Special Episode: Abbie Small on the Future of the Big 4 Sewing Pattern Brands

Special Episode: Abbie Small on the Future of the Big 4 Sewing Pattern Brands

Author: Abby Glassenberg October 4, 2025 Duration: 54:44
Welcome to this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast.   Today, we’re excited to share with you an interview with Abbie Small. Abbie served as executive vice president and general manager of Simplicity Creative Group, owner of the Big 4 pattern companies. Just last week, Rubelmann Capital, in partnership with Abbie, acquired the company from the bankruptcy auction that was held after Design Group in the UK sold Design Group Americas to Hilco Capital for $1. Now, Abbie is at the helm. We ask her how her this sale came to about and find out what the future holds for these legacy sewing pattern brands. Here's me with Abbie Small. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Spoonflower. Tired of supply chain disruptions getting in the way of your business? Spoonflower’s print-on-demand model means you get the designs you want, on the fabric you want, when you want them—all printed on demand in the USA. Click right here for access to a special offer for Craft Industry Alliance members. Discover your next bestseller today.  +++++ 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: 50

Craft Industry Alliance
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