Craft Industry Alliance

Abby Glassenberg
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  • CRAFTS
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

An interview show for creative entrepreneurs.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Episode #303: Ali Dillingham

    On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about running a brick-and-mortar yarn shop with my guest, Ali Dillingham, owner of A Yarn Market. A Yarn Market is a welcoming space based on the mission to make knitting and crochet accessible to all. With over 20 years of knitting experience, Ali is passionate about sharing the joy and therapeutic benefits of mindful making. She often refers to knitting as her form of 'yarn therapy.' As a former speech-language pathologist with experience in educational settings, Ali has a deep understanding of how people learn. This background benefits her inclusive teaching style, making her a patient and effective instructor. Ali is known for her ability to empower students of all skill levels. At A Yarn Market, along with providing access to local yarn, Ali has created a space where creativity and community flourish. +++++ Today's episode is sponsored by The Academy for Virtual Teaching. With tariffs, rising costs, and supply uncertainty, a lot of craft businesses are rethinking how dependent they are on physical products. The Academy for Virtual Teaching’s Virtual Teaching 101 walks through how education and digital offerings can help diversify income for craft businesses right now. Learn more at academyforvirtualteaching.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.

    53 min

  2. 15/12/2025

    Episode #302: Kim Kight

    On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about fabric design with my guest Kim Kight. Kim Kight started in the craft blogging world in the 2000s, first with a personal sewing and knitting blog then her fabric news blog, True Up. She is the author of the book "A Field Guide to Fabric Design" in 2011 with Stash Books, which is still in print. She started designing with Cotton + Steel Fabrics in 2013, now Ruby Star Society since 2018. She lives outside of Austin, TX with her family and pets. +++++ 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.

    50 min

  3. 01/12/2025

    Episode #301: Brittany Garber

    On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about crochet design with my guest, Brittany Garber.   Britt is the creative force behind KnotBadBritt—a name that’s become synonymous with bold color, approachable crochet design, and thoughtful community-building in the fiber arts world. With over five years of experience as a designer and educator, Britt is known for patterns that are both playful and practical, helping makers grow their skills with confidence. She’s also the founder of the Makers of Color Collective, an initiative focused on amplifying diverse voices and fostering deeper inclusion across our industry. +++++ This episode is sponsored by QT Fabrics.  Discover the creativity behind QTFabrics! From vibrant prints to endless textures, our collections are crafted to elevate every quilting and sewing project. We proudly celebrate the artistry of beloved designers Jane Maday, Andrea Lavery, Kate Lower, and Dan Morris, and we’re thrilled to welcome fresh inspiration from Emily Lamb as well as Elaine Hooley of Soho Studios, London. At QTFabrics, every yard tells a story. Let it help you tell yours. +++++ 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.

    1h 9m

  4. 17/11/2025

    Episode #300: Maria Shell

    On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about quilting with my guest Maria Shell.   Maria’s work is grounded in the tradition and craft of American quilt making. She strives to take the classical components of a traditional bedquilt and manipulate them with the hope of creating surprising combinations of pattern, repetition, and color for the viewer. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Quarry Books.    Check out Crochet Your Celebrity Crush with Lee Sartori! This book provides 15 amigurumi patterns to create adorable, crocheted versions of famous actors, musicians, and athletes. You can stitch your very own Harry Styles, Pedro Pascal, and more with Lee’s step-by-step instructions, suitable for crocheters of all skill levels.   Crochet Your Celebrity Crush is available now from Quarry. +++++ 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.

    1h 3m

  5. 03/11/2025

    Episode #299: Louisa Sonstroem

    On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about hand sewing with my guest Louisa Soenstrom.   Louisa considers garment-making skills to be deeply empowering. Louisa writes and teaches about patternmaking and hand stitching clothing. For most of a decade, she worked in technical design and patternmaking, most recently for Macy's and Eileen Fisher. Previous works have included a self-published book called Hand Sewing Clothing: A Guide, as well as two seasons of “Patternmaking in Public Places,” an outreach project she started to democratize access to patternmaking skills. This year, Louisa is celebrating the August release of her newest book, The Handsewn Wardrobe: A Complete Guide to Making Your Own Clothes, from Patternmaking to the Finishing Stitches, in collaboration with Storey Publishing. +++++ This episode is sponsored by P&B Textiles. P&B Textiles has entered their 45th year of business — that’s four and a half decades of creativity and connection! A true legacy company celebrating its commitment to design, innovation, and outstanding customer service. Through the years, they’ve built lasting relationships and inspired makers everywhere. They truly value those personal connections with both fabric shops and consumers. P&B ----- “Basics and Beyond!” +++++ 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.

    1h 9m

  6. 20/10/2025

    Episode #298: Amy Ting

    On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast,  we’re talking about building a crochet business with Amy Ting. Amy Ting is a Korean-Taiwanese crochet designer based in the Bay Area, California. She is the author of Amigurumi Critters and creator of Curious Papaya. Amy’s amigurumi creations have resonated with a wide audience but especially so with the Asian-American population. Her designs have been featured in notable publications such as Simply Crochet Magazine and Crochet Society, and she has also collaborated with popular brands in the fiber arts community such as Michael’s Arts and Crafts, Jo-Ann Fabrics and Clover Needlecrafts. Amy hopes for those viewing her work to feel empowered through representation and inspired to take on new challenges.  +++++ Today's episode is sponsored by knitCompanion. Knit without limits! knitCompanion keeps track so your hands and mind can focus on making things and learning new techniques. It works with ANY PATTERN so you can craft what you love. Check it out and download the app today! +++++ 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.

    56 min

  7. 04/10/2025

    Special Episode: Abbie Small on the Future of the Big 4 Sewing Pattern Brands

    Welcome to this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast.   Today, we’re excited to share with you an interview with Abbie Small. Abbie served as executive vice president and general manager of Simplicity Creative Group, owner of the Big 4 pattern companies. Just last week, Rubelmann Capital, in partnership with Abbie, acquired the company from the bankruptcy auction that was held after Design Group in the UK sold Design Group Americas to Hilco Capital for $1. Now, Abbie is at the helm. We ask her how her this sale came to about and find out what the future holds for these legacy sewing pattern brands. Here's me with Abbie Small. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Spoonflower. Tired of supply chain disruptions getting in the way of your business? Spoonflower’s print-on-demand model means you get the designs you want, on the fabric you want, when you want them—all printed on demand in the USA. Click right here for access to a special offer for Craft Industry Alliance members. Discover your next bestseller today.  +++++ 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.

    55 min

  8. 15/09/2025

    Episode #297: Marianne Fons

    On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about living the life of a quilter and writer with my guest Marianne Fons.   Marianne Fons co-hosted “Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting” on public television nationwide for many years, first with Liz Porter and later with daughter Mary Fons.   With Liz, she co-authored Quilter’s Complete Guide, one of the best selling quilting books of all time. Marianne Fons and Liz Porter were the 2019 inductees into the Quilters Hall of Fame.   Marianne served on the board of directors of Quilts of Valor Foundation for eight years. She helped establish the Iowa Quilt Museum in 2016, and in 2017 reopened The Iowa Theater, both in her hometown of Winterset, Iowa. In 2021, she was named Madison County Citizen of the Year.   Her literary life includes writing novels and assisting the Washington Island Literary Festival on Washington Island, Wisconsin, where she has a summer home. +++++ 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, lyrical celebration of friendship featuring a charming cast of 40 vintage fabric characters set amidst a backdrop of 60 heirloom quilts. This book is perfect for makers and those who appreciate handmade treasures, as well as anyone nostalgic about the fabric pals that comforted them as children! Visit  amybarickman.com/loveyoutopieces to learn more and order today. +++++ 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.

    1h 6m
See All (326)

About

An interview show for creative entrepreneurs.

Information

  • Creator
    Abby Glassenberg
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodes
    326
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2013 Abby Glassenberg. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Craft Industry Alliance

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