On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about owning a craft store and workshop space with my guest Sarah Ferguson.

Sarah is the owner of Craft Habit, a brick-and-mortar retail craft store in Raleigh, North Carolina, which offers adult and youth classes, private parties and events, and youth sewing and craft camps. In 2024, Craft Habit debuted a wholesale line of crochet, embroidery, cross stitch, punch needle, and weaving kits that are all designed by staff and local artists. Our mission for our store, classes, and kits is to bring new crafters into the fold with enthusiasm, encouragement, and a welcoming vibe.

When she's not on site at Craft Habit, Sarah lives nearby with her husband and three to four dogs, and sometimes plays tennis.

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This episode is sponsored by Fire Mountain Gems & Beads.

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has supported jewelry-making artists for more than 50 years, offering a wide selection of beads, gemstones, findings, tools and creative supplies. Known for quality, consistency and inspiration, Fire Mountain serves designers at every stage—from first projects to established creative businesses. Explore ideas, techniques and trends inside Fire Mountain Gems and Beads’ free catalog, filled with project inspiration and practical resources for designers.

Get your free catalog today!

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To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about felt with my guest Renae Bradley.

Renae is the owner and creative director of Benzie Design, a colorful felt stitchery and craft shop founded as a creative outlet that gave her permission to “rainbow-tize” everything -especially wool felt. In business for over 15 years, Renae values the community that has been formed both online and within Benzie's local brick & mortar.

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This episode is sponsored by Fire Mountain Gems & Beads.

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has supported jewelry-making artists for more than 50 years, offering a wide selection of beads, gemstones, findings, tools and creative supplies. Known for quality, consistency and inspiration, Fire Mountain serves designers at every stage—from first projects to established creative businesses.

Get a free catalog right here.

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To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

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On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about creating a craft kit company with my guest Michelle Galletta of Kiriki Press.

Ontario College of Art and Design printmaking grad Michelle Galletta wanted to make her niece an embroidered doll but couldn't find a pattern anywhere. A week after attempting her very first stitch, she was left with a set of wonky owl dolls and a deep appreciation for the craft. In time, this newfound love of embroidery joined forces with screen printing, and Kiriki Press was launched in 2013 with seven doll patterns. The collection has expanded to include over 30 embroidered doll kits, felt kits, tools and a small brick & mortar shop in Toronto's Roncesvalles neighbourhood. Kiriki Press kits can be found in over 1000 stores worldwide and known for their adorable designs, top quality materials and user friendly instructions.

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This episode is brought to you by h+h americas and the Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival.

h+h americas is the premier wholesale springtime event for the fabric and fiber industry in Rosemont IL. With over 575 exhibitors from 26 nations, business workshops, demos, fashion shows, networking and more, this is a must-attend event for anyone working in the crafts industry. Classes start May 5 and the expo is May 6-8th.Visit hh-americas.com to learn more.

The Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival is this spring’s premier consumer craft event, happening in Rosemont, IL April 30-May 3rd. With a full calendar of workshops and 250 merchant booths, this is the place to learn new skills, bond with crafty friends, and build that fiber and fabric stash. Tickets go on sale Feb 1st at fiberfabriccraft.com.

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To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.