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 HighlightsShift 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 beforeThe student who held scissors for 10 minutes, too afraid to cut her grandmother's crossstitch quiltWhy experienced sewers are more intimidated by new techniques than complete beginnersTeresa's "first one's practice" rule—always plan to make at least two of any projectThe 46-state RV teaching adventure that happened during the pandemic lockdownHow a pattern company sat dormant for years until the quilt coat revival brought it back to lifeThe grandmother's quilt that lived in a trunk for 70 years until it became a wearable jacketWhy Teresa separates creative studio days from administrative work for better productivityHer "we'll make it work" philosophy that prioritizes flexibility over perfectionHow 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 brandHusband'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 speedHow a half-finished quilt became the signature "bench pillow" productExpanding from machine embroidery into punch needle and handwork"Stay curious" - key advice for business and creative growthMaking 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 husbandNamed her company "Daisy and Grace" after her two grandmothers - one creative, one glamorousCreated quilt-as-you-go templates because existing methods didn't allow proper positioning of materialsTemplates work for both hand sewing and machine quilting, making the craft more approachable for beginnersDesigns entirely in her head and with fabric - never uses digital design toolsTaught 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 businessWorking on her own fabric line and expanding beyond quilting into dollhouse projects and jewelryFewer quilters and shops than the US, many closed during COVID, but younger generation showing interestViews 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 creativityOvercoming rejection: First book rejection led to 125,000+ bestseller and 9 more booksBlessing Bears Ministry: Son's compassion sparked nationwide effort delivering 575 bears to people in needFirst fabric collection "Bloom" launching with Andover Fabrics in summer 2025Teaching quilting across three generations and breaking gender barriers in craftingCreating 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 hobbyAsked to become Art Gallery Fabrics socialite - emphasizes asking for opportunities despite rejectionPat Bravo's feedback helped her find her authentic creative voice in fabric designOvercame self-doubt through therapy and shifting from scarcity to abundance mindsetTeaches pattern writing courses using Adobe software and offers free resourcesProtects 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 1960sCareer path from textile degrees to becoming a yarn company creative directorLife on a 1750s sheep farm with 400 sheep and rotational grazingInsights on trends in crochet and embroideryHow pottery and other crafts influence her knitting and crochet designPractical tips for finding color inspiration in nature and artEncouragement to try new crafts to broaden skills and perspectiveReflections 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 designThe persistence and patience behind breaking into the quilting industryHow a simple idea grew into a successful partnership with Moda FabricsThe importance of storytelling in fabric collectionsStacy’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 homeThe sentimental story of the stick horse that inspired The Rustic HorseshoeHow strong, skilled women in law enforcement reshaped Rena’s view of sewingLessons learned from selling early creations and refining designsRena’s hands-on, pencil-and-paper approach to designing stuffed animalsWhy sticking through financial and emotional challenges made all the differenceThe shift from product deadlines to a more flexible pattern-based businessWhy anyone can create with the right steps and mindsetHow 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 learningAshlee's journey from self-portrait photography to confidently sharing her crochet art onlineHow focusing on the art rather than herself helped overcome social media anxietyWhy Ashlee embraces creative blocks as necessary "rest periods" for the mindMaintaining joy when your creative hobby becomes your full-time careerHow Ashlee draws creative inspiration from poetry, music, nature, and even non-yarn craft suppliesTreating your creative practice like a garden that needs nurturing and careWhy "abstract" first projects have character and the importance of practice over perfectionAshlee's exciting plans to merge quilting with crochetManaging 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 crashThe story of their first YouTube tutorial—broken leg, wheelchair, and pain medication includedWhen the post office started picking up packages and a woman flew from Brazil to visitJenny'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 innovationWhy taking creative time for yourself isn't selfish—it's essential for caregiversJenny's leap of faith into humanitarian work and stepping away from Missouri StarHow 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 empireThe $199 Amazon sewing machine purchase that changed everythingHurricane Dorian charity drive that generated $60,000 in weekend sales and forced the pivot from garage to factory productionWhy giving up majority ownership to business partners was the smartest decisionThe mental shift from seeking validation through nightlife to finding joy in staying home to sewHow charitable giving became both authentic mission and brilliant business strategy for media coverage and customer motivationCraig'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 resourcesThe challenges and triumphs of learning English while building a businessWhy Minki focuses on small, approachable projects that can be finished in a dayHer transition from posting wordless step-by-step photos to becoming a published authorNavigating social media as a creative entrepreneurThe importance of showing up consistently while staying true to your authentic voiceHow 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 40The inspiration behind her whimsical, vintage illustration styleWhy her first fabric collection, Hungry Animal Alphabet, became an instant hitThe process of merging antique public domain art with digital designStories behind her collections like Pumpkin Patch, Old School, and Press OnThe heart behind her upcoming creative space and workshopsEncouragement 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 kidsGetting rejected by Moda, then coming back a year later with improved designs that landed her the dream jobWorking from her kids' bedtime until 1 AM as a single mom and learning when to finally say no to opportunitiesBuilding a signature style without using signature colors - creating recognizable designs while changing palettes every collectionHer design evolution from hand-drawing and scanning sketches to drawing directly on iPad ProWhy she won't write another book right now and how she protects her creative energy from overextensionLiving 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 designWhy children are naturally better students than adults - and what we can learn from their fearless approachHow theater costume experience led to inclusive pattern sizing and fitting expertiseThe introduction of hybrid/Tunisian crochet as an ideal beginner technique combining knitting and crochet benefitsTeaching 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 workshopsThe 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 empireThe denim prom dress challenge that proved friends wrong and built her design confidenceWhen inventory overflow took over the house - the moment she knew the business needed helpHardware innovation solving customer frustration with coordinated supplies and matching componentsFirst trade show chaos with homemade brick walls and learning the industry through trial by fireBalancing workaholic tendencies with family life using habit trackers and vintage movie inspirationMaking 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 careerThe transition from hobby crafter to professional designer after a corporate layoff provided the perfect opportunity to reassess life prioritiesHer revolutionary approach to inclusive sizing in knitting/crochet patterns and why standard pattern grading often fails real bodiesThe business side of creativity - implementing "CEO days" and using corporate finance skills to build a sustainable craft businessWhy she tells beginners to skip washcloths and scarves and start with what they actually want to makeHer philosophy on celebrating bodies that "have done a lot" rather than constantly seeking the "perfect" fitHow she's inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs by involving her son in business discussions at the kitchen table