Craft Industry Alliance

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 groups. The Boston Fiber Company team, currently consisting of three people, is dedicated to making fiber arts accessible to all. Looking ahead, Sara and her team are working on organizing a fiber festival for the neighborhood and will dye their own yarn to offer to customers.

 

I was so pleased to be able to visit Boston Fiber Company in person to record this interview.

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Today's episode is sponsored by Big Cartel.

Are you ready to turn your creativity into a business and sell your work online? Big Cartel is an ecommerce platform where artists, crafters, and independent sellers make money doing what they love. With no listing fees or commission, budget-friendly plans, and real human customer support, Big Cartel makes it simple and affordable to start and grow your creative business online.

Open your store on the free plan - no credit card required - and scale as you grow. Visit bigcartel.com/craftindustryalliance to get started.

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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.

 

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 including Helen Hiebert, Saffiyah Talley, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, Kari Chapin, Thomas Knauer, Megumi Inyoue, Rosemary Gladstar, and Shannon Downey, to name a few. In her retirement, she's looking forward to becoming a consumer of Storey books, with days filled with crafting, cooking, and making.

Deborah was also on episode #47 of this show recorded nearly 10 years ago. 

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This episode is sponsored by knitCompanion.

knitCompanion is a groundbreaking app that works with ANY PATTERN. With its patented tools specially designed by fiber artists for fiber artists, it keeps track so your hands and mind can focus on making beautiful things. 

Redeem a special offer from knitCompanion:

Offer codes are usable by all new customers, and this code will provide 60 days free access to our subscription tools in Setup+Essentials. This code expires Dec 15, 2024.

 

To redeem for Apple App Store (iOS, iPhoneOS, MacOS):

1. Download the free knitCompanion app from the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/knitcompanion-knitting-more/id1058142783
2. Click this link: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=1058142783&code=CRAFT60

 

To redeem for Google Play:

1. Download the free knitCompanion app from the Google Play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.create2thrive.knitcompanion
2. Open knitCompanion and tap Upgrade on the right side.
3. Tap Subscribe button and then:
   1. Go through the checkout process until you find the payment method listed.
   2. Next to the payment method, select the down arrow, and then select Redeem code
   3. Enter the code: CRAFT60

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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.

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 and metaphorically, exploring what is visible and what is concealed.

Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops and her online classroom at MyArtPractice.com. Julie's achievements include high-profile clients, multiple publications - including her book, “Carve Stamp Play” - and exhibits in New York City and Greater Boston.  She is a graduate of Brown University.

I was thrilled to visit Julie's studio in Watertown, Massachusetts to record this conversation in person.

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Today's 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 Early Bird 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!

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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.

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 prison in Missouri recently premiered at the DC/Dox Film Festival in Washington DC and will be traveling to other film festivals this summer. Her previous film, Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops, won an Emmy for Outstanding Editing and the Jury Award at South By Southwest. It is currently streaming on HBO.

Jenifer spent over four years visiting Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in Bedford, N.Y. to make her previous documentary, Mothers of Bedford, which reveals the impact of incarceration on mothers and their children. Her first documentary which she co-directed, A Leap of Faith, was narrated by Liam Neeson and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Jenifer was born and raised in New York City and currently lives in Guilford, CT.

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If you know a crafty tween, check out Stitch Squad - a brand-new subscription box all about fiber crafts and cuteness! Each monthly box highlights a different fiber craft technique with a focus on learning new skills. With supplies to complete 2-3 projects, plus a bundle of adorable notions, craft tools + crafty surprises, it’s a cute, colorful, crafty unboxing experience! All you have to do is open the box and enjoy. Gift subscriptions are available!

To subscribe, visit stitchsquadbox.com and use code ALLIANCE for 20% off your first box.

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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.

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, and agency.

Andrea pushes the limits of quilting and textiles by exploring scale and dimension and moving traditionally domestic objects into the public realm. Her work often celebrates community and collaboration, and explores ideas of belonging. The rich history of quilting also heavily influences her practice; she sees it as an extension of community across time.

Andrea is working on her second book, Quilting: A Journey to Self, which will be released with Nine Ten Publications in early 2025.

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Today’s episode is sponsored by Creative Crochet Corner. Creative Crochet Corner is the  place to go to take your crochet skills to the next level. With how-to videos, patterns and projects for every level, you can learn everything you need from professional instructors. You can get a full year of Premium Membership to Creative Crochet Corner now for only $1.49

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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.

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 wrapping to her Japanese heritage and the cultural values that underlie the meaning behind the art of giving.

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This episode is sponsored by Linda's.

At Linda’s, you’ll find an extensive collection of fabrics in every color and print imaginable, as well as unique notions and embellishments to add that personal touch to your projects. They also carry quilt kits, ready to help you get started on your next masterpiece.

No matter if you are a seasoned quilter or just starting out, come join the family at Linda's. There, you can stitch the fabric of your lives, one quilt at a time.

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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.

 

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 episode, we'll hear the stories of our Innovation Award, Masey Kaplan and Jen Simonic of The Loose Ends Project. These two co-founders have come up with an organization that eases grief, creates community, and inspires generosity. The Loose Ends Project matches volunteer handwork finishers with projects people have left unfinished due to death or disability and now has more than 20,000 volunteers globally who have completed 2,000 projects. 

 

We'll also hear the story of our Social Impact Award winner, Allyson Allen. Allyson is the organizer of the Piece-ful Protest Quilt Exhibit which features 36 quilted textiles of protest art. Recognized by the State of California as an award-winning Master African American textile artist and culture bearer, she organized this exhibit to be shown in Laguna Beach California where it had a significant impact in furthering the understanding of open-minded diversity and inclusivity. 

We hope you are inspired by both Masey and Jen's and Allyson's stories! Nominations for the 2025 Golden Scissors Awards will open early in the year and we encourage you to nominate yourself or someone else, and to attend the awards ceremony at h+h americas in Chicago May 7-9, 2025.

 

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 of Damask Love, a creative lifestyle blog all about doable DIY. Amber has partnered with brands like Martha Stewart, Home Depot, The Container Store, Coca-Cola, and Canon and is the social media face of JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores. She has been featured on Huffington Post and Buzzfeed and in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine just to name a few. Amber Kemp-Gerstel was a finalist in Season #1 of NBC’s Making It - a crafting competition show hosted by SNL’s Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman – otherwise known as Ron Swanson from Park’s and Recreation. Amber has a bachelor’s degree from Duke and PhD from Vanderbilt. You can also find Amber on Disney+ as the host of their original family crafting show Disney Family Sundays.

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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 special promotion! 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!

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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.

 

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'll hear the stories of our Emerging Leader Award, Elizabeth Okeyele. Elizabeth works to spread the love of knitting and crochet to children throughout her home country of Nigeria, and in neighboring countries in Africa, through her business Tunizze Creation.

 

We'll also hear the story of our Sustainability Award winner, Ali Pate. Ali is an indie yarn dyer in Colorado who has made her company, Road Trip Sock Yarn, a model of sustainable business practices from water reuse to packaging to planting trees in her home state.

 

We hope you are inspired by both Elizabeth's and Ali's stories! Nominations for the 2025 Golden Scissors Awards will open early in the year and we encourage you to nominate yourself or someone else, and to attend the awards ceremony at h+h americas in Chicago May 7-9, 2025.

 

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 textiles for her own home. She quickly realized there was still much interest in this historic craft and opened Avlea Folk Embroidery to share the beauty of folk embroidery with others.

She happily spends her days in the workshop of her 1923 home in Salem, Oregon, designing patterns and making kits for customers and shops around the world.

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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.