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We talk with designers and makers about what it really takes to build a creative business. Then we recommend great stuff we're loving right now.
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LATEST EPISODE

Podcast Episode #291: Micah Clasper-Torch

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about punch needle with Micah Clasper-Torch.

Micah is a Los Angeles-based artist, designer, and educator helping to lead the modern revival of punch needle rug hooking. With a background in fashion design from The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and the Polytechnic Institute in Milan, Micah blends fine art, heritage craft, and wearable design to create one-of-a-kind textile pieces that range from coats and accessories to wall hangings and soft sculpture. 

In 2019, Micah was formally trained as an Oxford Punch Needle Instructor at the Oxford Rug Hooking School in Vermont, and in 2020, she launched Punch Needle World, an online community, shop and educational platform dedicated to uplifting the craft and its history, and making high-quality supplies and training accessible around the world.  

Her debut book, Punch Needle Fashion, comes out in June 2025 from Quadrille and brings punch needle into the world of contemporary fashion through 15 original projects and a beautifully photographed exploration of the medium.

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THE HOST

Find out what it takes to build a business in the crafts industry. In each episode host, and Craft Industry Alliance co-founder, Abby Glassenberg, interviews a creative entrepreneur to learn about their journey to success. Hear their stories and find out how to earn a living through a love of craft.

FEATURED EPISODES

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Please note that this show was previously called the While She Naps podcast. On October 1, 2019, it was renamed the Craft Industry Alliance podcast. The name has changed, but the mission of the show, the host, and the style are the same.

Podcast Episode #264: Lauren Tilden

Podcast Episode #264: Lauren Tilden

In this podcast interview, artist and shop owner Lauren Tilden talks about her journey to creating as stationery line and owning a store.

Podcast Episode #258: Willie Smith

Podcast Episode #258: Willie Smith

In this podcast interview, knitting teaching Willie Smith explains his expertise in teaching new knitters to confidently tackle projects.

Podcast Episode #255: Brett Bara

Podcast Episode #255: Brett Bara

In this podcast interview, craft entrepreneur Brett Bara traces her career from magazine publishing to opening a shop to Hello Bargello.

Podcast Episode #245: Laura Coia

Podcast Episode #245: Laura Coia

On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about YouTube with my guest Laura Coia. Laura is the host and creator of the YouTube channel Sew Very Easy. The channel has 454,000 subscribers and 976 videos that she’s produced over the last...

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