balouch of Little House Cottons
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about illustrations and textiles with my guest Kristen Balouch, founder of Little House Cottons, an organic quilting cotton company that produces fabric based on her original illustrations.
Kristen is a children's book author, illustrator, and textile designer who has written and illustrated more than a dozen books for childr
Episode #318: Carina Gardner
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about surface design with my guest, Carina Garnder.
Dr. Carina Gardner is the founder and President of the University of Arts & Design, which offers degrees and certificates through a unique program that helps designers turn their creative skills into profitable businesses.
Carina holds a Ph.D. in Design from the Universi
Episode #317: Amy Sadler of Knitty
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about knitting and crochet publishing with my guest Amy Sadler.
Amy is the editor of Knitty, as well as publisher and founder of the magazine. In 2002, she suddenly realized she could start an online knitting magazine to feature the knitting talent she'd been seeing on blogs all over the world, all on one tidy, professional-l
Special Episode: Michael Blanding, Author of The Gospel According to Hobby Lobby
On this special live episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about Hobby Lobby with my guest Michael Blanding, author of the new book The Gospel According to Hobby Lobby: Inside a Billionaire Family's Quest to Craft a Christian Nation.
Michael is a Boston-based investigative journalist and author of In Shakespeare’s Shadow and the New York Times bestseller, The Map Thief. A
Special Episode: Natalie Chanin
In this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're thrilled to be bringing you a recording of the keynote address at h+h americas 2026. This year our speaker was Natalie Chanin and her talk was called, The Future of Craft Is Collective.
Natalie is the founder and creative director of The School of Making, Alabama Chanin, and the nonprofit Project Threadways, reflects on the evol
Episode #313: Mollie Johanson
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about stitching with my guest, Mollie Johanson.
Mollie is a professional designer, illustrator, and stitcher. She's a contributor to Simply Sewing Magazine, Love Embroidery, and World of Cross Stitching, and is the author of four craft books, including her latest, Stitching Super-Cute Food Kawaii Style.
Mollie shares creative
Special Episode: State of the Industry 2026
We’re so pleased to bring you this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast. This is a recording of the State of the Industry panel discussion which took place live on stage on May 6 at h+h americas 2026 in Chicago. With over 800 people in the audience, our panelists dove into the biggest issues and ideas the crafts industry is wrestling with right now. It was an exciting conversatio
Episode #312: Sanjani Ramkissoon on the First Year of Owning a Yarn Shop
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about the first year owning a brick-and-mortar yarn shop with my guest, Sanjani Ramkissoon.
Sanjani is the owner of Stitch & Revel, a yarn shop in Livermore, California, a charming wine country town in the Bay Area, about 45 miles east of San Francisco.
Born in Fiji and raised in the Bay Area since the age of five, she c
Episode #311: Katherine Lile of The Mountain Thread Company
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about coiled rope basketry with my guest Katherine Lile.
Katherine is the owner of The Mountain Thread Company in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. She began sewing at age 4, and has always loved building community around creative endeavors. Since opening her business in 2015, she's been on a mission to inspire, equip, and cu
Episode #310: Maude MacDonald of The Retro Quilter
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about quilting and creativity with my guest, Maude MacDonald.
Maude is a creative strategist and brand designer who helps small business owners craft brands that feel like home — authentic, cohesive, and entirely theirs. Drawing from the success of her own brand, The Retro Quilter, Maude knows firsthand how intentional strate
Episode #309: Leanne Pressly and Lisa Shroyer from Stitchcraft Marketing on Buying and Selling a Craft Business
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about buying and selling a craft business with my guests Lisa Shroyer and Leanne Pressly.
This episode is a bit of a different show format because we focus on how to buy or sell a business. So often in the crafts industry, businesses just close, rather than go through a sale process. Part of the reason this happens is that se
Episode #308: Sarah Ferguson of Craft Habit
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about owning a craft store and workshop space with my guest Sarah Ferguson.
Sarah is the owner of Craft Habit, a brick-and-mortar retail craft store in Raleigh, North Carolina, which offers adult and youth classes, private parties and events, and youth sewing and craft camps. In 2024, Craft Habit debuted a wholesale line of c
Episode #307: Renae Bradley of Benzie Design
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about felt with my guest Renae Bradley.
Renae is the owner and creative director of Benzie Design, a colorful felt stitchery and craft shop founded as a creative outlet that gave her permission to “rainbow-tize” everything -especially wool felt. In business for over 15 years, Renae values the community that has been formed
Episode #306: Michelle Galletta of Kiriki Press
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about creating a craft kit company with my guest Michelle Galletta of Kiriki Press.
Ontario College of Art and Design printmaking grad Michelle Galletta wanted to make her niece an embroidered doll but couldn't find a pattern anywhere. A week after attempting her very first stitch, she was left with a set of wonky owl dolls
Episode #305: Madison May from CUT/SEW Patterns
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about cosplay with my guest Madison May.
Madison is the owner and head pattern maker at CUT/SEW Sewing Patterns, a beginner-friendly pattern company that provides entry-level, customizable patterns to the cosplay and street fashion community. With over fifteen years of experience in the costume and fashion industry, Madison h
Episode #304: Ann Shayne and Kay Gardiner from Modern Daily Knitting
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a craft community with my guests Ann Shayne and Kay Gardiner
Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne are the co-founders of Modern Daily Knitting, one of the most vibrant places in today’s knitting world. Their partnership began in 2003 with a blog that quickly grew into a beloved hangout online, known for its humor, war
Episode #303: Ali Dillingham
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about running a brick-and-mortar yarn shop with my guest, Ali Dillingham, owner of A Yarn Market.
A Yarn Market is a welcoming space based on the mission to make knitting and crochet accessible to all. With over 20 years of knitting experience, Ali is passionate about sharing the joy and therapeutic benefits of mindful making
Episode #302: Kim Kight
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about fabric design with my guest Kim Kight.
Kim Kight started in the craft blogging world in the 2000s, first with a personal sewing and knitting blog then her fabric news blog, True Up. She is the author of the book "A Field Guide to Fabric Design" in 2011 with Stash Books, which is still in print. She started designing wi
Episode #301: Brittany Garber
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about crochet design with my guest, Brittany Garber.
Britt is the creative force behind KnotBadBritt—a name that’s become synonymous with bold color, approachable crochet design, and thoughtful community-building in the fiber arts world. With over five years of experience as a designer and educator, Britt is known for patte
Episode #300: Maria Shell
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about quilting with my guest Maria Shell.
Maria’s work is grounded in the tradition and craft of American quilt making. She strives to take the classical components of a traditional bedquilt and manipulate them with the hope of creating surprising combinations of pattern, repetition, and color for the viewer.
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Episode #299: Louisa Sonstroem
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about hand sewing with my guest Louisa Soenstrom.
Louisa considers garment-making skills to be deeply empowering. Louisa writes and teaches about patternmaking and hand stitching clothing. For most of a decade, she worked in technical design and patternmaking, most recently for Macy's and Eileen Fisher. Previous works have
Episode #298: Amy Ting
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a crochet business with Amy Ting.
Amy Ting is a Korean-Taiwanese crochet designer based in the Bay Area, California. She is the author of Amigurumi Critters and creator of Curious Papaya. Amy’s amigurumi creations have resonated with a wide audience but especially so with the Asian-American population.
Her des
Special Episode: Abbie Small on the Future of the Big 4 Sewing Pattern Brands
Welcome to this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast.
Today, we’re excited to share with you an interview with Abbie Small. Abbie served as executive vice president and general manager of Simplicity Creative Group, owner of the Big 4 pattern companies. Just last week, Rubelmann Capital, in partnership with Abbie, acquired the company from the bankruptcy auction that was held af
Episode #297: Marianne Fons
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about living the life of a quilter and writer with my guest Marianne Fons.
Marianne Fons co-hosted “Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting” on public television nationwide for many years, first with Liz Porter and later with daughter Mary Fons.
With Liz, she co-authored Quilter’s Complete Guide, one of the best selling quil
Episode #296: Michelle Cain
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a quilting business with my guest Michelle Cain.
Michelle tried rather hard not to become a quilter. After growing up outside of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and having a mom who began quilting in the 1990s, this was a formidable challenge. A chance encounter with Denyse Schmidt’s work, however, introduced M
Episode #295: Emma Brassfield
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about bag making with my guest Emma Brassfield.
Emma is a YouTuber, pattern designer, bag sewing teacher and entrepreneur based near London, UK.
After over 20 years in the film industry, helping to make such iconic creatures and costumes as Iggle Piggle (In The Night Garden), The Flash (Justice League), Many goblins (Harry P
Special Episode: Mister Larrie's Keynote at h+h americas
In this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're so pleased to be sharing the keynote speech from h+h americas 2025 presented by Larrie King.
Larrie King, better known as Mister Larrie, is an arts and crafts content creator, design professor, and creativity enthusiast based in Orlando, Florida. His projects often center on bright colors, bold patterns, and budget-friendly basi
Special Episode: Megan Greenwell on Private Equity
On this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about private equity and it's impact on the crafts industry with my guest Megan Greenwell.
Megan is a journalist who has written or edited for publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, WIRED, and ESPN. She is also the deputy director of the Princeton Summer Journalism Program, a
Episode #293: Zoe Frost of Junebug and Darlin
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a cross-stitch business with my guest Zoe Frost.
Zoe is the heart, hands, and creative force behind Junebug & Darlin, a queer owned brand based in Portland, OR. When she's not crafting, you'll find her adventuring through the Pacific Northwest’s pine trees, ferns, and rivers with her partner and a dog or tw
Episode #292: Claudia Martinez of Snuggly Monkey
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about ecommerce with my guest Claudia Martinez.
Claudia is the owner of Snuggly Monkey, a craft supply store specializing in hand embroidery, Sashiko, and unique threads and notions from around the world. With over 13 years of experience, she has built a thoughtfully curated collection that reflects her passion for hand stitc
Episode #289: Arvin Pairavi from Shannon Fabrics
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a fabric company with my guest Arvin Pairavi.
Arvin is a visionary entrepreneur and the driving force behind Shannon Fabrics, a leading name in the textile industry known for its luxurious, high-quality Cuddle fabrics. Under his leadership, the company has redefined the market, setting new standards for innovat
Episode #291: Micah Clasper-Torch
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about punch needle with my guest Micah Clasper-Torch.
Micah Clasper-Torch is a Los Angeles-based artist, designer, and educator helping to lead the modern revival of punch needle rug hooking. With a background in fashion design from The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and the Polytechnic Institute in Milan,
Special Episode: State of the Industry 2025
We’re so pleased to bring you this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast. This is a recording of the State of the Industry panel discussion which took place live on stage on May 7 at h+h americas 2025 in Chicago. With over 800 people in the audience, our panelists dove into the biggest issues and ideas the crafts industry is wrestling with right now. It was an exciting conversatio
Episode #288: The New England Quilt Museum
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we're talking about museum exhibitions with my guests Nora Palermo and Pam Weeks of the New England Quilt Museum.
Nora has served as Executive Director of the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts since 2013. Her broad experience in development for museums, cultural organizations and teaching hospitals brought a strategic approa
Episode #287: Michael O'Dell of Legit Kits
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about quilt kits with my guest Michael O'Dell.
Mike is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who administers anesthesia in a pediatric hospital, but his passion has always been art. He has worked with every material he’s ever had a chance to get his hands on, and quilting came to the fore in 2018 when his wife took up
Episode #286: Mary Engelbreit
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about creating a best-selling art and illustration company with my guest, Mary Engelbreit.
Over 40 years ago, Mary Engelbreit launched her own company with a strong desire for creative freedom and a line of 12 greeting cards. The head of a highly successful business bearing her name, Mary is one of the country’s premier desig
Episode #285: Annissa Essaibi-George of Stitch House
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about running a brick-and-mortar yarn shop with my guest, Annissa Essaibi-George.
Annissa is the owner of Stitch House. She taught at East Boston High School for 13 years before being elected to the Boston City Council. In 2021 she ran for Mayor of Boston.
Annissa recently served as CEO and president of the Big Sister Associa
Episode #284: Hollei Anne Hayes
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about product and surface design with my guest Hollei Hayes.
Hollei is the owner of Hollei Anne Design Co. After honing her craft for over ten years in the design industry, she made the leap from working in Fortune 500 corporations collaborating with esteemed brands such as Toys R Us and Skip Hop. Now, she's fully immersed in
Episode #283: Omkari Williams
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about activism with my guest Omakri Williams.
Omkari Williams is the Gold Nautilus award-winning author of Micro Activism: How You Can Make a Difference in the World (Without A Bullhorn). Her book helps readers identify their “activist archetype" and map a personal action plan for engaging in small, change-making activities w
Episode #282: Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about embroidery with my guest Melissa Galbraith.
Melissa is the fiber artist behind MCreativeJ. She was born and raised in the desert of Washington state where her mother instilled a love of making things by hand at an early age. Melissa shares her love of nature through whimsical and modern hand embroidery kits, hands-on wo
Special Episode: The Fall of JOANN Fabrics
In this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we are talking with a variety of industry players about the second bankruptcy of JOANN Fabrics including:
Grace Dobush, our business reporter for our corporate newsletter Craft Industry Insider
Molly Hamilton from Folkwear Patterns
Aaron Leventhal, former CEO and owner of Hero Arts
Venture capital investor Elizabeth Caven
And Kansas
Episode #281: Jason Zielke, Chief Product Officer at SVP Worldwide
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about sewing machines with my guest Jason Zielke.
Jason Zielke is the Chief Product Officer for SVP Worldwide, where he leads global brand marketing, new product development, and industrial design for iconic sewing machine brands Singer, Viking, and Pfaff. A seasoned executive with expertise in strategic planning and engine
Episode #280: Tracy Krauter of Splash Fabric
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about starting a fabric company with my guest Tracy Krauter.
Tracy is the founder of Splash Fabric. Raising three boys, Tracy knew there had to be a better solution to everyday messes. When she couldn't find the perfect fabric—one that was soft yet waterproof, durable yet sewable—she didn't just settle. She innovated.
Tod
Episode #279: Shannon Downey
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about craftivism with my guest Shannon Downey.
Shannon is an artist, activist, craftivist, community builder, and general instigator. Her work moves people from passive consumers of art into engaged creators and leverages craft-based art forms to bring people together, present opportunities to transition from makers to change
Episode #278: Jen Duffin
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about weaving with my guest Jen Duffin.
Jen is the designer and teacher behind Nova Mercury Design. Jen has been creating fiber art full-time since 2016, specializing in frame loom weaving. Inspired by color and whimsy, Jen loves creating art that brings joy to people's lives and homes. She aims to create beautiful heirloom
Episode #277: Anna Maria Parry
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about designing fabric with my guest Anna Maria Parry.
Having grown up in a creative home, Anna Maria Parry earned an honors BFA in drawing from the University of Tennessee in 1995 before opening a small clothing shop with her mother the same year. Designing and sewing a clothing label while managing a shop primed her for a c
Episode #276: Sara Ingle of Boston Fiber Company
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about owning a yarn store with my guest Sara Ingle.
Sara founded Boston Fiber Company, a local yarn store in Boston’s South End neighborhood, in 2022. Now finishing its second year, the store focuses on indie-dyed yarn, supporting local crafters, and fostering a strong community through numerous low-cost and free events and
Episode #275: Deborah Balmuth
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about publishing books with my guest Deborah Balmuth.
Deborah retired from Storey Publishing on September 30 after 31 years with the company. She began as an editor, become editorial director in 2003, and publisher in 2013. She especially enjoyed expanding Storey's library of craft and herbal titles, working with authors incl
Episode #274: Julie Fei-Fan Balzer
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about making and teaching art with my guest Julie Fei-Fan Balzer.
Based outside of Boston, Julie is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Her artwork investigates the interplay of identity and perception, inviting viewers to take a longer look. Julie works in layers, both physically a
Episode #273: Jenifer McShane
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about documentary filmmaking with my guest Jenifer McShane.
Jenifer McShane is an independent filmmaker committed to using film to bridge understanding in situations where structural or cultural divisions typically keep people apart. Jenifer's current film The Quilters, a documentary short about a quilting group in a men's pr
Episode #272: Andrea Tsang Jackson
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about the art of quilting with my guest Andrea Tsang Jackson.
Andrea is a textile artist, quilt designer, author, and educator based in Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada. After working in various design fields and settings ranging from architecture to museums, the quilting medium called to her as a way to explore place, belonging
Episode #271: Megumi Inouye
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about the art of wrapping gifts with my guest Megumi Inouye.
Megumi is a gift-wrapping and packaging artist. Known for her sustainable wrap-ping designs and creative innovations, she encourages repurposing, utilizing everyday things around us, and using organic and recyclable items. She attributes her passion for gift wrappin
Golden Scissors Awards 2024: The Loose Ends Project + Allyson Allen
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking with two more of the winners of the Golden Scissors Awards. These new awards recognize excellence in the crafts industry and are given out annually at h+h americas. Nominations were open to everyone and the winners were determined by an independent panel of judges made up of craft industry professionals.
In this second episo
Episode #268: Amber Kemp-Gerstel
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building an audience with my guest Amber Kemp-Gersel of Damask Love. Amber was the keynote speaker at h+h americas 2024 in Chicago and this is a recording of her presentation. It was inspiring, smart, and funny and I think you’re going to love it.
Amber Kemp-Gerstel is a television host and founder and creative director
Golden Scissors Award 2024 Winners: Elizabeth Okeyele + Ali Pate
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking with two of the winners of the Golden Scissors Awards. These new awards recognize excellence in the crafts industry and are given out annually at h+h americas. Nominations were open to everyone and the winners were determined by an independent panel of judges made up of craft industry professionals.
In this first episode, we
Episode #267: Krista West of Avlea Folk Embroidery
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about folk embroidery with my guest Krista West.
Krista delights in bringing ancient beauty to the modern world with embroidery designs inspired by traditional Mediterranean folk textiles. Introduced to traditional folk embroidery in Greece, she fell in love with the vibrant colors and historic motifs and began stitching text
Episode #266: Kelly Brooks from Knitbrooks
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a craft tool company with my guest Kelly Brooks.
Kelly and her husband, Scott Gardiner, are the team behind knitbrooks, where they create unique wooden crochet hooks.
Kelly started knitbrooks in 2013 while she was working as a reporter/photographer at a small community newspaper in Alberta, Canada. She opened
Episode #265: Heather Lou
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we're talking about growing a sewing pattern business with my guest Heather Lou.
Heather has been passionately making her own clothes since 2010, and discovered she loved sewing so much she left a career in interior design to start Closet Core Patterns. Over the years, the company has grown and evolved and now offers standalone sewing patte
Special Episode: State of the Industry 2024
We’re so pleased to bring you this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast. This is a recording of the State of the Industry panel discussion which took place live on stage on May 1 at h+h americas 2024 in Chicago. With about 800 people in the audience, our panelists dove into the biggest issues and ideas the crafts industry is wrestling with right now. It was an exciting conversati
Episode #264: Lauren Tilden
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about marketing, retail, and stationery with my guest Lauren Tilden.
Lauren is a marketing coach for small business owners struggling to consistently market their businesses. Also a maker, retail shop owner, and podcast host, she’s on a mission to help small businesses do better marketing so they can make a bigger impact on
Episode #263: Sara Barnes
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about embroidery and illustration with my guest Sara Barnes.
Sara is an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs Bear&Bean, an embroidery studio stitching pet portraits and other beloved creatures. Her work has been recognized in American Illustration, Embroidery Magazine, and Uppercase.
Episode #262: Beau McCall
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about buttons with my guest Beau McCall.
Proclaimed by American Craft magazine as “The Button Man,” Beau McCall creates wearable and visual art by applying clothing buttons onto mostly upcycled fabrics, materials, and objects. His artworks offer commentary on topics such as pop culture and social justice. On March 30th his fi
Episode #261: Karla Overland of Cherrywood Fabrics
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about hand-dyed fabrics with my guest Karla Overland.
Karla is the owner of Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabrics in Baxter, Minnesota. She is the “colorist” who creates all the dye formulas and gradations of the gorgeous trademark bundles. Karla has been sewing since she was a little girl and holds a degree in Graphic Design. She a
Episode #260: Jess Barrera of Sallie Tomato
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we're talking about creating a sewing business with my guest Jess Barrera of Sallie Tomato.
Jessica is an author, designer, educator, and entrepreneur who has been creatively sewing and crafting since the age of five. She studied entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and now operates her own sewing pattern and supply c
Episode #259: Drew Steinbrecher
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about collage and mixed media with my guest Drew Steinbrecher.
Drew has enjoyed working with his hands and being creative from a young age. He has a university degree in graphic design. Along with being a full-time artist he is also freelance graphic designer. He's an avid knitter, photographer, and traveler. He currently liv
Episode #258: Willie Smith
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a knitting business with my guest Willie Smith.
Willie Smith discovered knitting in 2007. He believes he’s been given a gift to entertain while teaching and his purpose is to spend his life enriching other people’s lives. Knitting is the vehicle he is using to achieve that end. Willie’s vision is for makers t
Episode #157: Kristina McGrath and Sarah Walworth of Tech Tip Talk
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about writing technical instructions with my guests Sarah Walworth and Kristina McGrath.
Kristina and Sarah are yarn pattern technical editors, consultants, and coaches in the fiber industry. They have edited over 1000 knitting patterns between them. Since 2020, they have hosted Tech Tip Talk, a monthly broadcast about patter
Episode #256: Rachel Austen of Elle Crée
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about paint-by-numbers with my guest Rachel Austen.
Rachel has a background in graphic and web design. She founded her paint-by-number kit company - Elle Crée - in 2017 out of her desire to create a nostalgic product from her illustrations that customers could interact with and that would spur their own creativity.
Rachel’s
Episode #255: Brett Bara
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about bargello with my guest, Brett Bara.
Brett is the founder of Hello Bargello, a brand dedicated to reviving the vintage craft of bargello for modern makers. Brett is a crafts expert and creative entrepreneur who has been working in the crafts industry for over 20 years. Over the years, she's been a magazine Editor-in-Chie
Episode #254: Christie Troxell of Ritzy Parties
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about craft parties and events with my guest Christie Troxell.
Christie is a master maker and creative professional specializing in the craft and party industries. In 2012, she founded Ritzy Parties, and grew a five-star business creating immersive, over the top celebrations for luxury and corporate clients nationwide. Chri
Podcast Episode #253: Austin Rivers of Knit the Rainbow
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about serving the LGBTQ+ community through craft with my guest Austin Rivers.
Austin is a nonprofit founder; diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant; activist; and professional actor. He received his double bachelor's degree in politics and musical theatre from NYU, his master of public administration (MPA) from the Unive
Episode #252: Sarah Resnick of Gist Yarn
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about growing a weaving yarn company with my guest, Sarah Resnick.
Sarah is the founder of the weaving yarn company Gist Yarn, and their newly launched sister brand Zollie. Since 2017, their small, creative team has been making yarn, patterns, and projects that weavers and makers are proud to bring into their homes. Sarah sta
Episode #251: Sally Moore of Parker Avenue Knits
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about owning a local yarn shop with my guest Sally Moore.
Sally is the owner of Parker Avenue Knits, a local yarn shop in Detroit, Michigan. She opened the shop in December 2021. Sally is also a litigation attorney and has been practicing law since 1986.
To Sally, litigation is an advanced selling exercise. Evaluating facts a
Episode #250: Jamie Trinier and Jessica Drain of SewTites
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about product development with my guest Jamie Trinier and Jessica Drain of SewTites.
An oil and gas engineer for most of her career, Jamie discovered the love of quilting after watching her mom sew many Halloween costumes, Christmas PJs, and quilts as a child. She started sewing when she made a king-size log cabin quilt for h
Episode #249: Jaren Gibson
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we're talking about the quilting industry with my guest Jaren Gibson.
Jaren joined Grace Company as its first manager in 1998, soon after graduating from Weber State University with a degree in Communication. At the time the company had approximately 15 employees.
As President of Grace Company, now with 25 years of industry experience, Jar
Episode #248: Jen Gubicza of ZooGuu
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about craft fairs and plush taxidermy with my guest, Jen Gubicza.
Jen is the designer and maker behind the handmade brand Zooguu. She graduated with a BFA in graphic design from Massachusetts Institute College of Art in 2001 and worked as a graphic designer and creative director at Big Blue Dot and the Boston Children’s Museu
Episode #247: Dana Williams-Johnson
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about yarn and media with my guest Dana Williams-Johnson.
Dana Williams-Johnson is a knitter, newbie crocheter and college professor. She holds a PhD in Communications, Culture, and Media Studies and researches issues with online communities, feminism and the impacts and use of social media by minority women. She also write
Episode #246: Bianca Springer
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about sewing, quilting, and embroidery with my guest Bianca Springer.
Bianca Springer is a garment sewist, pattern designer, sewing instructor and experimental quilter. She is the creator of unique sewing pattern weights to improve sewing efficiency and speed. Bianca is a contributing writer for Sew News magazine, Creative
Episode #245: Laura Coia
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about YouTube with my guest Laura Coia.
Laura is the host and creator of the YouTube channel Sew Very Easy. The channel has 454,000 subscribers and 976 videos that she’s produced over the last nine years, all focused on sewing and quilting. Laura has over 45 years of sewing experience. She’s written for several sewing and qui
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