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. Sara chronicles the creativity of others through her blog Brown Paper Bag and weekly newsletter, Orts.  Her newest book is Threads of Treasure: How to make, mend, and find meaning thro ..read more

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 first-ever retrospective exhibition debuts at Fuller Craft Museum titled, Beau McCall: Buttons On!  +++++ Calling all crafters! Are you ready to dive deep into your favorite crafting proj ..read more

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 applies her combined passions to all aspects of Cherrywood; web and print design, color theory, marketing, pattern design, and The Cherrywood Challenge. She has self-published nine exhibit books a ..read more

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 company, Sallie Tomato. Her innovative designs and products aim to attract the next generations of sewing enthusiasts while appealing to current makers. Aside from running a business, she’s a mom of tw ..read more

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 lives in Cincinnati with his partner Greg and their Schnauzer Fred.  +++++ Today's episode is sponsored by Craftsy. Calling all crafters! Are you ready to dive deep into your favorite crafting proje ..read more

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 pattern writing and knitting design, and have written a handbook for knitting designers. They are committed to improving access to industry knowledge, helping designers create patterns that fit every size b ..read more

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 company seeks to reduce its impact on the environment by carefully sourcing eco-friendly components that are locally- and USA-made whenever possible. Elle Crée’s custom paint colors are mixed fro ..read more

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. Christie also works closely with dozens of major global creative brands, retailers, and manufacturers as a strategist, designer, trend forecaster, and social media partner.  +++++ This episode i ..read more

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 University of Central Florida, and is starting his PhD in change leadership for equity and inclusion from the University of Central Arkansas this Fall. Austin has worked on several progressive political ca ..read more

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 started her career as a community and union organizer, and made the switch to small business when she helped to launch a sewing factory in 2016. +++++ Today's episode is sponsored by The Academy for Virt ..read more