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 Potter), and Chewbacca (Star Wars), the grind of film hours + family life needed to be broken.  So in 2020, she finally started her YouTube channel, which was so well-received that now she runs a successful subscription box and online membership for those looking to learn bag making, as well as selling her patterns all over the world. Her business is Studio7T7. Emma believes in everyone having a go- after all, what’s the worst that can happen (the unpicker is our friend 🤭). But most importantly, what’s the best that can happen? She believes that the world of bag making should be a welcoming and wondrous place, full of support to get you into bag making and flying.  +++++ This episode is sponsored by The Academy for Virtual Teaching. Brands that educate their audience about their crafts sell better. A short demo class or tutorial on YouTube gives customers confidence - and helps you earn beyond retail. In Virtual Teaching 101, you’ll learn how online education actually works for makers, including simple tools and formats to try. It’s free, practical, and designed for busy creative professionals like you. Sign up at A4VT.com. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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 basics, all geared toward making crafting and self-expression through creativity truly accessible to all.    Larrie’s professional background is centered on visual communication, teaching, and commercial design. A prolific maker and content creator, Larrie has exhibited work as a painter and illustrator at universities and galleries nationally and in his home state of Louisiana. His work as a content creator has been featured in Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine, Simply Sewing Magazine, and Shondaland. His most recent brand partnerships include Tulip, Glowforge, Amazon, Adobe, Starbucks, and Joann Stores.  +++++ This episode is sponsored by The Academy for Virtual Teaching. Brands that educate their audience about their crafts sell better. A short demo class or tutorial on YouTube gives customers confidence - and helps you earn beyond retail. In Virtual Teaching 101, you’ll learn how online education actually works for makers, including simple tools and formats to try. It’s free, practical, and designed for busy creative professionals like you. Sign up at A4VT.com. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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 workshop and college access initiative for students from low-income backgrounds. A California native, she lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their pug. Megan's new book is Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream. In this conversation, we talk about the role of private equity in the downfall of Joann.  +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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 two. Zoe’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in her love for nature, queerness, and a fierce “f-- the system” attitude, which she channels into every cross-stitch kit she creates. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Valari by Crafteaze.  Meet the Valari by Crafteaze—the original gaming pillow turned crafting game-changer. This ergonomic support pillow reduces pressure on your shoulders and neck and encourages better posture, so you can craft for hours without pain.   The Maker’s version even includes built-in storage for your hooks and needles. Try it risk-free for 90 days and get 15% off with code CIA15 at crafteaze.com. For wholesale orders, visit valari.faire.com. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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 stitching and global textile traditions. She brings her passion for stitching, color, and creative tools to a global community of makers. A multilingual connector and lifelong crafter, Claudia is dedicated to sharing the joy, self-expression, and self-care that handcrafting inspires. +++++ Today's episode is sponsored by Sew Snip.  Are you looking for quality fabrics that inspire your creativity? At SewSnip.com, discover fun prints, textures, and bundles that are perfect for sewing, quilting, and crafting. Check out their By the Bolt section for big, beautiful cuts of premium fabric at unbeatable prices. Plus, they add new fabrics every single day, so there’s always something fresh to spark your next masterpiece.SewSnip.com — where your creativity begins!   +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.  

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 innovation, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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, Micah blends fine art, heritage craft, and wearable design to create one-of-a-kind textile pieces that range from coats and accessories to wall hangings and soft sculpture. In 2019 Micah was formally trained as an Oxford Punch Needle Instructor at the Oxford Rug Hooking School in Vermont, and in 2020 she launched Punch Needle World, an online community, shop and educational platform dedicated to uplifting the craft and its history, and making high quality supplies and training accessible around the world.  Her debut book, Punch Needle Fashion, comes out in June 2025 from Quadrille and brings punch needle into the world of contemporary fashion through 15 original projects and a beautifully photographed exploration of the medium. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Amy Barickman. Are you looking for a special gift for a friend? Take a look at Amy Barickman’s new book. Love You to Pieces is a heartwarming, whimsical, cheerful ode to friendship featuring a charming cast of vintage fabric characters set amidst a backdrop of glorious handmade quilts.  This book is perfect for makers, collectors, and lovers of quilts, dolls, and other textiles as well as anyone nostalgic about the fabric pals that comforted them as children! Join the pre-launch festivities at amybarickman.com/loveyoutopieces to get sneak peeks, giveaways, and first dibs when it launches! +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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 conversation among four industry professionals each of whom has a unique vantage point and perspective. Our panelists included Jakob Lang of Lang Yarns, Anna Maria Parry, Adam Blumenthal of Lion Brand, and Lucy McDermott from Stash Charlotte.  We hope you enjoy listening to this conversation and we invite you to join us at h+h americas 2026 which will be held May 6-8 in Chicago. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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 approach to improving the NEQM’s finances and expanding its audience. With support from the Board of Directors and a committed group of volunteers, Nora has led a small professional team to overhaul its exhibitions and public programs, successfully engaging new and diverse audiences in the art and history of quiltmaking and textile arts. And Pam is the Binney Family Curator at the New England Quilt Museum. Pam started making quilts as a result of the craft revival inspired by the Bicentennial in 1976. As the Binney Family Curator of the New England Quilt Museum, she works with many different quilters, collectors, institutions, and co-conspirators to plan exhibits for the museum, and research the quilts in the museum's collection. +++++ This episode is sponsored by The Academy for Virtual Teaching. Feeling invisible online? Overwhelmed with too many things on your plate? You’re not alone. You know you need to create a marketing video, but you just don’t have time. At the Academy for Virtual Teaching, we help creative business owners like you create simple, streamlined, and effective videos. No fancy equipment needed. Sign up for our free 3-Step Promotional Video Mini-Course at A4VT.com and get started creating videos that convert and connect! +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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 the hobby.  As his wife worked on a 9-patch quilt as her first project, Mike saw each square as a pixel, which brought him back to his youth, drawing pictures one pixel at a time on early home computers.   Wanting to enhance his first pixel quilt, Mike discovered foundation paper piecing and saw the technique as a wonderful way to help others sew works of art.  His quilt pattern and kit company, Legit Kits, was founded to spread the feeling of accomplishment, which can only be experienced by making a masterpiece. +++++ This episode is sponsored by LastStitch.co.  Got fabric? Got crafts? LastStitch.co is your creative hub. Repurpose unique fabric for your own projects, sell your handmade goods, or even pass on your extra fabric to other makers. It’s all about saving textiles and giving them a second life. Join the sustainable crafting community at LastStitch.co — where makers buy, sell, and save fabric, together. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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 designers and artists. She is known throughout the world for her distinctive illustration style and design sensibility, modestly referred to as “eclectic traditional”. Mary’s signature art, imbued with spirited wit and warmth, appears on thousands of products, including greeting cards, books (design, gift, children’s, cooking, home, and art), calendars, stationery, fabric, crafts, kitchen accessories, dinnerware, and other home décor items. +++++ Today's episode is sponsored by Eucalan. “Looking for the best way to care for your handmade and delicate items? Eucalan Delicate Wash is a no-rinse, eco-friendly laundry solution designed for knitwear, quilts, embellished garments, and more. With five gentle scents and a formula that extends the life of your fabrics, Eucalan is a must-have for knitters and crafters alike. Learn more at Eucalan.com +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today. .

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 Association of Greater Boston and now is the Partnership Advisor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts. Annissa is a mom to 4 great boys 20-year-old Douglas and 18-year-old triplets Charlie, Kayden, and Samir. Annissa and her husband Doug are both lifelong residents of Dorchester and live just up the street from the Stitch House. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Thinkific, the easiest way to turn your crafting expertise into an online education business. Whether you're teaching painting, quilting, jewelry making, or any other craft, Thinkific makes it simple to share your skills, grow your audience, and generate a new income stream. Start your free trial today at Thinkific.com. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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 her passion as a Surface and Product designer and has had her art seen in big box retailers like Target, TJ Maxx, Hallmark and more! Today, she's fortunate to own a creative studio where she dedicates her efforts to providing trending art and design to elevate product collections and brand identities for entrepreneurial women in retail for the homegoods, stationery, gift and textile industries. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.  

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 with potentially big impacts. She has worked as an actor, political consultant, and coach. Now she welcomes all people into the world of micro activism, a sustainable path to change-making based upon honoring the inherent dignity of all people.  +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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 workshops, and her books, How to Embroider Texture and Pattern and DIY Embroidered Shoes. +++++ This episode is sponsored by The Academy for Virtual Teaching. You know video is the most effective way to market your brand, but as the “CEO of everything,” you have NO time to make it happen. It’s overwhelming. We get it! We want to help you to stop leaving money on the table. The Academy for Virtual Teaching FREE webinar, “Make a Promotional Video in 3 Easy Steps!” No stress, no fancy gear—just your phone. Learn how to create quick, engaging videos that work. Register now at AcademyForVirtualTeaching.com or a4vt.com—that’s A, the number 4, VT.com. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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 City-based fashion designer Whitney Manney We start with Grace giving us an overview of the current situation at JOANN (January 2025), go through 10-15 minute interviews with each guest, and wrap up with Grace as we look towards what the future might be like for JOANN.  We hope you enjoy this slightly different format for the show!  To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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 engineering leadership, he has successfully launched innovative products and driven significant market growth throughout his career. Previously, Jason held leadership roles at Stanley Black & Decker and MTD Products, managing initiatives ranging from corporate turnarounds to pioneering autonomous technologies. An award-winning mentor and inventor, he holds advanced degrees in engineering management and mechanical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.   +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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. Today, her signature laminated cotton transforms ordinary items into spill-proof shields, creating beautiful, practical solutions that protect your tables, reduce your laundry, and add a splash of joy to daily life. +++++ This episode is sponsored by The Academy for Virtual Teaching. You know video is the most effective way to market your brand, but as the “CEO of everything,” you have NO time to make it happen. It’s overwhelming. We get it! We want to help you to stop leaving money on the table. The Academy for Virtual Teaching FREE webinar, “Make a Promotional Video in 3 Easy Steps!” No stress, no fancy gear—just your phone. Learn how to create quick, engaging videos that work. Register now at AcademyForVirtualTeaching.com or a4vt.com—that’s A, the number 4, VT.com. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.  

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 makers, and inspire radical hope for what is possible. She’s the founder of Badass Cross Stitch and her new book Let's Move the Needle provides a roadmap and accessible toolkit for burgeoning art activists with self-reflective activities, exercises, prompts, and stories. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Craftsy.  Calling all crafters! Are you ready to dive deep into your favorite crafting projects and learn new techniques along the way? Then it's time to join Craftsy Premium Membership. Take advantage of this extended Black Friday Deal! For ONLY $1.49, you'll receive a full year of access to expert-led tutorials, patterns, and projects in every category you can imagine. With a massive library of resources at your fingertips, you'll be able to create your best work yet and bring your crafting dreams to life. Don't wait – sign up now at CraftsyOffers.com and discover the endless possibilities of Craftsy Premium Membership! +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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 artworks and to inspire a love of creating in others. She has taught many sold-out workshops in Montreal and Toronto, hosted online workshops for students from all over the world, and also created a course with the online platform Domestika. Her signature rainbow art was selected as a finalist for the 2019 Etsy Awards, and she took home the Canadian People's Choice Award. Jen's first instructional weaving book, The Joy of Weaving: Modern Frame Loom Projects for Beginners, was published in September with Page Street Publishing. She lives with her partner, two children, and a dog in Montréal, Canada.  +++++   Today’s episode is brought to you by h+h americas 2025. Dive into creativity from May 7-9 in Rosemont Illinois at the crafts industry’s premier trade show. Connect with industry leaders, discover trends, and ignite your passion. And join us the day before the show opens for h+h University, a daylong conference with outstanding education and networking! See you at the show. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.