Explore every episode of the podcast Homespun With Misty

In this episode of Homespun, host Misty Doan chats with Amber Elliott, the talented pattern and fabric designer behind Alderwood Studio. Amber shares her inspiring journey from a decade-long career as a software engineer to running her creative business full-time.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Amber’s childhood sewing with both grandmothers—one focused on mending, the other on formalwear.

• Why exploring multiple creative outlets fuels her inspiration.

• How she transitioned from software engineering to full-time quilt and fabric design.

• Her philosophy that success comes from consistency, learning from mistakes, and playing the long game.

• Why being “bad” at something can be freeing and creatively healthy.

• The importance of experimentation and only developing a fraction of your ideas into finished patterns.

• Insights from her new book on gradients, color theory, and adapting patterns for ombre quilting.

• Excitement for new fabric collections, pottery exploration, and finishing her current knitting project.

In this inspiring episode of Homespun, host Misty Doan welcomes Jemima Flendt — quilt pattern designer, teacher, author, and founder of Tied with a Ribbon. From her early days as a home economics teacher in Perth, Australia, to becoming an internationally recognized quilting educator, Jamaa shares how she turned her love for textiles into a thriving creative business.

Key Episode Highlights

• Shift from teaching high school students to designing patterns and books.

• Why imperfect first projects are milestones worth honoring.

• How her nan and mom nurtured her love of sewing, crochet, and textiles.

• Designing matching quilt and crochet patterns and how it built unexpected community connections.

• Encouraging creative freedom and personal methods in quilting.

• Building a global quilting audience from Perth to the US.

• Creating beginner-friendly patterns with detailed, supportive instructions.

• Advice for anyone considering turning their craft into a business.

Join host Misty Doan on Homespun as she chats with her sister-in-law Natalie, a talented and multi-faceted creator. From her earliest sewing memories inspired by her mother and the San Francisco Ballet, to building her own creative hobbies in stained glass, painting, crochet, and clay, Natalie shares how she nurtures creativity, finds inspiration, and approaches both challenges and joy in her artistic journey. Tune in to hear practical advice for new quilters, tips for staying motivated, and the magic of turning hobbies into a creative career.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Natalie’s first sewing memories watching her mother create ballet costumes.

• Early experiments with making her own clothes and buying her first sewing machine.

• Exploration of multiple creative hobbies: painting, stained glass, crochet, knitting, woodworking, and clay.

• Tips for staying inspired and motivated, including prioritization and time-blocking strategies.

• The importance of embracing mistakes and understanding that creativity grows through practice.

• Advice for new quilters: patience, good tools, and perseverance.

• How hobbies turned into a creative career through experimentation, sharing, and teaching.

• Upcoming creative projects Natalie wants to try: pottery, making clothes, and clay pin toppers.

Join host Misty Doan for an inspiring conversation with Teresa Coates, founder of Crinkle Dreams and renowned sewing educator. From making her first dirndl skirt in church class as a child to becoming the go-to expert for cuddle fabric and quilt coats, Teresa shares her remarkable journey through the sewing industry.

In this episode, Teresa opens up about her transition from English major to fabric industry insider, her eight years educating sewers at Shannon Fabrics, and her recent leap into entrepreneurship with Crinkle Dreams. Discover how she conquered her fear of new materials, traveled to 46 states teaching in an RV, and developed techniques that make intimidating projects accessible to quilters everywhere.

Key Episode Highlights:

• How Teresa became Shannon Fabrics' cuddle expert despite never sewing with the fabric before
• The student who held scissors for 10 minutes, too afraid to cut her grandmother's crossstitch quilt
• Why experienced sewers are more intimidated by new techniques than complete beginners
• Teresa's "first one's practice" rule—always plan to make at least two of any project
• The 46-state RV teaching adventure that happened during the pandemic lockdown
• How a pattern company sat dormant for years until the quilt coat revival brought it back to life
• The grandmother's quilt that lived in a trunk for 70 years until it became a wearable jacket
• Why Teresa separates creative studio days from administrative work for better productivity
• Her "we'll make it work" philosophy that prioritizes flexibility over perfection
• How living in Utah's natural beauty directly influences her quilt color and texture choices

Join host Misty Doan as she sits down with Kim Christopherson, the creative force behind Kimberbell Designs, to explore an inspiring entrepreneurial journey that began with personalized pillows sold on eBay and evolved into a recognized brand in the crafting world.

In this heartfelt conversation, Kim shares how a nickname from her dad became a business name, how her husband's simple suggestion changed everything, and why staying curious has been the key to her success. From her early days as a fourth-grade teacher sewing next to her baby's crib to leading a team that spans machine embroidery, quilting, and now punch needle crafts, Kim's story is a testament to trusting yourself even when you don't have all the answers.

Key Episode Highlights:

• From selling personalized pillows on eBay to building Kimberbell brand
• Husband's pivotal question: "What about teaching people instead of selling finished products?"
• "You do what you do best and hire out the rest" - scaling philosophy
• "Who Cares How Long Cute Takes" - company motto prioritizing joy over speed
• How a half-finished quilt became the signature "bench pillow" product
• Expanding from machine embroidery into punch needle and handwork
• "Stay curious" - key advice for business and creative growth
• Making instruction feel like guidance from a best friend

Join host Misty Doan as she sits down with Nicola Walton, the innovative mind behind Daisy and Grace and the revolutionary quilt-as-you-go templates that have transformed how quilters approach their craft. Nicola shares her fascinating journey from being a fashion designer in London to becoming a quilting innovator whose techniques have captivated makers worldwide. Named after her two beloved grandmothers—creative Daisy and glamorous Grace—her company represents the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Fashion designer in London transitioned to quilting entrepreneur after traveling the world with her husband
• Named her company "Daisy and Grace" after her two grandmothers - one creative, one glamorous
• Created quilt-as-you-go templates because existing methods didn't allow proper positioning of materials
• Templates work for both hand sewing and machine quilting, making the craft more approachable for beginners
• Designs entirely in her head and with fabric - never uses digital design tools
• Taught her mom to quilt, completing a full circle from her mom making all her childhood clothes
• "Be brave, have faith in yourself" - took 3 years before she realized it could be a proper business
• Working on her own fabric line and expanding beyond quilting into dollhouse projects and jewelry
• Fewer quilters and shops than the US, many closed during COVID, but younger generation showing interest
• Views sewing as a form of adult play that releases and fulfills her creatively

Join host Misty Doan as she sits down with Amy Latta of Amy Latta's Creations, a remarkable creative entrepreneur whose journey spans from ballroom dance instruction to becoming a bestselling craft book author and fabric designer. Amy shares how a simple desire to stay home with her young son led to a thriving creative business built on the philosophy that "practice makes progress."

Key Episode Highlights:

• Amy's journey from ballroom dance instructor to bestselling craft author and fabric designer
• "Practice makes progress" philosophy - why perfectionism kills creativity
• Overcoming rejection: First book rejection led to 125,000+ bestseller and 9 more books
• Blessing Bears Ministry: Son's compassion sparked nationwide effort delivering 575 bears to people in need
• First fabric collection "Bloom" launching with Andover Fabrics in summer 2025
• Teaching quilting across three generations and breaking gender barriers in crafting
• Creating for others brings the most fulfillment - "we're all created to create"

Join host Misty Doan as she sits down with Elizabeth Chappell, the powerhouse entrepreneur behind Quilter's Candy. Elizabeth shares her unique journey from spotting a business opportunity at Quilt Market to becoming a successful fabric designer with Art Gallery Fabrics, podcast host of "Craft to Career," and educator helping other quilters build sustainable creative businesses.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Discovered quilting as a business opportunity, not a hobby
• Asked to become Art Gallery Fabrics socialite - emphasizes asking for opportunities despite rejection
• Pat Bravo's feedback helped her find her authentic creative voice in fabric design
• Overcame self-doubt through therapy and shifting from scarcity to abundance mindset
• Teaches pattern writing courses using Adobe software and offers free resources
• Protects creativity by saying no more and taking "playdates with yourself"

In this episode of Homespun, Misty Doan sits down with designer Kristin Nicholas to explore a life overflowing with color, craft, and creativity. From a 4-H childhood and lessons from her grandmother, to decades leading the yarn industry, to running a working sheep farm in Western Massachusetts, Kristin shares how she finds inspiration everywhere—from nature to art history. She dives into the thrill of trying new crafts, embracing failure, and letting each creative experiment feed the next. Plus, hear about her books, pottery, embroidery, and why learning something new can completely transform your main craft.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Early creative influences from family, 4-H, and Sunset craft kits in the 1960s

• Career path from textile degrees to becoming a yarn company creative director

• Life on a 1750s sheep farm with 400 sheep and rotational grazing

• Insights on trends in crochet and embroidery

• How pottery and other crafts influence her knitting and crochet design

• Practical tips for finding color inspiration in nature and art

• Encouragement to try new crafts to broaden skills and perspective

• Reflections on her published books and current creative newsletter

In this episode of Homespun, Misty Doan sits down with Moda fabric designer Stacy Iest Hsu to talk about her journey from growing up on a farm to creating some of quilting’s most beloved fabric collections. Stacy shares how she transitioned from graphic design to quilting, the role persistence played in landing her dream job, and why storytelling is woven into every fabric she creates.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Stacy’s creative journey from farm life to the world of fabric design

• The persistence and patience behind breaking into the quilting industry

• How a simple idea grew into a successful partnership with Moda Fabrics

• The importance of storytelling in fabric collections

• Stacy’s advice for aspiring designers

In this episode of Homespun, host Misty Doan welcomes Rena Dearden, owner and designer behind The Rustic Horseshoe, known for her charming stuffed animals and ride-on toy sewing patterns. Rena shares her inspiring leap from a career in law enforcement to building her own creative business, sparked by a beloved childhood stick horse. She opens up about the challenges of leaving a stable job, the perseverance it took to make her dream work, and how she turned an early, imperfect creation into a thriving pattern line beloved by makers worldwide.

Key Episode Highlights:

• How Rena transitioned from police work to running a creative business from home

• The sentimental story of the stick horse that inspired The Rustic Horseshoe

• How strong, skilled women in law enforcement reshaped Rena’s view of sewing

• Lessons learned from selling early creations and refining designs

• Rena’s hands-on, pencil-and-paper approach to designing stuffed animals

• Why sticking through financial and emotional challenges made all the difference

• The shift from product deadlines to a more flexible pattern-based business

• Why anyone can create with the right steps and mindset

• How Rena stays inspired and playful in her work

Join host Misty Doan as she sits down with Ashlee Elle of The Dream Crochet for an inspiring conversation about creativity, community, and finding joy in the making process. Ashlee shares her journey from family craft nights to becoming a successful crochet designer and Instagram creator, offering honest insights about overcoming introversion, managing creative blocks, and maintaining artistic passion when your hobby becomes your career. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical wisdom about embracing the creative process.

Key Episode Highlights:

• How Ashlee discovered crochet during pre-YouTube family craft nights with pizza, movies, and hands-on learning
• Ashlee's journey from self-portrait photography to confidently sharing her crochet art online
• How focusing on the art rather than herself helped overcome social media anxiety
• Why Ashlee embraces creative blocks as necessary "rest periods" for the mind
• Maintaining joy when your creative hobby becomes your full-time career
• How Ashlee draws creative inspiration from poetry, music, nature, and even non-yarn craft supplies
• Treating your creative practice like a garden that needs nurturing and care
• Why "abstract" first projects have character and the importance of practice over perfection
• Ashlee's exciting plans to merge quilting with crochet
• Managing the challenges of putting your art online while staying true to your creative mission

Join host Misty Doan for an intimate Birthday Bash week conversation with the incomparable Jenny Doan, founder of Missouri Star Quilt Company. In this heartfelt episode, Jenny shares the incredible 16-year journey from a simple quilt machine purchase to building a global quilting community that spans continents.

Discover the story behind Missouri Star's viral first YouTube tutorial (spoiler: it involved a broken leg and heavy pain medication!), learn why Jenny believes your skills shouldn't "die with you," and get an exclusive look at the company's humble beginnings when they had just "three bolts of fabric and a quilt machine."

Key Episode Highlights:

• How a quilt machine "too big for the house" launched Missouri Star during the 2008 crash
• The story of their first YouTube tutorial—broken leg, wheelchair, and pain medication included
• When the post office started picking up packages and a woman flew from Brazil to visit
• Jenny's philosophy on passing creative skills to the next generation before they "die with you"
• How not knowing quilting "rules" became Jenny's superpower for shortcuts and innovation
• Why taking creative time for yourself isn't selfish—it's essential for caregivers
• Jenny's leap of faith into humanitarian work and stepping away from Missouri Star
• How this break might transform Jenny's creative process and what it means for the company

Southern Charm star Craig Conover joins Homespun host Misty Doan to share his incredible journey from struggling law student to successful entrepreneur. After facing ridicule for his love of sewing, Craig turned his middle school home economics skills into Sewing Down South, a thriving home decor brand.

In this candid conversation, Craig opens up about overcoming perfectionism, dealing with haters, the power of charitable giving in business, and why he believes everyone should pursue their passions regardless of what others think. From his $199 Amazon sewing machine to building retail stores in Charleston and Nashville, this is a story about trusting your instincts and never giving up on what brings you joy.

Key Episode Highlights:

• How a Southern Charm reality star turned middle school home economics memories into a million-dollar pillow empire
• The $199 Amazon sewing machine purchase that changed everything
• Hurricane Dorian charity drive that generated $60,000 in weekend sales and forced the pivot from garage to factory production
• Why giving up majority ownership to business partners was the smartest decision
• The mental shift from seeking validation through nightlife to finding joy in staying home to sew
• How charitable giving became both authentic mission and brilliant business strategy for media coverage and customer motivation
• Craig's advice for hobby haters: "You'll never find someone doing better than you talking about you"

Join host Misty Doan as she sits down with beloved pattern designer and fabric artist Minky Kim for an intimate conversation about creativity, resilience, and finding your voice in a new country.

In this heartfelt episode, Minki shares her incredible journey from moving to the US from Korea with just two suitcases to building a thriving creative business with over 200 sewing patterns and her own fabric lines with Riley Blake Designs.

Key Episode Highlights:

• How a sewing machine became Minki's "first friend in America"
• Starting a creative practice in a tiny space with limited resources
• The challenges and triumphs of learning English while building a business
• Why Minki focuses on small, approachable projects that can be finished in a day
• Her transition from posting wordless step-by-step photos to becoming a published author
• Navigating social media as a creative entrepreneur
• The importance of showing up consistently while staying true to your authentic voice
• How everyday moments with her three daughters inspire her whimsical designs

Join Misty Doan as she sits down with artist and fabric designer Janet Wecker Frisch of Riley Blake Designs. From discovering her style through vintage illustrations to launching a thriving creative business at 40, Janet shares how her love for storytelling, faith, and art has shaped a meaningful career in fabric design.

Key Episode Highlights:

• How Janet transitioned from stay-at-home mom to full-time artist at age 40

• The inspiration behind her whimsical, vintage illustration style

• Why her first fabric collection, Hungry Animal Alphabet, became an instant hit

• The process of merging antique public domain art with digital design

• Stories behind her collections like Pumpkin Patch, Old School, and Press On

• The heart behind her upcoming creative space and workshops

• Encouragement for anyone starting late or outside the traditional quilting world

Join host Misty Doan as she sits down with Vanessa Goertzon, the creative force behind Lola Boutique and fabric designer for Moda Fabrics. Vanessa shares her inspiring journey from a divorced mom working until 1 AM to becoming a recognizable name in the quilting industry. Discover how she built her signature style, overcame imposter syndrome, and learned to protect her creative energy while building a sustainable business.

Key Episode Highlights:

• How Vanessa started her fabric design career with just five minutes a day in Photoshop while raising two young kids
• Getting rejected by Moda, then coming back a year later with improved designs that landed her the dream job
• Working from her kids' bedtime until 1 AM as a single mom and learning when to finally say no to opportunities
• Building a signature style without using signature colors - creating recognizable designs while changing palettes every collection
• Her design evolution from hand-drawing and scanning sketches to drawing directly on iPad Pro
• Why she won't write another book right now and how she protects her creative energy from overextension
• Living 45 minutes from Zion National Park and how nature resets inspire her fabric collections

Join host Misty Doan on Homespun as she sits down with the incredibly talented Kira Dulaney, a fiber arts educator and pattern designer who has transformed her lifelong love of crafting into a thriving career. In this inspiring episode, Kira shares her unique journey from theater costume design to teaching middle schoolers after-school fiber arts programs, and how working in yarn shops led to publishing her own knitting and crochet patterns. Discover the profound differences between teaching children versus adults, why "letting yourself be a beginner" is crucial for learning, and how her theater background unexpectedly prepared her for inclusive pattern design. Kira also introduces hybrid crochet (Tunisian crochet) as an accessible entry point for nervous beginners and shares her philosophy that creativity should bring joy, not frustration.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Kira's evolution from theater costume design to full-time fiber arts teaching and pattern design
• Why children are naturally better students than adults - and what we can learn from their fearless approach
• How theater costume experience led to inclusive pattern sizing and fitting expertise
• The introduction of hybrid/Tunisian crochet as an ideal beginner technique combining knitting and crochet benefits
• Teaching philosophy: "If we're frustrated, we're missing the point of creativity"
• Building a fiber arts career through yarn shop teaching, pattern publishing, and festival workshops
• The importance of making tangible things in our increasingly digital world

Join host Misty Doan as she sits down with Jessica Barrera, founder of Sally Tomato, to explore her inspiring journey from working at a family quilt shop to building a successful bag pattern and hardware business. In this engaging conversation, Jessica shares how she turned her college entrepreneurship major into a thriving creative business, the challenges of scaling from her basement to a full operation, and her passion for making bag-making accessible to sewists of all levels. Discover the story behind her viral prom dress made from denim, her approach to product development, and valuable advice for aspiring creative entrepreneurs looking to turn their passion into profit.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Growing up at Nancy's Notions quilt shop and turning college entrepreneurship major into Sally Tomato empire
• The denim prom dress challenge that proved friends wrong and built her design confidence
• When inventory overflow took over the house - the moment she knew the business needed help
• Hardware innovation solving customer frustration with coordinated supplies and matching components
• First trade show chaos with homemade brick walls and learning the industry through trial by fire
• Balancing workaholic tendencies with family life using habit trackers and vintage movie inspiration
• Making bag-making accessible through educational tutorials and supporting sewists at every level

Join host Misty Doan on Homespun as she sits down with Tian Connaughton, a talented knitter, crocheter, designer, and tech editor who made the bold leap from corporate finance to pursuing her passion for handmade crafts. In this inspiring episode, Tian shares her fascinating journey that began with learning to crochet from a coworker in 2001, evolved through watching knitting shows during naptime with her toddler son, and ultimately led to creating her groundbreaking book "Cardigans for Everybody." Discover how a corporate layoff became the catalyst for building a fiber arts business, her mission to create wearable garments that fit every body type, and her approach to blending financial savviness with creative passion.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Tian's unexpected entry into fiber arts - learning crochet from a suspicious coworker who turned out to be a gateway to her future career
• The transition from hobby crafter to professional designer after a corporate layoff provided the perfect opportunity to reassess life priorities
• Her revolutionary approach to inclusive sizing in knitting/crochet patterns and why standard pattern grading often fails real bodies
• The business side of creativity - implementing "CEO days" and using corporate finance skills to build a sustainable craft business
• Why she tells beginners to skip washcloths and scarves and start with what they actually want to make
• Her philosophy on celebrating bodies that "have done a lot" rather than constantly seeking the "perfect" fit
• How she's inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs by involving her son in business discussions at the kitchen table

Join host Misty Doan on Homespun as she sits down with Deb Strain, Moda Fabrics' longest-standing designer with an incredible 27-year career. In this captivating episode, Deb reveals her extraordinary creative journey from public school art teacher to greeting card entrepreneur to becoming part of the Moda family after a serendipitous trade show encounter. Discover how she creates beloved fabric collections entirely by hand using traditional pen, ink, and watercolor techniques that haven't changed in centuries. Learn about the surprising technical constraints that shape every collection, witness a live demonstration of ancient damask creation methods, and see how Christmas color trends have evolved over nearly three decades of design.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Deb's unexpected journey from art teacher to greeting card company owner to Moda designer after a chance trade show meeting 27 years ago
• Her completely hand-drawn design process using pen, ink, and paint - refusing to go digital despite family pressure to modernize
• The 17-color printing limitation that constrains every collection and how she hand-mixes paint recipes for consistency across years
• Live demonstration of creating symmetrical damask patterns using the ancient mirror-and-paste technique
• How fabric collections are designed like stories, with panels as main characters and coordinating prints as supporting cast
• The evolution of Christmas color trends from deep primitive '90s colors to bright neons to today's traditional palette
• Working 18 months ahead to predict future trends and the partnership with quilt designer Barb from Coach House Designs

Join host Misty Doan on Homespun as she sits down with Jen Belnap of The Smitten Chicken, a mom of six who transformed her darkest moment into a thriving quilting business. In this deeply moving episode, Jen shares how a late-night purchase of a rainbow jelly roll became the foundation for her healing journey after pregnancy loss. Discover how what started as a creative outlet evolved into pattern design success, the surprising realities of running a quilting business (hint: it's 80% computer work!), and why breaking the silence around difficult topics creates unexpected community. From stitching herself back together with that first rainbow baby quilt to designing patterns that help other women feel less alone, Jen's story is a powerful reminder of creativity's healing power and the quilting community's incredible support.

Key Episode Highlights:

• The pivotal rainbow jelly roll purchase that became a healing "rainbow baby quilt" - literally stitching herself back together during her darkest time
• How a late-night creative outlet for a busy mom of six organically evolved into The Smitten Chicken pattern design business through social media
• The surprising reality of creative entrepreneurship - spending 80% of time on computer work (photography, marketing, editing) and only 20% actually sewing
• Design philosophy born from necessity - creating large-block patterns that come together quickly while drawing inspiration from family travels
• Breaking the silence around pregnancy loss and the overwhelming response from women sharing "that was me too"
• The collaborative quilting community that taught essential business skills from Adobe Creative Suite to newsletter management
• Future aspirations in fabric design while building a portfolio and expanding from pattern designer to potential fabric creator

Join host Misty Doan Homespun as she sits down with the incredibly talented Stephanie Organes, a fabric designer with Andover Fabrics based in Mexico City, Mexico. In this inspiring episode, Stephanie shares her unique creative journey that began with graphic design studies in Italy, led her through the world of professional cookie decorating, and ultimately brought her to fabric design during the pandemic. Discover how a health scare became the catalyst for pursuing her true passion, the challenges of learning quilting as a Spanish speaker, and her advice for aspiring fabric designers who aren't afraid to knock on doors.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Stephanie's creative evolution from graphic design studies in Florence to cookie decorating competitions at Cookie Con
• How becoming a new mom led to discovering quilting and making her first adorable quilted bear project
• The pandemic health scare that became her wake-up call to pursue fabric design seriously
• Building her portfolio with Spoonflower samples and the nerve-wracking process of pitching to Andover Fabrics
• Why following up after months of silence landed her the dream contract - and the vulnerability of putting creative work out there
• The unique challenges of learning quilting in English while being a native Spanish speaker (inches vs centimeters!)
• Her "schedule creativity like a doctor's appointment" philosophy and the truth that inspiration finds you working, not waiting
• The growing need for Spanish-language quilting resources and celebrating the first Spanish-speaking retreat at Missouri Star

From Missouri Star Quilt Co

Join host Misty Doan on Homespun as she sits down with Sara Delaney, Missouri Star's in-house crochet and knitting expert, for an intimate conversation about her creative journey from theater costume design to becoming a published author and fiber arts educator. Sara shares her non-traditional path to finding her calling, discussing how financial hardship led to rediscovering yarn crafts, her transition from retail work to yarn shop employee, and eventually becoming a full-time designer and teacher. This heartwarming episode explores the intersection of creativity, family traditions, and the therapeutic nature of working with fiber, while offering practical advice for aspiring designers and makers.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Sara's journey from theater costume design to becoming Missouri Star's fiber arts expert
• Her unique design process - starting with visual sketches and treating knit/crochet as fabric construction
• The difference between "project people" vs "process people" in crafting philosophy
• How financial hardship in 2008 led to rediscovering yarn and launching her career
• Career advice for aspiring fiber artists and the transition of One Big Happy into Missouri Star
• Family crafting traditions, generational skill-skipping, and creating memorial quilts during lockdown
• The therapeutic nature of constant creating and learning from mistakes as design opportunities

From Missouri Star Quilt Co

Join Misty Doan in this inspiring episode of Homespun as she sits down with Missy Luukkonen, the creative force behind "The Little Green Bean" design company. Missy shares her journey from creative struggles to building a successful pattern and kit business in the quilting and fiber arts world. This candid conversation covers the real challenges designers face, from burnout to business roadblocks, and reveals the strategies that transformed Missy's creative passion into a thriving enterprise. Whether you're a maker looking to turn your hobby into income or simply seeking inspiration for your creative journey, Missy's story offers valuable insights into building resilience and success in the crafting industry.

Key Topics Covered:

• Avoiding creative burnout and maintaining passion for your craft
• Making a complete reset when your creative business isn't working
• Planning for future growth and expansion in the design world
• Overcoming roadblocks and setbacks in the creative industry
• Building "The Little Green Bean" brand from concept to success
• Transitioning from hobbyist to professional pattern designer
• Creating multiple revenue streams through patterns, kits, and tools
• Balancing creativity with business demands
• Learning from failures and pivoting when necessary
• The importance of finishing projects over perfectionism

From Missouri Star Quilt Co

Step into the colorful world of fabric and fiber arts with this inspiring episode of Homespun! Host Misty Doan sits down with renowned designer Jennifer Long to uncover the creative spark behind her beloved patterns and collections. Jennifer shares her journey from her first stitches to collaborating with major brands like Riley Blake, discusses the stories woven into her favorite designs, and offers a peek into the joys and challenges of turning imagination into art. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just curious about the world of textile design, Jennifer’s passion and insight will ignite your own creative fire!

• Jennifer Long shares her journey from hobbyist to renowned fabric and pattern designer.
• She discusses where she finds inspiration for her unique fabric collections and patterns.
• Jennifer reveals her creative process, from initial sketches to finished products.
• She talks about the challenges and rewards of working in the fabric and fiber arts industry.
• Jennifer emphasizes the importance of storytelling and personal connection in her designs.
• She offers advice for aspiring makers and creatives looking to turn their passion into a profession.
• Jennifer highlights some of her favorite collaborations and projects, including her work with Riley Blake.

From your friends at the Missouri Star Quilt Company

In this episode of Homespun, Heather Bailey discusses her experiences as a fabric designer, pattern creator, and craft goods maker. She talks about:

• How she got started in the world of fabric and fiber arts
• The inspiration behind her popular fabric collections, such as “Wild Abandon”
• Her approach to designing patterns and craft goods
• The joys and challenges she faces as a creative entrepreneur
• Insights into her creative process and what motivates her work

Heather’s story is especially interesting because she blends artistry with entrepreneurship, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how unique fabrics and patterns come to life. Her passion for creativity and her willingness to share both successes and struggles make her interview engaging for anyone interested in the world of textiles and design.

From the Missouri Star Quilt Company