Homespun With Misty

Join host Misty Doan on Homespun as she sits down with Deb Strain, Moda Fabrics' longest-standing designer with an incredible 27-year career. In this captivating episode, Deb reveals her extraordinary creative journey from public school art teacher to greeting card entrepreneur to becoming part of the Moda family after a serendipitous trade show encounter. Discover how she creates beloved fabric collections entirely by hand using traditional pen, ink, and watercolor techniques that haven't changed in centuries. Learn about the surprising technical constraints that shape every collection, witness a live demonstration of ancient damask creation methods, and see how Christmas color trends have evolved over nearly three decades of design.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Deb's unexpected journey from art teacher to greeting card company owner to Moda designer after a chance trade show meeting 27 years ago
• Her completely hand-drawn design process using pen, ink, and paint - refusing to go digital despite family pressure to modernize
• The 17-color printing limitation that constrains every collection and how she hand-mixes paint recipes for consistency across years
• Live demonstration of creating symmetrical damask patterns using the ancient mirror-and-paste technique
• How fabric collections are designed like stories, with panels as main characters and coordinating prints as supporting cast
• The evolution of Christmas color trends from deep primitive '90s colors to bright neons to today's traditional palette
• Working 18 months ahead to predict future trends and the partnership with quilt designer Barb from Coach House Designs

Join host Misty Doan on Homespun as she sits down with Jen Belnap of The Smitten Chicken, a mom of six who transformed her darkest moment into a thriving quilting business. In this deeply moving episode, Jen shares how a late-night purchase of a rainbow jelly roll became the foundation for her healing journey after pregnancy loss. Discover how what started as a creative outlet evolved into pattern design success, the surprising realities of running a quilting business (hint: it's 80% computer work!), and why breaking the silence around difficult topics creates unexpected community. From stitching herself back together with that first rainbow baby quilt to designing patterns that help other women feel less alone, Jen's story is a powerful reminder of creativity's healing power and the quilting community's incredible support.

Key Episode Highlights:

• The pivotal rainbow jelly roll purchase that became a healing "rainbow baby quilt" - literally stitching herself back together during her darkest time
• How a late-night creative outlet for a busy mom of six organically evolved into The Smitten Chicken pattern design business through social media
• The surprising reality of creative entrepreneurship - spending 80% of time on computer work (photography, marketing, editing) and only 20% actually sewing
• Design philosophy born from necessity - creating large-block patterns that come together quickly while drawing inspiration from family travels
• Breaking the silence around pregnancy loss and the overwhelming response from women sharing "that was me too"
• The collaborative quilting community that taught essential business skills from Adobe Creative Suite to newsletter management
• Future aspirations in fabric design while building a portfolio and expanding from pattern designer to potential fabric creator

Join host Misty Doan Homespun as she sits down with the incredibly talented Stephanie Organes, a fabric designer with Andover Fabrics based in Mexico City, Mexico. In this inspiring episode, Stephanie shares her unique creative journey that began with graphic design studies in Italy, led her through the world of professional cookie decorating, and ultimately brought her to fabric design during the pandemic. Discover how a health scare became the catalyst for pursuing her true passion, the challenges of learning quilting as a Spanish speaker, and her advice for aspiring fabric designers who aren't afraid to knock on doors.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Stephanie's creative evolution from graphic design studies in Florence to cookie decorating competitions at Cookie Con
• How becoming a new mom led to discovering quilting and making her first adorable quilted bear project
• The pandemic health scare that became her wake-up call to pursue fabric design seriously
• Building her portfolio with Spoonflower samples and the nerve-wracking process of pitching to Andover Fabrics
• Why following up after months of silence landed her the dream contract - and the vulnerability of putting creative work out there
• The unique challenges of learning quilting in English while being a native Spanish speaker (inches vs centimeters!)
• Her "schedule creativity like a doctor's appointment" philosophy and the truth that inspiration finds you working, not waiting
• The growing need for Spanish-language quilting resources and celebrating the first Spanish-speaking retreat at Missouri Star

From Missouri Star Quilt Co

Join host Misty Doan on Homespun as she sits down with Sara Delaney, Missouri Star's in-house crochet and knitting expert, for an intimate conversation about her creative journey from theater costume design to becoming a published author and fiber arts educator. Sara shares her non-traditional path to finding her calling, discussing how financial hardship led to rediscovering yarn crafts, her transition from retail work to yarn shop employee, and eventually becoming a full-time designer and teacher. This heartwarming episode explores the intersection of creativity, family traditions, and the therapeutic nature of working with fiber, while offering practical advice for aspiring designers and makers.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Sara's journey from theater costume design to becoming Missouri Star's fiber arts expert
• Her unique design process - starting with visual sketches and treating knit/crochet as fabric construction
• The difference between "project people" vs "process people" in crafting philosophy
• How financial hardship in 2008 led to rediscovering yarn and launching her career
• Career advice for aspiring fiber artists and the transition of One Big Happy into Missouri Star
• Family crafting traditions, generational skill-skipping, and creating memorial quilts during lockdown
• The therapeutic nature of constant creating and learning from mistakes as design opportunities

From Missouri Star Quilt Co

Join Misty Doan in this inspiring episode of Homespun as she sits down with Missy Luukkonen, the creative force behind "The Little Green Bean" design company. Missy shares her journey from creative struggles to building a successful pattern and kit business in the quilting and fiber arts world. This candid conversation covers the real challenges designers face, from burnout to business roadblocks, and reveals the strategies that transformed Missy's creative passion into a thriving enterprise. Whether you're a maker looking to turn your hobby into income or simply seeking inspiration for your creative journey, Missy's story offers valuable insights into building resilience and success in the crafting industry.

Key Topics Covered:

• Avoiding creative burnout and maintaining passion for your craft
• Making a complete reset when your creative business isn't working
• Planning for future growth and expansion in the design world
• Overcoming roadblocks and setbacks in the creative industry
• Building "The Little Green Bean" brand from concept to success
• Transitioning from hobbyist to professional pattern designer
• Creating multiple revenue streams through patterns, kits, and tools
• Balancing creativity with business demands
• Learning from failures and pivoting when necessary
• The importance of finishing projects over perfectionism

From Missouri Star Quilt Co

Step into the colorful world of fabric and fiber arts with this inspiring episode of Homespun! Host Misty Doan sits down with renowned designer Jennifer Long to uncover the creative spark behind her beloved patterns and collections. Jennifer shares her journey from her first stitches to collaborating with major brands like Riley Blake, discusses the stories woven into her favorite designs, and offers a peek into the joys and challenges of turning imagination into art. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just curious about the world of textile design, Jennifer’s passion and insight will ignite your own creative fire!

• Jennifer Long shares her journey from hobbyist to renowned fabric and pattern designer.
• She discusses where she finds inspiration for her unique fabric collections and patterns.
• Jennifer reveals her creative process, from initial sketches to finished products.
• She talks about the challenges and rewards of working in the fabric and fiber arts industry.
• Jennifer emphasizes the importance of storytelling and personal connection in her designs.
• She offers advice for aspiring makers and creatives looking to turn their passion into a profession.
• Jennifer highlights some of her favorite collaborations and projects, including her work with Riley Blake.

From your friends at the Missouri Star Quilt Company

In this episode of Homespun, Heather Bailey discusses her experiences as a fabric designer, pattern creator, and craft goods maker. She talks about:

• How she got started in the world of fabric and fiber arts
• The inspiration behind her popular fabric collections, such as “Wild Abandon”
• Her approach to designing patterns and craft goods
• The joys and challenges she faces as a creative entrepreneur
• Insights into her creative process and what motivates her work

Heather’s story is especially interesting because she blends artistry with entrepreneurship, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how unique fabrics and patterns come to life. Her passion for creativity and her willingness to share both successes and struggles make her interview engaging for anyone interested in the world of textiles and design.

From the Missouri Star Quilt Company