Craft Industry Alliance

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about designing quilt patterns with my guest Dora Cary.

 

Dora is a Romanian-born engineer and designer who moved to the United States in 2001, discovered quilting in 2006, made her first quilt and became an American citizen in 2008, and wrote her first quilt pattern in 2013. In 2016 she decided to share her creations with the world and started a quilt pattern business under the name Orange Dot Quilts. Dora is drawing inspiration from geometry, traditional quilts, and the world around her. Also, one of her favorite things to do is to simplify complicated techniques using her engineering skills.

Her quilts have been displayed in many quilt shows and now they adorn her booth at trade shows. Dora also loves to teach. Her quilting classes are fun and informative, covering a multitude of techniques. This year Dora launched a book to mark the 10 years anniversary of her business. The book is titled "Quilt and Never Skip Dessert" and includes patterns, recipes, and autobiographical stories.

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This episode is brought to you by the Academy for Virtual Teaching. Dreaming of teaching your craft online but not sure where to start? Join a free community of crafters, quilters, artists, and makers doing exactly that. Monthly guest experts, live roundtables, and real answers from people who get it. Join for free at academyforvirtualteaching.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.

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about owning a fabric shop with my guest Tawnee Kinnebrew.

 

Tawnee is the owner and founder of Wyldwood Creative in Renton, Washington. She opened Wyldwood Creative to share her love of making with the community. She is a maker of all things and has at least 10 works in progress at any one time. When she's not at work she loves hanging out with her husband Taylor and their pack of dogs, Zeus, Gus, and Willow, and a fluffy cat named Stella. She loves living in the Pacific Northwest, a good DND adventure, seeing live music, and of course sewing! Owning Wyldwood is a dream come true and she is so thankful she gets to do what she loves every day. 

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This episode is sponsored by The Academy for Virtual Teaching. Dreaming of teaching your craft online but not sure where to start? Join a free community of crafters, quilters, artists, and makers doing exactly that. Monthly guest experts, live roundtables, and real answers from people who get it. Join free at academyforvirtualteaching.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.

Today, we are re-airing an interview from March 2017 with the founders of Electric Quilt, Dean Neumann and Penny McMorris. Dean Neumann passed away this week on September 10, 2026.

Dean was the visionary behind EQ software. A mathematician who taught himself to program on a hand-me-down computer from his son, he became known to quilters worldwide through his work on Electric Quilt software. He put his heart into every version.

Dean and his wife, Penny, have both been retired from the daily operations of the company for many years now. In keeping with Dean’s wishes, the new team of programmers at Electric Quilt is committed to carrying his legacy forward.

 

Here is our interview with Dean and Penny.

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about sewing clothes with my guest Cornelius Quiring.

 

When Cornelius Quiring was 3 years old, he was in a farm accident that left his body asymmetrical. He learned how to draft patterns and sew clothes to uniquely fit his body. It was a way of embracing who he is. Today, he shares his skills with those looking to do the same and empower themselves.

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This episode is sponsored by GE Designs. 

 

Fill your classroom all year. The Stripology Shop Partner Program from GE Designs gives quilt shops a year of classroom programming, 10% off normal wholesale pricing and free US shipping. Apply at wholesale.gequiltdesigns.com/partner

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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 wholesale with my guest Emily Kerr-Finell.

Emily is a mission-driven entrepreneur and the founder at Wholesale In a Box and Making Faire Work. A seasoned wholesale strategist, she has helped 2,000+ people start and grow small businesses. Her approach to business has been featured by The Oprah Magazine, Forbes, The Makers Summit, and Entrepreneur Magazine.

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This episode is sponsored by Hobbs Bonded Fibers.

What’s the best batting for my project? That has to be the question Hobbs Bonded Fibers is asked most often, and there’s so much to consider!
 
Our recommendation depends on the type of project you’re making and how it will be used; what other materials you’re using; what type of drape and dimension you desire; how light or heavy, and/or cool or warm, you want it to be; how you want the project to perform; and so much more! Reach out to Stephanie Hackney at shackney@hobbsbondedfibers.com to discuss your next project!
 
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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.