Hello yarn friends -

A theme of friendship and fabulous makers is emerging on The Make Joy Podcast with this next episode and my special guest Jacqueline Sava, the founder, creator and Director of Possibilities at Soak.

Jacqueline and I have known each other a long time since my Toronto days (and full disclosure, I was once one a sales agent for Soak here in the UK) so it’s always nice to have a catch up. Our get togethers usually involve indulging Jacqueline’s desire to soak up as much creative inspiration as she can when in London on business and that includes favourite things like brunch and vintage shopping in Notting Hill, hopping on the train to Windsor or cocktails at random, fun places in town.

So this was a different kind of visit this time around. I love it when I get to chat about the business side of things in the craft industry. Jacqueline is so generous with the support she gives back to makers in sharing her knowledge and I know this first-hand, as I once had the opportunity to take her course, From Maker to Making a Living, at George Brown College in Toronto. Education and teaching is a one of Jacqueline’s core values and that passion shines through.

As a relatively new maker at the time, taking Jacqueline’s course was eye-opening. I learned so much about how makers need to value not only the work that they’re creating, but themselves too. And it made me understand so much more of the everything that goes on behind the scenes for a maker, including those hidden costs, that those of us purchasing a finished product like a make, or a skein of hand-dyed yarn will never see.

Our conversation felt like a good reminder, especially as we inch closer to colder weather and “the season of making”. Make sure you subscribe to Jacqueline’s new Substack Maker to Making a Living where she’ll be sharing more of her knowledge and things she’s learned as a maker herself and at the helm of Soak.

Plus, we talk about other kinds of making, like growing cut flower gardens and maple syrup! I hope you enjoy our chat.

Keep making joy,

Allison

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit champagneqiviut.substack.com