Episode #304: Ann Shayne and Kay Gardiner from Modern Daily Knitting

Episode #304: Ann Shayne and Kay Gardiner from Modern Daily Knitting

Author: Abby Glassenberg January 18, 2026 Duration: 1:17:10
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a craft community with my guests Ann Shayne and Kay Gardiner   Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne are the co-founders of Modern Daily Knitting, one of the most vibrant places in today’s knitting world. Their partnership began in 2003 with a blog that quickly grew into a beloved hangout online, known for its humor, warmth, and stalwart belief that knitting is a vital part of a life well lived.   In 2024, they created Nash Yarn Fest, a big-hearted, large-scale annual gathering with vendors, speakers, and a Friday night hootenanny.  Beginning in 2025, they created a welcoming, inclusive community called The MDK Society, where members gather online and in person, and save all year long on MDK classes, shopping, and events.  And, in what has been the ultimate manifestation of a dream and most certainly their steepest learning curve, they developed two MDK-exclusive yarns, American-made Atlas and British-made Jane. Through all this, MDK has proved to be most definitely part of a life well lived.   Join MDK Society with a special discount for our listeners! Use the code CIA10 for 10% off MDK Society now through Feb. 28, 2026. +++++ This episode is sponsored by The Academy for Virtual Teaching. Most craft businesses are sitting on decades of expertise - techniques, processes, and problem-solving knowledge.As tariffs and rising costs compress margins, that knowledge matters more than ever. The Academy for Virtual Teaching’s - Virtual Teaching 101 helps craft businesses explore whether that knowledge could become a complementary income stream beyond physical products. 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: 100

Craft Industry Alliance
Podcast Episodes
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…
Episode #262: Beau McCall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:54
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about buttons with my guest Beau McCall. Proclaimed by American Craft magazine as “The Button Man,” Beau McCall creates wearable and visual art by…
Episode #261: Karla Overland of Cherrywood Fabrics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:37
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about hand-dyed fabrics with my guest Karla Overland. Karla is the owner of Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabrics in Baxter, Minnesota. She is the “colorist…
Episode #260: Jess Barrera of Sallie Tomato [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:57
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we're talking about creating a sewing business with my guest Jess Barrera of Sallie Tomato. Jessica is an author, designer, educator, and entrepreneur who has bee…
Episode #259: Drew Steinbrecher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:44
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about collage and mixed media with my guest Drew Steinbrecher. Drew has enjoyed working with his hands and being creative from a young age. He has…
Episode #258: Willie Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:40
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a knitting business with my guest Willie Smith. Willie Smith discovered knitting in 2007. He believes he’s been given a gift to ente…
Episode #157: Kristina McGrath and Sarah Walworth of Tech Tip Talk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:55
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about writing technical instructions with my guests Sarah Walworth and Kristina McGrath. Kristina and Sarah are yarn pattern technical editors, con…
Episode #256: Rachel Austen of Elle Crée [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:59
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about paint-by-numbers with my guest Rachel Austen. Rachel has a background in graphic and web design. She founded her paint-by-number kit company…
Episode #255: Brett Bara [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:58
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about bargello with my guest, Brett Bara. Brett is the founder of Hello Bargello, a brand dedicated to reviving the vintage craft of bargello for m…
Episode #254: Christie Troxell of Ritzy Parties [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:11
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about craft parties and events with my guest Christie Troxell. Christie is a master maker and creative professional specializing in the craft and p…