Michaels to Launch a Handmade Marketplace Called MakerPlace
Michaels is launching a handmade marketplace to be called MakerPlace. The craft store chain has been working to strengthen its ecommerce offerings.
What It’s Really Like to Be a Craft Industry Sales Rep
Learn what it’s really like to be a sales representative in the craft industry with independent rep Mary Stowe.
Women Create Magazines Sold, and Sold Again
Women Create Magazines are the passion project of Jo Packham. Recently, they’ve changed hands three times, but are now secure.
Has Stitches (XRX Inc.) Filed for Bankruptcy?
XRX, Inc., producers of the Stitches shows, has filed for bankruptcy. The announcement was made on the company’s website yesterday.
Blue Sky Fibers Sold to Malabrigo
Uruguay-based Malabrigo Yarns announced today that it has acquired Minnesota yarn company Blue Sky Fibers. Both are family businesses.
Ocean State Innovators Acquires Cloud9 Fabrics
Cloud9 Fabrics has been acquired by Ocean State Innovators, a company that previously acquired quilting fabric manufacturer P&B Textiles.
Lauren Holton of Lark Rising Finds Calm in Embroidery and A Slow Business Path
Lauren Holton, creator of Lark Rising Studios uses color and floss to embroider scenes of flowers, meadows, oceans, even abstract designs, much as a painter uses a brush.
A Revival of Shoe Manufacturing in New England: JEMS, the First Black-Owned Athletic Shoe Factory in the US
Learn about the revival of shoe manufacturing in New England with the opening of a factory in Somersworth. JEMS by PENSOLE, the first Black-owned athletic shoe company in the US, is an exciting revival of a tradition of manufacturing in the city.
Michaels Launches Craft Supply Marketplace
Big box retailers are increasingly opening third-party marketplaces, and this week craft supply retailer Michaels joined the fray. The new Michaels marketplace allows craft supply sellers to list their products on Michaels.com.
JOANN and Singer Launch Ditto, the First Projector Made Just for Sewing
Ditto, a joint venture between JOANN and Singer, is the first pattern projector made for home sewists. The product launched at New York Fashion Week last week and will be sold at JOANN and at Singer dealers.
Mollie Makes to Shut Down, Publishing Its Final Issue this Month
Many crafters were disappointed to learn last week that UK-based craft magazine Mollie Makes will cease publication. The January 2023 issue, the magazine’s 151st, will be its last.
How I Got That Gig: Spreading Christmas Cheer on the International Space Station
Susan Rodgers explains how her handmade Christmas stocking ended up on the International Space Station.
Martingale to Close in Mid-2023
Craft book publisher Martingale has announced that the company will be closing in mid-2023.
Crafters Reflect on the Closure of Martha Stewart Living Magazine
Many of us can relate, finding joy in the carefully curated scenes and aspirational tips and tricks that magazines compile. Sadly, the days of the thick print magazine feel numbered. This past June, another giant joined the long list of publications no longer in print, Martha Stewart Living. We reflect on the magazine and it’s impact on the craft industry.
The Size of the Quilting Market: Quilting Trends Survey Results 2022
Each year, Premier Needle Arts conducts a survey of quilters in North America to better understand consumer behavior. Here is a summary of the 2022 findings.
Fabric.com is Shutting Down
Fabric.com announced to vendors today that the company, which is owned by Amazon, will be shutting down as of October 20.
How I Got That Gig: Embroidered Pillows for Florence + The Machine
Embroidery artist Melissa Galbraith created a set of custom embroidered pillows for the band Florence + the Machine. Here’s how she got that gig.
Samplers, Swearwords and Sass: A Look at Modern Cross Stitch
We take a look at modern cross stitch movements that include political, snarky, sassy and subversive messages.
The Paper Shortage Impacts Craft Publishers
The paper shortage is taking a toll on craft publishers, causing longer waits, higher prices, and diminishing the eco-friendly options available at any given time.
How Craft Businesses are Dealing with Inflation
Inflation is a pressing concern for large and small businesses around the globe right now. Learn how craft businesses are dealing with new challenges and methods to try to counteract the effects of inflation.