1.7M
Downloads
308
Episodes
An interview show for creative entrepreneurs.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
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.
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
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.
.
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
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.
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
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.
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
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.
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
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.
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
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.
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
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.
Monday Jan 06, 2025
Monday Jan 06, 2025
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.
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
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.