Meet Darrin Stern, the visionary leader behind H+H Americas and the Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival. In this episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Darrin to uncover how these two powerhouse events came to life, and why they are transforming the fiber, fabric, and crafting industries.

While some claim the quilting or fabric industry is "dying," Darrin shares a very different story. His work proves that creativity, community, and craft are thriving more than ever. H+H Americas has quickly become one of the most exciting annual events for makers, brands, designers, and businesses alike, drawing global attendees to Chicago each year.

At this dynamic multi-day gathering, you'll find:

• Runway shows featuring fabric and fiber artistry

• Ice-cream socials, happy hours, and community meet-ups

• Live podcast recordings

• Classes, panels, and hands-on demos

• Retail opportunities for customers (Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival)

• Wholesale and business-focused exhibits (H+H Americas)

Although the event is young, just three years old, it continues to grow rapidly as word spreads about the uniquely vibrant energy it brings to the crafting world.

Whether you're a quilt pattern designer, a shop owner, a fabric lover, or simply curious about what a major industry event looks like, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what makes these shows so special.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• How H+H Americas began and how Darrin Stern brought the vision to life

• Why the fiber and fabric industries are thriving, not declining

• The difference between H+H Americas and the Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival

• What attendees can expect at the Chicago event—from runways to networking

• How the show has evolved over its first three years

• Why these events are becoming must-attend gatherings for both customers and business owners

• How creators, designers, and brands can benefit from participating

• Why this is the place to be for anyone in the quilting or fiber world

Episode Highlights

• Darrin's personal journey and what led him to the craft industry

• A look at how events like these shape the future of quilting and crafting

• Behind-the-scenes stories from past H+H Americas shows

• Opportunities for business owners, educators, and influencers

• The growing excitement around the Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival (the consumer show held the day before H+H Americas)

If You've Ever Wondered…

• Should I attend H+H Americas as a business owner?

• What is the Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival and who is it for?

• Is the quilting industry shrinking—or growing?

• What happens at a major fiber and craft trade show?

• What opportunities exist for designers, makers, or shop owners?

…this episode will answer all of that and more.

Tune In

Whether you are planning to attend, dreaming of attending, or simply curious about what a world-class craft event looks like, you won't want to miss this conversation. Darrin shares the heart, strategy, and passion behind an event that is shaping the future of our industry.