Craft Industry Alliance

Latest Episodes:

Special Episode to Honor Dean Neumann's Memory Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

Today, we are re-airing an interview from March 2017 with the founders of Electric Quilt, Dean Neumann and Penny McMorris. Dean Neumann passed away this week on September 10, 2026.

Dean was the visionary behind EQ software. A mathematician who taught himself to program on a hand-me-down computer from his son, he became known to quilters worldwide through his work on Electric Quilt software. He put his heart into every version.

Dean and his wife, Penny, have both been retired from the daily operations of the company for many years now. In keeping with Dean’s wishes, the new team of programmers at Electric Quilt is committed to carrying his legacy forward.

Here is our interview with Dean and Penny.

Episode #321: Cornelius Quiring Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about sewing clothes with my guest Cornelius Quiring.

When Cornelius Quiring was 3 years old, he was in a farm accident that left his body asymmetrical. He learned how to draft patterns and sew clothes to uniquely fit his body. It was a way of embracing who he is. Today, he shares his skills with those looking to do the same and empower themselves.

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This episode is sponsored by GE Designs.

Fill your classroom all year. The Stripology Shop Partner Program from GE Designs gives quilt shops a year of classroom programming, 10% off normal wholesale pricing and free US shipping. Apply at wholesale.gequiltdesigns.com/partner

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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.

Episode #320: Emily Kerr-Finell of Wholesale in a Box Sep 19, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about wholesale with my guest Emily Kerr-Finell.

Emily is a mission-driven entrepreneur and the founder at Wholesale In a Box and Making Faire Work. A seasoned wholesale strategist, she has helped 2,000+ people start and grow small businesses. Her approach to business has been featured by The Oprah Magazine, Forbes, The Makers Summit, and Entrepreneur Magazine.

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This episode is sponsored by Hobbs Bonded Fibers.

What’s the best batting for my project? That has to be the question Hobbs Bonded Fibers is asked most often, and there’s so much to consider! Our recommendation depends on the type of project you’re making and how it will be used; what other materials you’re using; what type of drape and dimension you desire; how light or heavy, and/or cool or warm, you want it to be; how you want the project to perform; and so much more! Reach out to Stephanie Hackney at shackney@hobbsbondedfibers.com to discuss your next project! +++++

Episode #319: Kristen Balouch of Little House Cottons Sep 06, 2026

Show notes

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about illustrations and textiles with my guest Kristen Balouch, founder of Little House Cottons, an organic quilting cotton company that produces fabric based on her original illustrations.

Kristen is a children's book author, illustrator, and textile designer who has written and illustrated more than a dozen books for children. Her work has been recognized by organizations including the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation and the Society of Illustrators. She founded Little House Cottons, a boutique organic cotton brand featuring her whimsical designs in 2022. She is a graduate of Pratt Institute; her career has spanned more than thirty years, inspired by the universal themes in folk art and color play. She divides her time between a tiny apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and her studio in New York's Adirondacks.

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This episode is sponsored by Quilting.com. Right now, quilters across the country are searching online for shops just like yours. The question is — will they find you? Quilting.com is building the go-to directory for the quilting community, and registration is open now. It's free, it's fast, and it puts your business in front of customers actively looking to buy. Visit Quilting.com and register today.

Quilting.com is offering a free month's business upgrade to Craft Industry Alliance listeners using Coupon Code: CRAFT2026.

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Episode #318: Carina Gardner Aug 15, 2026

Show notes

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about surface design with my guest, Carina Garnder.

Dr. Carina Gardner is the founder and President of the University of Arts & Design, which offers degrees and certificates through a unique program that helps designers turn their creative skills into profitable businesses.

Carina holds a Ph.D. in Design from the University of Minnesota and has spent over 18 years licensing her art and patterns. Her designs have appeared on dishware, jewelry, prints, clocks, sewing patterns, kids' products, and seasonal décor sold through major retailers like Nordstrom, Riley Blake Designs, Silhouette, and 500+ independent boutiques and museums across the U.S. She previously served as Creative Director for Carta Bella Scrapbook Paper.

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This episode is sponsored by h+h americas Fall Edition.

Attention Craft Industry Alliance podcast listeners! Mark your calendars for the h+h americas Fall Edition, happening September 30th through October 2nd at the Reliant Center in Houston, Texas! Discover new seasonal collections, source top-quality fiber, fabric, and tools, and build valuable industry connections. Buy your ticket today!

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Episode #317: Amy Sadler of Knitty Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about knitting and crochet publishing with my guest Amy Sadler.

Amy is the editor of Knitty, as well as publisher and founder of the magazine. In 2002, she suddenly realized she could start an online knitting magazine to feature the knitting talent she'd been seeing on blogs all over the world, all on one tidy, professional-looking website. And here we are 24 years later.

Amy is a member of the cohort of late-diagnosed autism and ADHD women of a certain age. She’s into her rescue dog, Sky, rabbits, quirky movies, tiny collectible vinyl toys, everything about Formula 1 racing, and making one very good iced coffee to start every day. She lives in Hamilton, Ontario.

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This episode is sponsored by Clothworks.

If you're involved in the quilting industry, you're probably familiar with the Clothworks family of brands. From trend-forward print collections and American Made Brand Cotton Solids to the playful world of Susybee, Clothworks creates fabrics that help keep quilt shops and their customers inspired.

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Special Episode: Michael Blanding, Author of The Gospel According to Hobby Lobby Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

On this special live episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about Hobby Lobby with my guest Michael Blanding, author of the new book The Gospel According to Hobby Lobby: Inside a Billionaire Family's Quest to Craft a Christian Nation.

Michael is a Boston-based investigative journalist and author of In Shakespeare’s Shadow and the New York Times bestseller, The Map Thief. A former senior writer at Boston Magazine and senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, his work has appeared in The New York Times, WIRED, Slate, Smithsonian, The Boston Globe, and other publications. Visit his website at www.michaelblanding.com.

Michael visited the Craft Industry Alliance studio to tape this interview in front of a live virtual audience.

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Special Episode: Natalie Chanin Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

In this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're thrilled to be bringing you a recording of the keynote address at h+h americas 2026. This year our speaker was Natalie Chanin and her talk was called, The Future of Craft Is Collective.

Natalie is the founder and creative director of The School of Making, Alabama Chanin, and the nonprofit Project Threadways, reflects on the evolving role of craft in a complex world. Drawing on the Project Threadways manifesto, she explores how making—rooted in joy, creativity, and shared experience—can connect individuals while also building stronger, more resilient and interconnected systems of education, production, and community. This keynote invites the craft industry to chart a path forward through collaboration, shared resources, and collective stewardship—moving beyond preservation to build resilient, regenerative ecosystems for the next generation of makers.

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Episode #313: Mollie Johanson Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

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.

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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.

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Special Episode: State of the Industry 2026 May 29, 2026

Show notes

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.

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