Collage Creative with Amy Small

Today on the show I am re-airing one of my most favorite episodes- my interview with Kristal Hill. I have old friend and colleague, Kristal Hill, who also happens to be the creative director of lifestyle & design at Free People. Yes, she really has that amazing dream job! We talk about the details of her role but the what I think you'll resonate with most is a story she tells – how stress affected her health. The way she got well is a huge inspiration that has left me feeling not the least bit guilty about taking time for myself.

Today on the show I have Mary Jeanne Packer! I'm really excited for you to hear this episode because this is the first time I've ever had a mill owner on the show! Mary Jeanne owns a mill in upstate NY (Battenkill Fibers Mill) where she spins all sort of yarn – yarn for farms, yarn for indie dyers and for her own company. You'll see her at Rhinebeck this year too! Show notes here.

Today on the show I have Paula Pereira! She is a knitwear designer based in Brazil who has published countless patterns on her own and with other large publications. Her story is fascinating – she began her career in retail and through burnout found yoga and totally by accident knitting too. Her story has an element of happy serendipity. Show notes here.

Today on the show I have Katy Westcott, the incredible business lady behind Katrinkles. Her company focuses on accessories that work with your knitting – think laser cut wooden buttons and gauge tools. This is a special episode because we actually got to meet up in person. It was simply amazing to see her space and how it all works. I cannot wait for you to hear this one! Show notes here.

Hi there today on the show I have Alexandra Tavel, the creative force behind Two of Wands! She is a prolific knit wear designer who's designs always seem to the perfect balance of modern yet a touch of vintage too. Show notes here!

Today on the show I have Cindy Bokser! She is a macramé artist and the creator of Niroma Studio, an online supply shop for fiber artists. I think you're going to love how she opens up to us about the big defining moment that led her to quit her day job, it is a powerful one. She also opens up about the everyday difficulties she faces in simply running her business and what helps her move past them. Show notes here.

Today on the show I have Steven Berg, the man and the legend behind all things Steven Be. This is a really special episode for me. I've known Steven since my first Tnna tradeshow in 2010 where he was instantly friendly and enthusiastic about my business. In this interview we go back to where it all started for him – much of the way he is because of his incredible Mom but what got me time and again during this episode is how knitting and yarn is his safe space as a child and now he's created that at Steven Be Studios. Steven has a way of just being himself, completely extravagant and fabulous in all that he does. It's fun, totally unique and so incredibly Steven. And that's what I really want this podcast to be about, shining a light on people doing their own creative things out in a world where it's not that easy to do that. I CANNOT WAIT FOR YOU TO HEAR THIS ONE! Show notes here.

Today on the show I have Mckenzie Mullen – the dyer and youtuber behind Emtothethird Yarn Co. I'm excited for you to hear about her yarns but I'm even more excited for you to hear about how she bravely stepped away from the career she was trained in (for years!) to go with where her passion lies – one many of us can relate to, yarn & making. Learn more about Mckenzie and find the show notes here.

Hi friends! Someone this is episode 100 of this podcast. I can hardly believe it. In this episode I talk about what this podcast means to me and how I plan to take it to a whole new place with (I hope!) your support. Then I take some time to let you know where I stand (and where my business Knit Collage) stands on the huge conversation happening right now in the knitting work around race, diversity and inclusion. Show notes here.

Today on the show, meet Alicia Scardetta. Alicia is a fiber artist who creates her own unique pieces using wrapped yarns and unexpected color palettes. They are bright, detailed and reminiscent of a few her favorite things: jump ropes, hair braids and friendship bracelets. I especially loved hearing about how she makes her art a priority every single day. Show notes here.