ArtsLeisureCrafts

Making Conversation

Making Co.

Making Conversation is where creativity meets real talk. We’re all about celebrating the makers, fiber artists, and creatives who bring their unique stories to the table—no matter the medium. From knitting to crocheting to spinning, each episode dives into the passions, challenges, and journeys that drive their creative work.

We get to know the people behind the projects, exploring the funny, heartfelt, and inspiring moments you won’t find just scrolling through their social media. Along the way, we’ll chat about the things that matter—diversity, inclusion, and the power of community in the making world. Grab your WIP, tune in, and get ready for some good conversations with amazing people!

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May 1, 2025 · 38 min
A knitwear designer & 🧶 dyer walk into their own yarn shop - ōSHən Knits & Fibres w/ Vanessa Fleming
Hey there, fiber friends! This week on Making Conversation, I’m bringing you a chat that is full of color, creativity, and coastal charm. I sat down with Vanessa Fleming, the brilliant mind behind ōSHən Knits & Fibres, a one-of-a-kind yarn shop in Astoria, Oregon. Vanessa is a marine biologist-turned-knitwear designer and yarn dyer, and her love for inclusivity, sustainability, and vibrant design shines through in everything she creates. We talk about her journey from knitting at sea (yes, really) to opening a shop that’s become a welcoming hub for all kinds of makers. From her hand-dyed yarns to her size- and shape-inclusive patterns, Vanessa is redefining what it means to build a truly inclusive craft community. ✨ In this episode: – A peek into the cozy world of ōSHən Knits & Fibres – Vanessa’s story of blending marine biology with fiber arts – A convo about community, representation, and colorful yarn magic 🎧 This episode was originally posted to our YouTube channel in January 2025, and I’m so excited to share it here on the audio feed! If you ever have a moment to watch, it really is like hanging out with fellow makers while you craft—smart TV, tablet, phone… WIP in hand, good vibes guaranteed. Thanks so much for listening. I’m so glad you’re here. xoxo- Jen 🛍️ Check out Vanessa's work and shop online at https://oshenknits.com 📱 Follow Vanessa @oshenknits 📍 Visit ōSHən Knits & Fibres in Astoria, Oregon, obvi. 382 12th Street Astoria, Oregon 97103 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#170
Apr 16, 2025 · 58 min
Adapting in an evolving 🌎 of craft Part 2 w/ Britt Garber, Bea Bonanno and Jen Joyce, ep. 170
In this special episode of Making Conversation—originally recorded and posted on our YouTube channel in late 2024—host Jen welcomes two brilliant voices in the fiber arts world: Brit of KnotBadBrit and Bea of WoolDreamers. This episode is all about building inclusive, authentic community within the crafting space, and it’s filled with warmth, wisdom, and a whole lot of yarn love. Brit shares her journey to becoming a crochet designer and the founder of the Makers of Color Collective, and talks about the importance of visibility and representation in the maker world. Bea gives us a beautiful look into WoolDreamers, a Spanish-based wool company committed to sustainable practices, preserving traditional wool production, and supporting local shepherds. Whether you're a knitter, crocheter, spinner, weaver, or just deeply into the fiber life, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and connected. Listen now—and don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube to watch full episodes and join our cozy, creative community. Share this one with your stitching crew! 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#169
Mar 5, 2025 · 49 min
Snacks for makers + ways to cope with *gestures around* w/ Andreya Nightingale & Jen Joyce, ep. 169
🌟 This episode was originally published on the Making Conversation YouTube channel on Nov 23, 2024. 🌟 Makers need snacks! We also need to take care of ourselves because if we do not, how will we take care of others? That part is so VERY important, especially right now. I popped into my kitchen to record with the WONDERFUL Chef Andreya Nightingale who shares two easy and oh-so-very delicious snacks with us. We also take the time to talk through some ways to cope with our feelings right now around that thing that just happened and some steps we can all take to ensure our community is cared for. Chef Andreya also gives us cooking tips plus ways of intuitively cooking with what you have in your cupboard/fridge. Learning this has helped me feel more confident in the kitchen and hopefully you will too! By the end of the episode you'll have two delicious snacks to warm your bellies and heart and keep you happy during makers meetups or long crafting sessions. Feel free to watch and craft or watch and cook along with us! Ingredients you need are listed below. You are cared for, dear maker! xoxo- Jen Where to find the wonderful Chef Andreya: Mortar Pestle Cooking Cookie Jar Substack Shopping / dive-into-your-cupboard list What we're making: Seasoned nuts & Winter Squash Dip. SO YUMMY and so simple, I promise you'll enjoy them both! 1- Nuts! Whatever you have but some options are walnuts, pecans, almonds, or cashew. (Roasted, if possible & best unsalted) 2- EVOO 3- salt 4- The spices that will bring you joy. Examples: chili powder, lime zest (or lemon or sumac), mint (fresh or dried), curry powder, Tajín (I used this and lime zest 🤤) 5- A squash! butternut, acorn, kabocha, whatever you have or can find and whatever squash makes your heart happy 6- 1-2 limes and/or lemons 7- Chili powder aka your favorite dried chili of choice Examples: cayenne, chipotle, aleppo (not the powder mixed w/ garlic, etc unless that' your favorite!) 8- Pickled ginger 9- Your favorite vessel for dip. This is reallllly versatile. I ate the dip with hearty crackers but also as a soup! 😉 Some recipes that Chef Andreya kindly shared with us that would go nicely with our snacks: Grilled Flatbread Focaccia Apologies for the audio! I am always learning when in different recording spaces. :) 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#168
Feb 26, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Sacred Sheep 2024 - a celebration of the fiber art community and makers, ep. 168
I jumped in the car and headed to Portland for Sacred Sheep—a vibrant maker festival brought to you by the team at Ritual Dyes! If you love yarn, fiber arts, pottery, handmade jewelry, inspiring classes, and creative community, this festival is for you. In this episode of Making Conversation, I chat with some of the incredible makers who vended and attended Sacred Sheep (learn more here). From indie dyers to fiber artists, ceramicists, and beyond, this event celebrates the heart of the maker community. I feel so lucky to share these stories, and I hope you enjoy getting to know these amazing artists as much as I did! Don't forget to subscribe for more fiber-filled conversations, and if you love what you hear, share this episode with a fellow maker! 🎙️🧶 🌟 This episode was originally published on the Making Conversation YouTube channel on Nov 16, 2024. 🌟 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#167
Oct 19, 2024 · 44 min
Ritual Dyes + Sacred Sheep 2024 (+ sneak peeks 👀) w/ Rachel Bratcher & Jen Joyce, ep. 167
In this special episode, I hit the road to Portland, OR, to sit down with Rachel, the creative mind behind Ritual Dyes and founder of Sacred Sheep, a festival dedicated to makers, especially those passionate about the fiber arts. From discovering her love for knitting and hand-dyeing yarn to the creation of a highly curated, community-focused fiber arts festival that celebrates all things making, you'll love getting to know Rachel! Grab your WIP and hit play! Psssst...tickets are still available so I hope to see you there. ;) If you prefer to watch this episode, go here! 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#166
Oct 5, 2024 · 31 min
Addressing Ableism in the Maker Community, ep. 166 w/ Beth Gorishek, Kira Dulaney, and Jen Joyce
The world of crafting and making should be a space where everyone feels welcome and empowered. However, there are barriers—both visible and invisible—that can exclude or marginalize makers with disabilities. In this episode I am joined by the super fabulous Beth Gorishek, The Adaptive Knitter & Kira Dulaney of Kirk K Designs and we chat about the ways in which ableism manifests in our community and, more importantly, how we can actively work to dismantle these barriers. If you prefer to watch this chat, pop over to our YouTube channel. xoxo Beth Gorishek + The Adaptive Knitter https://www.adaptiveknitter.com https://www.instagram.com/adaptiveknitter Kira Dulaney + Kira K Designs https://kirakdesigns.com https://www.instagram.com/kirakdesigns 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#165
Sep 28, 2024 · 53 min
Cashmere goats & a hand knit wedding dress, ep. 165 w/ Amy Swanson, Rachel Carleton, and Jen Joyce
We're back with some wonderful Fall episodes to celebrate hunkering down with your current favorite WIP and enjoying an episode of the Making Conversation podcast. ;) Just a heads up, this episode is VERY visual. If you prefer to watch, pop over to our YouTube channel. xoxo In this episode, I am so lucky to chat with Amy Swanson of June Cashmere and learn all about the special goats and farmers they work with to create their beautiful yarn. We then get to learn about knitting a wedding dress with Rachel Carleton! Rachel dives into the process (of sometimes lack there of) of creating her own dress for the special day! Amy Swanson + June Cashmere https://www.junecashmere.com https://www.instagram.com/junecashmere Rachel Carleton + Zee Zee Textiles https://zeezeetextiles.com https://www.instagram.com/zeezeetextiles 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#164
Jul 26, 2024 · 35 min
Flock Fiber Festival + La Mercerie - Special spaces for makers w/ Jess Povenmire & Jen Joyce, ep 164
To know Jess is to love Jess and Jess' love of this special fiber arts community is very evident in everything she does. From in her yarn shop on Bainbridge Island, WA to Flock Fiber Festival, a yarn show in Seattle, WA, celebrating a love of all things wool, the fibers arts community is so very lucky to have these two spaces to come together and celebrate these things that we love and bring us the most joy! Jen hopped on a ferry and headed out to Bainbridge to chat with Jess about La Mercerie and their new space (which... spoiler alert was the home of Churchmouse Yarns for years!) and also how Flock is growing in its second year and the things that she's doing to keep it so very special. So grab your WIP and hit play and we hope to see you at Flock Fiber Festival! Watch this episode. Get your tickets to Flock! Last year's episode w/ Jess 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#163
Jun 8, 2024 · 44 min
Growing into your purpose—Meet crochet artist & Making engineer Abi Santiago w/ Ashley Yousling, ep. 163
The universe definitely brought this fabulous human to Making. Ashley chats with our crochet-loving engineer all about her journey in craft, her path to leadership and computer sciences, and how we were so lucky to have Abi join the team. To know Abi is to love Abi! Grab your WIP and hit play. :) Abi's crochet website If you're in Seattle, catch her at these markets: Pride Market at Lifelong Thrift on June 15th Cutiefest Pride on June 22 Find us on the Making app: Abi @abisanti Ashley @ashelyyousling Jen @knitpurl 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#162
May 11, 2024 · 4 sec
Releasing self-assigned boundaries of creativity w/ Emily Botelho & Jen Joyce, Ep. 162
Award winning embroidery artist, mother, teacher, author, and all around lovely human! If you don't know of Emily Botelho aka Salt Stitches, you're in for a treat! (If you do, you are too!) Emily joins Jen and not only do they chat about her beautiful art, how her favorite places and values come through as inspiration but also her new book which is more than just a pattern book but a guide on how to release self-assigned boundaries of creativity that we can sometimes place upon ourselves. Emily’s website Buy Emily’s book: Abstract Embroidery Prefer watching to your podcasts? MKNG - Jen + Ashley's consulting advisory biz! 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
Apr 27, 2024 · 40 min
A Making update + some maker inspiration & musings on fear w/ Ashley Yousling & Jen Joyce, Ep. 161
Ashley and Jen share some really exciting features that are coming to Making VERY SOON. We kick off a new segment where we will share business and/or makers in our community that help spread our values and Ashley dives into the topic of fear and decision-making. Grab your WIP, your favorite snack, and hit play! If you are a designer, sell finished goods, make supplies for makers to create, or just love being a part of a beautifully diverse community in an app that wants to prove that you can build a business based on the idea of people over profit, join the community: https://themakingapp.com Find us on the Making app: Ashley: @Ashley Jen: @KnitPurl Watch this episode! The sweater Jen is wearing Coloring Book Raglan by Aimee Sher Loop Fiber Studio in Song and Dance The sweater Jen is working on Tumble Tee by Lydia Morrow Junkyarn in Side Boob MKNG - Our consulting advisory biz! Common Threads Press Flock Fiber Festival - Get your tickets for this year! 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#160
Apr 15, 2024 · 40 min
Love is in the Making w/ Catherine Clark of Brooklyn General Store & Jen Joyce, Ep. 160
Hello, makers! Super excited to bring you this episode with our pal, Catherine. Just a heads up, there are parts of this episode that are a little more visual as we give a shop tour. Click to watch instead! Brooklyn General Store has been the go-to place for crafty supplies of all kinds for NYC makers since 2002. We sat down with the Queen of Union Street, BGS owner, designer, maker, event planner extraordinaire–Catherine Clark. Get to know her maker journey, the story of how Brooklyn General moved from the waiting room of Catherine’s midwifery office to the current location, how her and Aimée of La Bien Aimée became besties and more! Brooklyn General Store https://brooklyngeneral.com 128 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 Brooklyn General Store is tucked away on a sweet block West of the Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill neighborhoods and North of Red Hook. This commercial block on Union Street used to be a thriving shopping block for all types of foods and goods. Brooklyn General’s home within the Old Frank’s Department Store is a throw back to that era, with its preserved floor to ceiling shelves, rolling ladders and classic old wooden floors. The vintage interior is not reproduced, just uncovered, cleaned and painted. Brooklyn General Store was created in an effort to provide the highest quality materials to a community of devoted artists and craftspeople and to promote making things by hand through inspiration and education. Not only is it a place to feast your eyes and hands on glorious colors and patterns and textures but it is a place that respects and honors a time when a trip to the country store was a way of life. It is a place where a quick trip for a yard of fabric or a skein of yarn turns into an hour of sharing, teaching, inspiring and encouraging all the amazing and creative makers that are also out for that quick trip to the General Store... Following its mission to promote all things handmade, Brooklyn General offers a wide variety of classes in knitting, sewing, quilting, felting, spinning, rug hooking and embroidery. Classes are limited in size in order for students to have ample individual attention. Studio time with our fantastic BERNINA classroom machines is also available. BrooklynGeneral.com was created to share our carefully picked goods with all the creative souls outside of Brooklyn, NY. 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#159
Mar 16, 2024 · 48 min
Sheep heroes, lamb gangs, and a very, very good book w/ Jane Cooper and Jen Joyce, Ep. 159
Author Jane Cooper joins us to talk all about her book, The Lost Flock: Rare Wool, Wild Isles and One Woman’s Journey to Save Scotland’s Original Sheep. Jane and Jen chat about why the Orkney Boreray sheep are so very special, Jane's maker journey, lambs...lots of lambs, and what it's like writing your first book. About The Lost Flock Purchase Paperback Purchase Audiobook From Viking times to pastoral Highland crofts to odious research experiments, this is the untold, real-life detective story of the remarkable little horned sheep known as the Orkney Boreray and the determined woman who moved to one of Scotland’s wildest islands to save them. About the Sheep https://orkneyboreray.com https://www.instagram.com/orkneyboreray The sheep who eat seaweed Orkney Science Festival The Lost Flock's launch event Yarn https://northronaldsayyarn.co.uk https://www.blackeryarns.co.uk http://www.woolsack.org 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#158
Mar 9, 2024 · 52 min
Meet & Greets New York City Edition Pt. 3 | Brooklyn General Store & VKL 2024 w/ Jen Joyce, ep. 158
In the final episode of this series, we get to hear from a few more makers that we chatted with during our last visit to NYC! Get to know some very special humans that we invited to join us for our Brooklyn General Store booth Meet and Greets at Vogue Knitting Live and also from our special maker meetup that we hosted with Brooklyn General Store and La Bien Aimée! This episode’s guests: Jennifer Wiese Workroom Social @WorkroomSocial Kassandra Sustaita @Kassandra.Sustaita Amanda Solomon Melanated Boho Bae @MelanatedBohoBae Featuring special guest: Aimée Gille of La Bien Aimée Lauren Ireland ByLaurenIreland.com @LaurenClaireIreland If you prefer to watch, check out our YouTube channel. 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#157
Mar 2, 2024 · 49 min
Meet & Greets New York City Edition Pt. 2 | Brooklyn General Store & VKL 2024 w/ Jen Joyce, ep. 157
We're continuing our Making Meet and Greets from NYC with crafty friends, old and new! The lovely Catherine of Brooklyn General Store and Aimée of La Bien Aimée asked us to bring a bit of our Meet and Greets to their 2024 Vogue Knitting Live booth and we also co-hosted a maker meet-up at Brooklyn General Store. Lots of great conversation, stories, and even a dance break. We've got it all, folks! And course, stay tuned for the next few weeks of more awesome NYC-created content to get to know more special people from the maker community. Hope you enjoy it. This episode’s guests: Cris Bertoluci @CrisBertoluci https://crisbertoluci.com.br Special guest appearance by: Nara Takeda of KnitLeaks @knitleaks https://www.knitleaks.com Cris shouts out to Portfiber. Gregory Chrysler @GregoryChrysler Stephanie Earp and Naomi Endicott @espacetricot @EspaceTricotPodcast https://www.espacetricot.com Knits from the LYS: https://www.espacetricot.com/us/knits... Images of Ernesto Neto by albert sanchez & tom dubrock via MFA houston instagram account Our episode touching on the history of Art vs Craft: https://youtu.be/s7Fpe0ZEOAs?si=clGFt... 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#156
Feb 24, 2024 · 45 min
Meet & Greets New York City Edition Pt. 1 | Brooklyn General Store & VKL 2024 w/ Jen Joyce, ep. 156
In this episode of the podcast, we’re taking it back to New York City! If you’ve been following along for a while you know that we’ve been visiting events around the world, collecting and then sharing important stories. (Mostly fiber arts related but we want to expand that. Hey other maker events, hit us up!) This time we did things a little differently. The lovely Catherine of Brooklyn General Store and Aimée of La Bien Aimée asked us to bring a bit of our Meet and Greets to their 2024 Vogue Knitting Live booth. So we set up shop and gathered some crafty friends, old and new. We laugh. We cry. We get really honest. Stay tuned for the next few weeks of more awesome made-in-NYC content and get to know more special people from the maker community. Enjoy! This episode’s guests: Mariah Stanford @mariahknits Mariah's Making Conversation Episode: https://youtu.be/kJF7rTbCGxQ Julie Robinson @JulieAtWork Julie's Making Conversation Episode: https://making.buzzsprout.com/1875689/10012761 Sky @SeamsBySky + Marina @DesdeLaMarina Emma @theNewYorkYear + Ally @AllyOoperLooper Sidney Derek Rollberg @Knit.Top89 Katia Yarns @KatiaYarns 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#155
Feb 7, 2024 · 34 min
How to adapt to an evolving world of fiber art and craft w/ with Jonna Helin, Aimée Gille, Ashley Yousling, Joji Locatelli, and Jen Joyce, Ep. 155
During Vogue Knitting Live 2024, Jen took the stage with big names in the fiber arts and maker industry to talk about how we can adapt to the ever evolving world of craft-what has changed, where the opportunity is, and advice on what to do when things are challenging. Our Panelists Jonna Hietala is the co-founder, creative director and CEO of Laine Publishing and the editor-in-chief of Laine Magazine. Jonna has worked in lifestyle and crafts magazines both in Finland and in Sweden. Before Laine, she also ran her own yarn shop. In 2021, Jonna won the prestigious Taito-Finlandia award for her groundbreaking work on handicrafts and applied arts. Jonna lives in Tampere, Finland with her two children, cats and dogs. Aimée Gille was born and raised in the United States, in Kansas, and later moved to France, where her passion for knitting was reignited. In Paris, where she now lives with her family, she first opened L’Oisive, thé a wonderful knitting café, and later La Bien Aimée. Established in 2015, La Bien Aimée is an artisanal dye studio located in Paris, France. Aimée and her team dye beautiful and sophisticated colors of yarn that reflect a unique and vibrant point of view. Her book, Worsted, was published by Laine Publishing in the fall on 2021. Her latest book Neons & Neutrals was published in March of 2022. Ashley Yousling is the founder and CEO of Making and started our podcast back in 2014. She is an award winning designer with over 15 years of experience, leading and executing product + content vision and strategy in tech and consumer industries. Her work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times, Forbes, and Fast Company. She resides in Boise with her three boys, pup, and you can always find her in her art studio. Joji Locatelli is an Argentine knitwear designer living in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After studying as a physician, in 2004 she rediscovered knitting. She is a Mom of two boys, and a wife to a loving non-knitting husband. She hopes to inspire with her knitting patterns and loves draped fabrics, beautiful details, simple lines. Moderator Jen Joyce is the Head of Marketing and Podcast Host at Making. She’s been a marketing professional for the past 14 years and has worked for tech startups, hospitality, fintech, and even an agency. She lives in Seattle with her partner, her dogs, and her 21-year-old cat. Jen can always be found knitting and watching “bad” TV, enjoying lovely Seattle but also traveling as much as possible and lifting heavy weights for that extra serotonin boost. Photo credit for Jen’s pic: https://www.jacobpritchard.com If you'd like to watch this episode... https://www.youtube.com/@making_co 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#155
Jan 29, 2024 · 55 min
How to enhance your making | Get to know Liza Laird, author of Yoga of Yarn w/ Jen Joyce, ep. 154
Liza Laird is a fiber artist, human mom, dog mom, cancer survivor and author of Yoga of Yarn, a knitter’s guidebook to self discovery. (Don't worry dear maker! The book is for makers of all kinds. We chat about that too!) We journey through Liza's life--deciding to leave the corporate world to pursue her passions, how she approached writing a book (with good tips if you've been thinking about venturing into it!), her journey with cancer, and of course some of the wonderful learnings from her book. Oh, and make sure to grab one of your favorite supplies too. Liza leads us in an exercise and you'll need it. ;) THE AUTHOR Liza Laird is a knitter, yogi, mama of a few little humans, and homesteader with alpacas, chickens, and a feisty shiba inu. She is a cofounder of Ragline Knits, through which she teaches knitting and mindfulness classes and hosts retreats online and around the world. She trained as a yoga instructor at YogaWorks, as a yoga therapist at Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, and as a life coach with Coaches Training Institute. She has a BA in psychology from Lafayette College. THE BOOK Using a unique combination of yoga philosophy, movements, meditations, breathing techniques and stitch patterns, Yoga of Yarn re-establishes our makers practice on a new, stronger foundation -- a foundation that not only enhances our experience as makers, but also helps us maintain a centered calm in every aspect of our lives. No prior yoga experience is necessary. All you need is a body, a chair, and a sincere willingness to care for yourself and try new things that will help you knit (or your art of choice!) with greater ease. 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#153
Jan 13, 2024 · 1 hr 28 min
All about pricing for makers w/ Quayln Stark, Brittany Garber, Terry Streetman & Jen Joyce. Ep. 153
"How do I price my makes?" "How do I price my services?" "As a maker that does not sell...how can I help change perceptions so my community can get paid what they're worth?" "How do you price handmade items?" Let's talk pricing. Out with the gatekeeping. Patterns, services, finished goods, etc. They name names, spill tea, get really real, and share numbers. Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/pswl2xRPgZ4 Our guests: Quayln Stark - https://linktr.ee/QUOE As an artist and designer, Quayln’s passion for self-expression and inclusivity shine through each of his creations. From sewing and quilting to knitting and crochet, Quayln pairs traditional fiber arts techniques with imaginative designs, colors, and textures. (You can find his free Crochet Lentil patterns–an adorable amigurumi cat designed for Making in your Studio in the Making app.) Brittany Garber - https://www.knotbadbritt.com Britt does it all and with a TON of passion. Crochet designer and founder of Makers of Color Collective (https://www.knotbadbritt.com/makers-o..., Britt is committed to not only uplifting and supporting Black, indigenous, people of color makers and designers in the fiber industry but also making sure that the art of crochet is seen on the same level as all other fiber arts. Terry Streetman - https://www.etsy.com/shop/PeregrineWo... Always fascinated by woodworking, Terry's work is inspired by the memory of his grandfather, a master woodworker and a literal rocket scientist. Not only is Terry talented and created beautiful pieces will stand the test of time and brings joy into the lives of others...he's super loud about his values and works to weave them into every part of his business. #maker #knitting #crochet #woodworking #yarn #pricingstrategy #podcast #craft 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.
#152
Jan 6, 2024 · 1 hr 38 min
Barcelona Knits 2023: Meet the artists and vendors w/ Jen Joyce, ep. 152
In this podcast episode, we're heading back to Barcelona Knits in…you guessed it…Barcelona, Spain! Get to know some of the vendors, artists, and vloggers who all share the love of all things fiber art, yarn, knitting, crochet, cross stitch, and more! This is a special group of people, dear makers! :) https://www.barcelonaknits.com Who you'll meet: Laura Algarra www.lauraalgarra.com A crochet teacher, designer, and woodworker from Spain who runs her own workshops and classes and makes wooden crochet and knitting notions and accessories. Paloma Liranzo https://palomaliranzo.bigcartel.com An artist and dyer and bag designer who loves animals. Nina of Nina’s Threads https://www.etsy.com/shop/NinaHandDyed Nina's Threads is an independent artisan dyeing studio, located in Budapest, Hungary. Paula of the Knitting Pitinglis Podcast https://youtube.com/@KnittingPitinglis A knitter living in Ireland that is working to make English patterns more accessible to Spanish knitters. Paula of the Knitting Pitinglis Podcast chats with Aimée of La Bien Aimée We put out a call for vloggers and podcasters to partner with us and use our space and then also asked the vendors if they would be willing to be interviewed by a vlogger. Kind of a matchmaking, if you will. So here is a snippet of Paula’s interview with Aimée! Ana of Alpacana https://alpacana.es An alpaca farmer located in Cantabria, Spain that passionately cares for her alpacas and their fiber is turned into beautiful yarn. Meet Ana’s Alpacas: https://alpacana.es/las-alpacas/ Nara of Knitleaks https://www.knitleaks.com The latest in fiber-related news, trends, design, and content And of course when you interview Knitleaks, Knitleaks will interview you! Enjoy Nara’s interview of Jen! Astrid of Lazadas https://www.lazadas.net An independent, female-owned and operated business, Lazadas, knitting accessories is proud to provide crafters with high-quality accessories and tools for their projects. Stephania of Lavindole www.lanivendole.com A small yarn company from Genoa, Italy. Their aim is to create unique yarns containing noble local fibres. Kiara, Anna, and Eva of Barcelona Knits https://www.barcelonaknits.com Barcelona Knits will gather many national and international brands in a unique space to offer both products and services related with the art of fiber. Wool producers, small artisans, spinners, indie dyers, prestigious designers, accessory designers for knitters and publishers. Dana of Boredom Kills Designs https://www.boredomkillsdesign.com Yarn dyer, pattern maker, knitter, knitwear designer working out of her studio in Berlin. Lidia of Ovillová https://ovillova.com Lidia and Toñi, a daughter and mother who are dedicated to artisan dyeing in their father’s/grandfather’s old winery in La Mancha (Spain). 🌟 Support the Podcast🌟 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube – youtube.com/@making_co ☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi – ko-fi.com/makingconversation 📢 Tell your maker friends – Spread the love! If you'd like to give a shout-out, have a question that you'd like us to answer on the podcast, or are interested in sponsoring Making Conversation, email us at hq@makingco.com. Music by Despatches.

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