Episode #89: Thomas Knauer

Episode #89: Thomas Knauer

Author: Abby Glassenberg January 16, 2017 Duration: 1:04:58

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I've asked quilter Thomas Knauer to talk about the state of the quilting industry right now. Knauer is an academic as well as an award winning quilter and he views the industry in a way that I feel is unusual and thought-provoking. He talks about the relationship between the quest for perfectionism and quilting and how that leads to consumerism. Thomas also feels that "the quilting industry has nothing to do with quilts," a statement I ask him to unpack for us. Finally, Thomas shares a new model for local quilt shops going forward - one that I've never heard before and that definitley made me think. I hope this interview prompts some new ideas to circulate as the business of quilting changes.

+++++

This episode is sponsored by Craftcation. If you’re maker, blogger or creative business owner Craftcation Conference is the perfect place for you to get all the tools and resources you need to start the business of your dreams, take your existing business to the next-level, make life-long friends and build your community, and discover or rediscover your inner artist and crafter. Come to Craftcation: Business and Makers Conference on April 27-30 2017 in Ventura, California for four life-changing days of 80+ hands-on DIY craft workshops and business classes as well as special events like happy hour, keynote dinner, morning yoga, a dance party and more. Craftcation sells out every year, so don’t miss this chance. Go to dearhandmadelife.com and use the code: whileshenaps to get $20 off and register for four days you’ll never forget.

+++++

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
Podcast Episodes
Episode #308: Sarah Ferguson of Craft Habit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:22
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about owning a craft store and workshop space with my guest Sarah Ferguson. Sarah is the owner of Craft Habit, a brick-and-mortar retail craft stor…
Episode #307: Renae Bradley of Benzie Design [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:45
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about felt with my guest Renae Bradley. Renae is the owner and creative director of Benzie Design, a colorful felt stitchery and craft shop founded…
Episode #306: Michelle Galletta of Kiriki Press [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:26
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about creating a craft kit company with my guest Michelle Galletta of Kiriki Press. Ontario College of Art and Design printmaking grad Michelle Gal…
Episode #305: Madison May from CUT/SEW Patterns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:33
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about cosplay with my guest Madison May. Madison is the owner and head pattern maker at CUT/SEW Sewing Patterns, a beginner-friendly pattern compan…
Episode #304: Ann Shayne and Kay Gardiner from Modern Daily Knitting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 Knittin…
Episode #303: Ali Dillingham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 m…
Episode #302: Kim Kight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:01
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about fabric design with my guest Kim Kight. Kim Kight started in the craft blogging world in the 2000s, first with a personal sewing and knitting…
Episode #301: Brittany Garber [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:58
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about crochet design with my guest, Brittany Garber. Britt is the creative force behind KnotBadBritt—a name that’s become synonymous with bold colo…
Episode #300: Maria Shell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:18
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about quilting with my guest Maria Shell. Maria’s work is grounded in the tradition and craft of American quilt making. She strives to take the cla…