Episodes

Monday May 15, 2023
Episode #241: Elizabeth Silver
Monday May 15, 2023
Monday May 15, 2023
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about surface pattern design with my guest Elizabeth Silver.
Elizabeth is a professional surface pattern designer with 20 years in the industry. Her colorful patterns and illustrations are regularly featured in major retailers like Target, Michaels, and Walmart and she licenses with over 30 partners. She uses her experience in numerous product categories to teach beginner surface pattern designers how to move past overwhelm and obstacles to create a profitable creative business through courses, YouTube, and blog content.
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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.

Monday May 01, 2023
Episode #240: Cadence Kidwell of Fuzy Goat Yarns
Monday May 01, 2023
Monday May 01, 2023
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about owning a yarn shop with my guest Cadence Kidwell.
Before Cadence opened her yarn shop, Fuzzy Goat, she was at Florida State University – where she taught Creative Writing, Multicultural Literature and designed a certificate program for students to develop cultural competencies. University life instilled a strong core of service to people seeking to improve their lives.
One of her favorite pieces in her yarn shop is a SERVICE sign over the counter, announcing that the team is there to serve. In her mid 50’s Cadence decided that she could either steady-on into her last decade of university life or she could join the makers’ life – make a business from a rough-worn building & fill it with beautiful yarns made by strong women. Something she learned at FSU was the value of conversation among those that see the world differently – something that used to happen at, say, bowling leagues, and is disappearing in our lives.
Cadence believes that knitting creates that space where conversation across generations and life experiences is valued and sought after.
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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. 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.

Monday Apr 17, 2023
Episode #239: Stephanie Rohr
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Monday Apr 17, 2023
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we're talking about cross stitch with my guest Stephanie Rohr.
Stephanie Rohr is a cross-stitch designer, artist, and author. She is known as StephXstitch in the craft world, after giving that name to her Etsy shop in 2010. Stephanie's work fits into the subversive cross-stitch movement, with a focus on traditional design elements paired with humor, pop-culture references, and feminist and political themes. Stephanie created cross-stitch designs for Elizabeth Warren's presidential campaign merch in 2020. Her work has also appeared in TV ads for the Chicago Blackhawks, and on the Comedy Central show "Key & Peele". Stephanie herself appeared on the web series "Craft Room Crash", and was a speaker at Midwest Craft Con in February 2020.
Her first book, Feminist Cross-Stitch, was published in 2019. In 2021, her book was infamously pulled from the shelves of Michael's, which led to an interview in the New York Times. Stephanie and her work have also been featured on the cover of the Chicago Reader, and in Craft Business Magazine, Cross-Stitcher Magazine, Cross-Stitch Crazy, and the front page of Reddit. Her latest book, Self-Care Cross-Stitch, was published in November 2022.
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This episode is sponsored by Kinship Handwork. Tina with Kinship Handwork teaches women how to sew clothes they love so they feel beautiful, empowered, and connected. Through garment sewing retreats on Mackinac Island, virtual sewing workshops and courses that feel like an in-person experience, and her new podcast In Kinship. In Kinship is a podcast for makers who crave a vibrant life on their own terms. Get 20% off the next course or workshop you join with the coupon code CRAFT. Go to Kinshiphandwork.com and click on workshops.
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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.

Monday Apr 03, 2023
Episode #238: Gretchen Hirsch
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Today on the show we’re talking about sewing glamor with my guest Gretchen Hirsch.
Specializing in vintage glamour, Gretchen “Gertie” Hirsch is a designer who infuses her passion for sewing into glamorous creations that can be customized for anyone. She got her start as a blogger with the popular Gertie’s New Blog for Better Sewing, and has collaborated with Butterick and Simplicity on the “Patterns by Gertie” line of sewing patterns, and designed fabrics for Joann Fabrics, Spotlight Stores and Michael Miller. A sought-after instructor, Gertie has traveled the world to lead sewing workshops highlighting her techniques.
In 2017, Gertie launched her own independent sewing pattern line called Charm Patterns, focusing on new women's clothing designs inspired by classic looks from the ‘40s and ‘50s. In 2020, she launched her Patreon subscription service, which includes monthly downloadable patterns and accompanying video tutorials, virtual sewing circles, live streams, and more. It has amassed a large community of passionate sewing enthusiasts from around the world.
She is the author of five books published by Abrams, including Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses, Gertie’s Ultimate Dress Book and Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing, with two new books due to come out in Spring 2024 and Spring 2025.
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This episode is sponsored by Craftsy. Whether you’re new to making, or looking to advance skills in a favorite hobby, Craftsy is the place to learn.
With over 1,500 classes, there’s something for everyone, from knitting and sewing, to baking and cooking, gardening, embroidery, quilting and more!
Visit CraftsyOffers.com today and get a full year of Craftsy Premium Membership for just $3! That’s 97% off the regular price! Start turning ideas into projects you can be proud of.
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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.

Monday Mar 20, 2023
Episode #237: Libs Elliott
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about modern quilting with my guest Libs Elliott.
Elizabeth (Libs) Elliott is a textile artist exploring the intersection of technology and traditional craft by using generative code to design and make handmade quilts. A deep appreciation for craftsmanship, design history and future-focused applications are all reflected in her work. She studied Material Art & Design at OCAD University and lives and works in Toronto, Canada. Libs has been making quilts since 2009 and designing fabric collections since 2015. Her commissions include work for individuals and corporate clients such as Absolut Vodka. She has exhibited her work internationally and been covered by press such as Gizmodo.com, Design Milk and Casa Vogue.
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This episode is sponsored by The Academy for Virtual Teaching.
A community of creatives, building proficient, profitable, and professional online teaching businesses.
As a solopreneur you understand that feeling of exhaustion. There are limited hours in the day and only one of YOU to go around.
At the Academy for Virtual Teaching we can help you develop the skills needed to add online education to your business model. We are a FREE private membership community of supportive colleagues, sharing our love of making things with students around the world. We have an entire library full of equipment reviews and technical skill building workshops. We invite you to join the Academy for Virtual Teaching at a4vt.com.
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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.

Monday Mar 13, 2023
Episode #236: Anna Hrachovec of Mochimochi Land
Monday Mar 13, 2023
Monday Mar 13, 2023
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about knitting cute things with my guest Anna Hrachovec.
Anna is a Chicago-based designer and artist who loves to knit little creatures. Just about everything is more fun in tiny knitted form, so she’s inspired by everything! Under her designer brand, Mochimochi Land, Anna has created hundreds (and hundreds!) of knitting patterns that can be found in books and on her website (mochimochiland.com) and Ravelry. When she’s not making cute stuff out of yarn, Anna is busy making stop-motion animations with her woolly friends. Her heart-knitting gnome is one of the most widely shared GIFs in the world. Her first children’s book, Catside Up, Catside Down, is due out in September and is now available for preorder.
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This episode is sponsored by The Academy for Virtual Teaching.
A community of creatives, building proficient, profitable, and professional online teaching businesses.
As a solopreneur you understand that feeling of exhaustion. There are limited hours in the day and only one of YOU to go around.
At the Academy for Virtual Teaching we can help you develop the skills needed to add online education to your business model. We are a FREE private membership community of supportive colleagues, sharing our love of making things with students around the world. We have an entire library full of equipment reviews and technical skill building workshops. We invite you to join the Academy for Virtual Teaching at a4vt.com.
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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.

Monday Mar 06, 2023
Episode #235: Cheryl Ham
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Monday Mar 06, 2023
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about creating a subscription box with Cheryl Ham.
Cheryl Ham is a self-taught knitter who learned the craft with a bit of help from YouTube and a pair of her mother’s long-forgotten and slightly bent, size 9 needles. Cheryl is also the owner of Hypnotic Yarn, which came to life in 2017 after discovering the existence of hand-dyed yarn while watching knitting podcasts. Later, Cheryl founded Yarnable, a monthly hand-dyed yarn subscription that encourages self-care through the joy of knitting. When she's not playing with color in her Southern New Hampshire studio, Cheryl can be found snuggling with her two Chihuahuas.
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This episode is sponsored by Search Press.
For over 50 years, Search Press has delighted crafters with books on knitting, crochet, sewing, quilting, fiber crafts, painting, and drawing. If you want to try a new craft or improve your skills, Search Press has detailed instruction books for you. If you would like to learn more about selling Search Press books in your store or on your website, check out our website searchpressusa.com.
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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.

Monday Jan 30, 2023
Episode #234: Jenn McMillan of Sew Fine Thread Gloss
Monday Jan 30, 2023
Monday Jan 30, 2023
In today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re discussing developing a specialty notion with my guest Jenn McMillan of Sew Fine Thread Gloss.
Sewing since she can remember, Jenn was taught to sew on an old Singer Featherweight and has dabbled in various forms of textile arts her entire life. Growing up around family members who sewed, Jenn was always curious about the various trinkets and notions that were used and collected. She remembers digging through her grandmother’s sewing kit and pulling out a gnarled chunk of beeswax, later finding out what she used it for – taming her threads. She’s also excited that Sew Fine Thread Gloss is celebrating its 5-year anniversary this year!
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This episode is sponsored by Craftsy. Whether you’re new to making, or looking to advance skills in a favorite hobby, Craftsy is the place to learn. With over 1,500 classes, there’s something for everyone, from knitting and sewing, to baking and cooking, gardening, embroidery, quilting and more!
Visit CraftsyOffers.com today and get a full year of Craftsy Premium Membership for just $3! That’s 97% off the regular price! Start turning ideas into projects you can be proud of.
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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.

Monday Jan 16, 2023
Episode #233: Porfiria Gomez
Monday Jan 16, 2023
Monday Jan 16, 2023
Today on the show we’re talking about modern quilting with my guest Porfiria Gomez.
Porfiria is a sewing enthusiast, self-proclaimed designer, and blogger. A native New Yorker, Porfiria learned to sew from her mother and how is a modern quilter, teacher, and author.
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This episode is sponsored by Sublime Grafx.
Sublime Grafx is the printer of choice for your pdf sewing patterns, digital artwork, personalized mugs and graphic tees. We offer a variety of paper choices and fast turnaround. Check us out at www.sublimegrafx.com/CIA. Podcast listeners get a $5 off coupon.
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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.

Monday Jan 02, 2023
Episode #232: Meghan Fernandes of Pom Pom Quarterly
Monday Jan 02, 2023
Monday Jan 02, 2023
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about creating a craft magazine with my guest Meghan Fernandes, a co-founder of the independent knitting magazine Pom Pom.
Meghan Fernandes is a knitting designer and instructor, as well as creative director at Pom Pom. After 10 years in London, she is now based in Austin, Texas, where she lives with her husband and young daughters. She revels in the challenge of making and enjoying knitwear for a hot climate.
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Today's episode is sponsored by Craftsy.
Whether you’re new to making, or looking to advance skills in a favorite hobby, Craftsy is the place to learn.
With over 1,500 classes, there’s something for everyone, from knitting and sewing, to baking and cooking, gardening, embroidery, quilting and more!
Visit CraftsyOffers.com today and get a full year of Craftsy Premium Membership for just $3! That’s 97% off the regular price! Start turning ideas into projects you can be proud of.
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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.