Craft Industry Alliance

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I talk with Deborah Fisher and Stacey Trock about great tools we love. Deborah is the author of Sew Fun: 20 Projects for the Whole Family. She is a doll maker and quilter who co-founded the Bright Hopes Collaborative Quilt Project and Bo Twal, a doll-making project in Haiti. Stacey Trock is a crochet designer. Her company, Fresh Stitches, p...

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast my guests are knitwear designer Gwen Bortner and crochet designer Stacey Trock. We talk about our current favorite things including awesome books, apps, bags, time-saving tools, and other great stuff we think you'll love. Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host...

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I am joined by Betz White and Claudine Hellmuth, two fantastic indie designers and all-around interesting women. We share our top picks of apps, blogs, tools, recipes, subscriptions, and other awesome things we love.  Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have...

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I am joined by Wendi Gratz and Stacey Trock. In this episode we talk about our current favorites in media, apps, tools, books, and other things we're loving that we think you'll love, too.  Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To get the...

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Stacey Trock of FreshStitches and Mollie Johansen of Wild Olive about our favorite graphic designs tools, tips, and tricks that will make your blog or website look amazing, even if you're just getting started in web design.  Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the co...

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I'm pleased to present this conversation I had with Vanessa Bertozzi who has worked at Etsy since its inception. One week after the announcement Vanessa and I talk about what prompted the new policy, what it really will entail for buyers and sellers alike, and how it will shape Etsy's future. In early October (2013) Etsy announced a signifi...

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we are talking about one of the most challenging parts of having a niche blog: monetization. My guest is Bjork Ostrom of the food blog, Pinch of Yum. Blogging is wonderfully fun and brings all kinds of rewards in and of itself like making connections with like-minded people all over the world and getting your ideas into the public eye, but...

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I chat with Dawn Treacher of Treacher Creatures about the toy testing requirements in the UK that apply to handmade softies and the process she's gone through the test 14 of her sock creatures for safety. Dawn's toys are truly adorable and our talk raises a lot of important issues for all softie makers no matter where you live.  Please note...

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast is Carol Cruise, who has had a wonderfully successful career designing stuffed animal sewing patterns for major pattern companies. She is a true veteran in this field and she has terrific advice and stories to share about her journey as a designer. Hear about Quilt Market in the 1980's!  Please note that this show used to be called the Whil...

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast is awesome sewing pattern designer and surface designer, BariJ. We have an informative conversation about how to get your sewing patterns printed and distributed to quilt shops and sewing centers all over the country. Bari generously shares the ins and outs of design, printing, and distribution. A lot goes into selling print patterns and Ba...

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast is Shawn Smith, the incredible creative talent behind Shawnimals and indie plush company that has had great success. Shawn talks with me about how he went about getting his plush designs manufactured overseas and distributed throughout the United States. I hope you enjoy his story!  Please note that this show used to be called the While She...

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast Lauren and I chat about her experience making large scale plush toys for galleries and clients. We also talk about how to get your toy designs manufactured overseas and distributed in the United States. Lauren is the creative mind behind Sweet Meats, amazing plush meat!  Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcas...

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast is the indie plush company founded by a group of friends, Monster Factory that has a unique business model that's led to incredible success. Their toys are adorable, their branding is admirable, and they are about to launch a set of toys that will be in stores nationwide. Tune in for a fun interview with one of the founders of this awesome...