Episode #141: Amy Friend

Episode #141: Amy Friend

Author: Abby Glassenberg March 18, 2019 Duration: 1:06:55

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we're talking about building a business as a quilt pattern designer, author, and blogger with my guest, Amy Friend. I had the pleasure of visiting Amy in her home studio in West Newbury, Massachusetts, and recording this interview in person which was lovely! Amy lives in a mid-19th century home that was formerly inhabited by a comb maker, shoemaker, and Morgan horse breeder. She grew up down the street from where she and her husband are now raising their three children.

A former museum curator, Amy designs unique modern quilts with a specialty in paper piecing. She's written two books, both with Lucky Spool: Intentional Piecing: From Fussy Cutting to Foundation Piecing (affiliate link) and Improv Paper Piecing: A Modern Approach to Quilt Design (affiliate link). She also travels to guilds and national events to teach. Amy has a large portfolio of patterns for sale on her website, During Quiet Time, where she also blogs.

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This episode was sponsored by the artist's J.D., a place designed to add ease to the legalese of running your creative business. If you are a maker, designer, or shop owner, then you should consider joining the artist's Courtyard. It functions as your creative business' legal guide, mentor, sounding board, and resource library. Seize dream opportunities when they arise because your business is built on a strong foundation. Visit theartistsjd.com to learn more and use the code whileshenaps at checkout to get 50% off your first month.

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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 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. Meet with show host, Abby Glassenberg, each month for our Craft Business Roundtable, get access to courses and webinars taught by industry leaders, and much more.


Abby Glassenberg hosts Craft Industry Alliance, a space where the practical realities of running a creative business meet the deep personal satisfaction of making things by hand. This isn't just about inspiration; it's a grounded conversation for anyone who has turned a craft into a career or dreams of doing so. Each episode feels like a candid chat with a fellow maker, where Abby and her guests pull back the curtain on their processes, discuss the tools and materials they truly rely on, and navigate the unique challenges of entrepreneurship in the creative sphere. You'll hear specific, actionable recommendations-from sourcing sustainable materials and mastering a new technique to marketing your work and managing a studio's finances. The discussions are rooted in the real world, covering everything from the joys of the creative process to the logistics of wholesale trade shows and online sales. Tune into this podcast for an honest blend of education and community, designed to support your journey whether you're knitting, painting, pottery throwing, or designing textiles. It’s a resource that acknowledges creativity as both a passion and a profession, offering the kind of nuanced advice you’d normally only get from a trusted mentor within the tight-knit world of crafts.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 332

Craft Industry Alliance
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