Craft To Career

This week I'm joined by Jamie Bright of Craft a Dream, and what a treat this conversation is. Jamie is a sharp businesswoman with a real gift for marketing, and her path into quilting is not the one you might expect. Jamie did not start out in the quilting world at all. She built her business knowledge in a completely different field first, and then quilting found its way to her. With that foundat...

About Joshua Joshua Dunn is the quilter and designer behind Lifting and Stitching. Based in North Carolina, he creates modern quilts inspired by the cosmos, where memory, color, and story meet. His first pattern, A Trip Around the Universe, drew on the James Webb Telescope's Cosmic Cliffs image, and his work has been featured in quilt shows. His pattern Snapshot, a memory quilt, appears in the Sum...

Mim Jenkinson sells stickers, and she has grown that into a business earning over $1 million a year. In this episode of Craft To Career, Mim opens up about what she sells, how her business has grown year after year, and the choices that made the biggest difference. She talks about the role her courses and membership play in her success, and how learning from people who are a few steps ahead of her...

What does it look like to grow a quilt pattern business when you lean fully into your roots and design what you genuinely love? In this episode of the Craft To Career Podcast, Helene of Scandi Quilts shares how her business has grown since taking the Quilt Pattern Writing Course. Helene has built a beautiful niche around Scandinavian-style quilts, and she's seen real growth in both her sales and h...

What does it actually take to write a book, and keep writing them, year after year? In this episode, I sit down with NYT bestselling author Katherine Center for a warm, behind-the-scenes look at her life as a writer. Katherine is the author of thirteen novels  Amazon , including her newest release,  The Shippers , a friends-to-lovers romance set aboard a cruise ship. Two of her books have hit the...

What if the funding to grow your quilting business was already sitting in your local community, waiting for someone like you to apply for it? In this episode of the Craft To Career Podcast, I'm talking with Eva Saunders of Gingerly Quilt Co. about the unique way she has grown her quilting business: by applying for and receiving local grants for small creative businesses. These grants have helped E...

Chris of Modern American Vintage shares how he built a handmade maker business creating wood quilting notions, plus advice for craft entrepreneurs. Ever wondered what it takes to build a handmade maker business from the ground up? In this episode, Chris of Modern American Vintage pulls back the curtain on how he turned woodworking into a thriving small business serving the quilting community. Chri...

Artificial Intelligence is one of the biggest conversations happening in the creative world right now, and in this episode of The Craft to Career Podcast , I sat down with Theresa Benson of The AI Quilter to talk about it all. Theresa gives a thoughtful look into the use of Artificial Intelligence as a quilter, artist, and business owner. We talk about the hot topics so many creatives are wonderin...

What do felt squares, an old sewing machine, and a spark of creativity have in common? For Michael Eason, they were the beginning of a quilting journey that led him to found Quilchemy and become a respected English Paper Piecing educator. In this episode, Michael shares how he unexpectedly discovered quilting and quickly realized it was far more creative and expansive than he had imagined. Once he...

When I asked, "Which quilt shop owners do you want to hear from?" Cheryl Sleboda's name was at the top of the list—and after this conversation, you'll understand why. Cheryl is the owner of Muppins Emporium in Paducah, Kentucky, and she's built a brick-and-mortar shop that stands out in a crowded industry. In this episode, Cheryl shares the origin story of her shop, the fascinating history of the...

In this episode of the Craft to Career Podcast , I'm joined by Abby Glassenberg, founder of the Craft Industry Alliance — an organization created to help makers, designers, teachers, and creative entrepreneurs build real, sustainable businesses. Many creatives start with a love of making, but quickly discover that success requires much more than talent. It requires education, connections, and supp...

What if getting a degree in design didn't mean writing a thesis—but instead meant building a real, revenue-generating business ? In this episode, I'm joined by Carina Gardner , who is doing something truly bold: she's opened her own university. The University of Arts and Design is unlike any traditional university experience. Think of it as a trade school for creatives , where students learn pract...

In this episode, I'm joined by Dawn Jett , founder of Spruce Micro, a company I truly love and personally use. Spruce Micro has one of the most compelling business models I've seen, and it solves a very real problem for so many people: stubborn skin concerns like dark spots, large pores, uneven skin tone, and texture issues that just don't respond to one-size-fits-all solutions. Dawn shares why sh...

Have you ever wondered whether you could truly  make a living selling quilts? In this episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Sarah LoCascio , the creative entrepreneur behind Caravan Quilts , shares her answer. And it's a big, resounding YES. Sarah has built a quilting business that's unique in the industry. Her weekly quilt drops sell out quickly because her approach blends three powerful elemen...

In this inspiring episode, Sarah Morris, the creative behind Ruthlessly Handmade, shares the story of how she began hosting charity quilt events that have touched countless lives. What started as a single fundraiser two years ago has grown into an annual tradition, raising money each year for causes close to her heart: Isaiah 117 House and the Trevor Project. Her passion for helping others shines...

Meet Darrin Stern, the visionary leader behind H+H Americas and the Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival. In this episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Darrin to uncover how these two powerhouse events came to life, and why they are transforming the fiber, fabric, and crafting industries. While some claim the quilting or fabric industry is "dying," Darrin shares a very...

If you've ever dreamed of building a thriving longarm quilting business—or you're looking to grow the one you already have—this episode is packed with valuable insight. Elizabeth Chappell sits down with longarm expert Tia Curtis , a sought-after quilter known for her artistry, efficiency, and strong client relationships. Tia has grown her longarm business into a full and flourishing creative caree...

In this episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Cindy Cloward, owner of Riley Blake Designs , one of the largest and most influential fabric manufacturers in the world. Riley Blake is known for its high-quality quilting cottons, stunning designer collaborations, notions, patterns, and its iconic Garden of Quilts event. Cindy shares the inspiring story behind the c...

In this inspiring episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Elizabeth Chappell chats with Kimberly Jolly , founder and CEO of Fat Quarter Shop , one of the most recognized quilting retailers in the world. Kimberly shares her journey from running a small eBay fabric store out of her home to leading a thriving business that serves quilters across the globe. She opens up about how the company began, wh...

Meet Jessica and Aiden , the creative duo and owners of Thimtec, a company that's redefining how quilters protect their fingers! Thimtec's signature fabric thimble has quickly gained attention in the quilting world for its comfort, innovation, and thoughtful design. Jessica and Aiden share how their year-old company came to life — from the spark of an idea to a thriving small business. You'll hear...

Discover how to mentor new quilt pattern designers, run a Halloween-themed sew-along, and navigate going viral on Instagram. Featuring Maggie Reno of Snug and Stitch on the Craft to Career podcast. In this episode of the  Craft to Career podcast, Elizabeth Chappell of Quilters Candy interviews Maggie Reno of Snug and Stitch , an experienced quilt pattern designer and mentor. Maggie, along with Mic...

✨ Episode Summary: I'm diving into a topic that's close to my heart and essential for long-term success:  how to make business friends . We often hear about marketing strategies and growth plans—but what about the relationships behind the scenes? Business friends can offer support, accountability, and even joy in a journey that can sometimes feel isolating. But making those connections isn't alwa...

🧵 Episode Summary / Intro: Ever wonder how to get thousands of people excited about your event—without burning out in the process? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my most recent Quilt Along that brought in over 5,000 sign-ups . Whether you're hosting a virtual event, workshop, or course, you'll learn practical strategies for planning, promoting, and delivering a high-impact exper...

What happens when you walk away from a dream career in fashion to pursue a life of freedom, creativity, and true joy? In this episode, I chat with  Christine Lindebak , a talented garment sewist, pattern designer, and upcycling advocate who left the high-end retail world of Rodeo Drive to build a more meaningful creative business—on her own terms. Christine shares her inspiring journey of transiti...

Do you love quilting and dream of teaching others—but feel unsure about where to start or whether you're even qualified? You're not alone, and today's guest is here to guide you through it all! In this episode, I'm joined by my friend and fellow quilterpreneur, Shannon Brinkley . Shannon has built a thriving career around teaching quilting, and she's passionate about helping others do the same. Wh...