Patchwork Paths: Amber Elliott’s Colorful Career Switch

Patchwork Paths: Amber Elliott’s Colorful Career Switch

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.

Quilt It, Crochet It, Love It: Inside Jemima Flendt’s World

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.

Living Creatively: Natalie Doan’s Adventures in Making

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.

Sewing Without Fear: Lessons from Teresa Coates

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

Who Cares How Long Cute Takes: Building Kimberbell with Kim Christopherson

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