Craft Industry Alliance

Hosted by Abby Glassenberg

Business Entrepreneurship Leisure Education

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Episodes

337

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

An interview show for creative entrepreneurs.

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60 recent

June 12, 2026Episode 2701 hr 3 min

Episode #313: Mollie Johanson

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about stitching with my guest, Mollie Johanson. Mollie is a professional designer, illustrator, and stitcher. She's a contributor to Simply Sewing Magazine, Love Embroidery, and World of Cross Stitching, and is the author of four craft books, including her latest, Stitching Super-Cute Food Kawaii Style. Mollie shares creative inspiration and patterns on her long-running blog, Wild Olive, and has helped thousands of makers discover the charm of hand stitching and other crafts through her Etsy shop, online tutorials, and in-person workshops. She lives in the Chicago area, where she strives to make super cute stitching part of her daily life. +++++ Today's episode is sponsored by Marcus Fabrics. Marcus Block-of-the-Month programs are among the best in the industry, combining unique, beautifully designed quilts with thoughtful, well-organized programs. Their BOMs span a variety of timelines, themes and creative approaches, giving quilters endless options to choose from. +++++ 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.

May 29, 2026Episode 26957 min

Special Episode: State of the Industry 2026

We’re so pleased to bring you this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast. This is a recording of the State of the Industry panel discussion which took place live on stage on May 6 at h+h americas 2026 in Chicago. With over 800 people in the audience, our panelists dove into the biggest issues and ideas the crafts industry is wrestling with right now. It was an exciting conversation among four industry professionals each of whom has a unique vantage point and perspective. Our panelists included independent retailer Erin Love of Firecracker Fabrics in Pittsburgh, crochet designer Natalie Thomas of Detroit Knots, CEO of the sewing notions company Kearing based in China, and COO and President of Michaels Nicholas Bertram. We hope you enjoy listening to this conversation, and we invite you to join us at h+h americas 2027, which will be held May 5-7 in Chicago.

May 17, 2026Episode 26852 min

Episode #312: Sanjani Ramkissoon on the First Year of Owning a Yarn Shop

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about the first year owning a brick-and-mortar yarn shop with my guest, Sanjani Ramkissoon. Sanjani is the owner of Stitch & Revel, a yarn shop in Livermore, California, a charming wine country town in the Bay Area, about 45 miles east of San Francisco. Born in Fiji and raised in the Bay Area since the age of five, she considers herself an accidental business owner, turning a long-held dream into reality when an unexpected opportunity to purchase inventory from a closing yarn shop led her and her husband to take the leap. They opened Stitch & Revel in September 2025, in a new location with a fresh vision and name. Her vision for the shop was to create an experience, not just a place to buy yarn (though that’s important too), but a space where creativity flows and community grows. +++++ Today's episode is sponsored by Stitchcraft Marketing. If you’re making video, posting to social, sending emails, trying to grow your business, and you’re not sure if it’s working—this is for you. Stitchcraft Marketing is offering our listeners $500 Marketing Checkups: a customized coaching session where we review your channels and give you clear, prioritized next steps. It’s for brands managing their own marketing who want expert direction. Go to checkup.stitchcraftmarketing.com to apply for a Marketing Checkup. +++++ 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.

April 29, 2026Episode 26752 min

Episode #311: Katherine Lile of The Mountain Thread Company

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about coiled rope basketry with my guest Katherine Lile. Katherine is the owner of The Mountain Thread Company in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. She began sewing at age 4, and has always loved building community around creative endeavors. Since opening her business in 2015, she's been on a mission to inspire, equip, and cultivate a creative community that loves sewing rope! When Katherine isn't zigzagging coils of rope, you can find her in her garden, cooking with her kids, or enjoying family time in the mountains. +++++ 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.

April 20, 2026Episode 26652 min

Episode #310: Maude MacDonald of The Retro Quilter

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about quilting and creativity with my guest, Maude MacDonald. Maude is a creative strategist and brand designer who helps small business owners craft brands that feel like home — authentic, cohesive, and entirely theirs. Drawing from the success of her own brand, The Retro Quilter, Maude knows firsthand how intentional strategy, clear visual identity, and thoughtful creative direction can turn a passion project into a recognizable, confident brand. She works with entrepreneurs to refine their messaging, elevate their visuals, and create a brand experience that truly reflects who they are. +++++ This episode is sponsored by GoSadi. GoSadi is the all-in-one platform for craft professionals, simplifying pattern management across e-commerce sites like Etsy, Ravelry, Shopify, and WooCommerce. Powered by AI, GoSadi helps designers & businesses streamline listings, manage pattern libraries, and optimize SEO without the need for technical expertise. With a central hub and a personalized Catalog Landing Page, users can easily showcase their designs, push them to multiple platforms, and focus more on creativity. Visit gosadi.com to start your extended 3-month free trial 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.

April 4, 2026Episode 26559 min

Episode #309: Leanne Pressly and Lisa Shroyer from Stitchcraft Marketing on Buying and Selling a Craft Business

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about buying and selling a craft business with my guests Lisa Shroyer and Leanne Pressly. This episode is a bit of a different show format because we focus on how to buy or sell a business. So often in the crafts industry, businesses just close, rather than go through a sale process. Part of the reason this happens is that selling a business can be a lot of work. It requires preparation, and the due diligence process can be rough. And part of the reason is that it can be hard to find eligible buyers who truly get the crafts industry and aren’t just looking to make fast cash. But with Stitchcraft Marketing, we have a great seller success story. We invite Leanne and Lisa to share their experience selling and buying a business. Lisa is a lifelong knitter with a career spanning the craft industry, media, and tech. Prior to acquiring Stitchcraft, she worked at Interweave, F+W Media, Craftsy, NBCUniversal, and BiggerPockets. She lives in Colorado, where she spends her weekends hiking and trail running. Leanne is an accomplished entrepreneur and businesswoman with extensive experience in the craft and hobby industry. Leanne founded Stitchcraft Marketing in 2009 and worked with over 300 companies in the fiber and fabric space. Having sold the agency in 2026, Leanne is focusing on getting more time in her craft room, sewing, knitting, making pottery, and lots of sourdough bread. She lives in Colorado and enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with her family in the outdoors. +++++ This 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.

March 13, 2026Episode 2641 hr 2 min

Episode #308: Sarah Ferguson of Craft Habit

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about owning a craft store and workshop space with my guest Sarah Ferguson. Sarah is the owner of Craft Habit, a brick-and-mortar retail craft store in Raleigh, North Carolina, which offers adult and youth classes, private parties and events, and youth sewing and craft camps. In 2024, Craft Habit debuted a wholesale line of crochet, embroidery, cross stitch, punch needle, and weaving kits that are all designed by staff and local artists. Our mission for our store, classes, and kits is to bring new crafters into the fold with enthusiasm, encouragement, and a welcoming vibe. When she's not on site at Craft Habit, Sarah lives nearby with her husband and three to four dogs, and sometimes plays tennis. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Fire Mountain Gems & Beads. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has supported jewelry-making artists for more than 50 years, offering a wide selection of beads, gemstones, findings, tools and creative supplies. Known for quality, consistency and inspiration, Fire Mountain serves designers at every stage—from first projects to established creative businesses. Explore ideas, techniques and trends inside Fire Mountain Gems and Beads’ free catalog, filled with project inspiration and practical resources for designers. Get your free catalog 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.

March 2, 2026Episode 26350 min

Episode #307: Renae Bradley of Benzie Design

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about felt with my guest Renae Bradley. Renae is the owner and creative director of Benzie Design, a colorful felt stitchery and craft shop founded as a creative outlet that gave her permission to “rainbow-tize” everything -especially wool felt. In business for over 15 years, Renae values the community that has been formed both online and within Benzie's local brick & mortar. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Fire Mountain Gems & Beads. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has supported jewelry-making artists for more than 50 years, offering a wide selection of beads, gemstones, findings, tools and creative supplies. Known for quality, consistency and inspiration, Fire Mountain serves designers at every stage—from first projects to established creative businesses. Get a free catalog right here. +++++ 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. +++++

February 16, 2026Episode 26259 min

Episode #306: Michelle Galletta of Kiriki Press

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about creating a craft kit company with my guest Michelle Galletta of Kiriki Press. Ontario College of Art and Design printmaking grad Michelle Galletta wanted to make her niece an embroidered doll but couldn't find a pattern anywhere. A week after attempting her very first stitch, she was left with a set of wonky owl dolls and a deep appreciation for the craft. In time, this newfound love of embroidery joined forces with screen printing, and Kiriki Press was launched in 2013 with seven doll patterns. The collection has expanded to include over 30 embroidered doll kits, felt kits, tools and a small brick & mortar shop in Toronto's Roncesvalles neighbourhood. Kiriki Press kits can be found in over 1000 stores worldwide and known for their adorable designs, top quality materials and user friendly instructions. +++++ This episode is brought to you by h+h americas and the Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival. h+h americas is the premier wholesale springtime event for the fabric and fiber industry in Rosemont IL. With over 575 exhibitors from 26 nations, business workshops, demos, fashion shows, networking and more, this is a must-attend event for anyone working in the crafts industry. Classes start May 5 and the expo is May 6-8th.Visit hh-americas.com to learn more. The Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival is this spring’s premier consumer craft event, happening in Rosemont, IL April 30-May 3rd. With a full calendar of workshops and 250 merchant booths, this is the place to learn new skills, bond with crafty friends, and build that fiber and fabric stash. Tickets go on sale Feb 1st at fiberfabriccraft.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.

February 1, 2026Episode 26154 min

Episode #305: Madison May from CUT/SEW Patterns

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about cosplay with my guest Madison May. Madison is the owner and head pattern maker at CUT/SEW Sewing Patterns, a beginner-friendly pattern company that provides entry-level, customizable patterns to the cosplay and street fashion community. With over fifteen years of experience in the costume and fashion industry, Madison has provided patterns to both Broadway and off-Broadway theatrical productions, major US theme parks, cruise lines, and television. +++++ This episode is sponsored by The Academy for Virtual Teaching. Visibility matters when markets tighten. The Academy for Virtual Teaching’s Video Making Crash Course and YouTube for Audience Growth training help craft businesses build trust and reach customers directly—without complicated production. Check it out 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.