Episode #303: Ali Dillingham

Episode #303: Ali Dillingham

Author: Abby Glassenberg January 5, 2026 Duration: 52:42

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about running a brick-and-mortar yarn shop with my guest, Ali Dillingham, owner of A Yarn Market.

A Yarn Market is a welcoming space based on the mission to make knitting and crochet accessible to all. With over 20 years of knitting experience, Ali is passionate about sharing the joy and therapeutic benefits of mindful making. She often refers to knitting as her form of 'yarn therapy.'

As a former speech-language pathologist with experience in educational settings, Ali has a deep understanding of how people learn. This background benefits her inclusive teaching style, making her a patient and effective instructor. Ali is known for her ability to empower students of all skill levels.

At A Yarn Market, along with providing access to local yarn, Ali has created a space where creativity and community flourish.

+++++

Today's episode is sponsored by The Academy for Virtual Teaching.

With tariffs, rising costs, and supply uncertainty, a lot of craft businesses are rethinking how dependent they are on physical products.

The Academy for Virtual Teaching’s Virtual Teaching 101 walks through how education and digital offerings can help diversify income for craft businesses right now.

Learn more 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.


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
Podcast Episodes
Episode #298: Amy Ting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:07
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a crochet business with Amy Ting. Amy Ting is a Korean-Taiwanese crochet designer based in the Bay Area, California. She is the auth…
Episode #297: Marianne Fons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:18
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about living the life of a quilter and writer with my guest Marianne Fons. Marianne Fons co-hosted “Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting” on public tel…
Episode #296: Michelle Cain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:43
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a quilting business with my guest Michelle Cain. Michelle tried rather hard not to become a quilter. After growing up outside of Lan…
Episode #295: Emma Brassfield [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:48
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about bag making with my guest Emma Brassfield. Emma is a YouTuber, pattern designer, bag sewing teacher and entrepreneur based near London, UK. Af…
Special Episode: Mister Larrie's Keynote at h+h americas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:26
In this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're so pleased to be sharing the keynote speech from h+h americas 2025 presented by Larrie King. Larrie King, better known as Mister Larrie, is an arts an…
Special Episode: Megan Greenwell on Private Equity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:10
On this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about private equity and it's impact on the crafts industry with my guest Megan Greenwell. Megan is a journalist who has written or edited for…
Episode #293: Zoe Frost of Junebug and Darlin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:47
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a cross-stitch business with my guest Zoe Frost. Zoe is the heart, hands, and creative force behind Junebug & Darlin, a queer owned…
Episode #292: Claudia Martinez of Snuggly Monkey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:33
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about ecommerce with my guest Claudia Martinez. Claudia is the owner of Snuggly Monkey, a craft supply store specializing in hand embroidery, Sashi…
Episode #289: Arvin Pairavi from Shannon Fabrics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:04
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a fabric company with my guest Arvin Pairavi. Arvin is a visionary entrepreneur and the driving force behind Shannon Fabrics, a lead…