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 #271: Megumi Inouye [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:24
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about the art of wrapping gifts with my guest Megumi Inouye. Megumi is a gift-wrapping and packaging artist. Known for her sustainable wrap-ping de…
Golden Scissors Awards 2024: The Loose Ends Project + Allyson Allen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:11
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking with two more of the winners of the Golden Scissors Awards. These new awards recognize excellence in the crafts industry and are given out annually…
Golden Scissors Award 2024 Winners: Elizabeth Okeyele + Ali Pate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:30
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking with two of the winners of the Golden Scissors Awards. These new awards recognize excellence in the crafts industry and are given out annually at h…
Episode #268: Amber Kemp-Gerstel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:14
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building an audience with my guest Amber Kemp-Gersel of Damask Love. Amber was the keynote speaker at h+h americas 2024 in Chicago and this i…
Episode #267: Krista West of Avlea Folk Embroidery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:35
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about folk embroidery with my guest Krista West. Krista delights in bringing ancient beauty to the modern world with embroidery designs inspired by…
Episode #266: Kelly Brooks from Knitbrooks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:35
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a craft tool company with my guest Kelly Brooks. Kelly and her husband, Scott Gardiner, are the team behind knitbrooks, where they c…
Episode #265: Heather Lou [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:02
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we're talking about growing a sewing pattern business with my guest Heather Lou. Heather has been passionately making her own clothes since 2010, and discovered s…
Special Episode: State of the Industry 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:55
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 1 at h+h americas 2024 in…
Episode #264: Lauren Tilden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:17
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about marketing, retail, and stationery with my guest Lauren Tilden. Lauren is a marketing coach for small business owners struggling to consistent…
Episode #263: Sara Barnes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:59
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about embroidery and illustration with my guest Sara Barnes. Sara is an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs B…