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A simple holiday gift idea
I recently acquired a new pattern for a little fabric container, of which I’m going to make a few different versions. I’ve identified this as the prototype for a “gift bag” for the candy and gift cards that I generally give to my employees at the holidays. This is straightforward (2 squares of fabric), is…
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A Joann’s kind of vibe
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Education, training, or just another money grab?
I have been digging into the back story on a popular fiber arts product that went VIRAL after being on Shark Tank. I have been exploring this recent phenomenon and started with their origin story. According to available public information, the founders left high-profile jobs (one at Google UX and the other at Deutsche Bank/Wall…
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The end goals
UPDATE: a correction and a couple additions. Lopi/Istex yarns are distributed by Berroco in North America, which is owned by Premier Needle Arts (part of Blue Point Capital Partners), however; the yarn is NOT owned by Private Equity. From the ‘About Us‘ page on the Istex site: Ístex was established to carry on the Icelandic…
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Craft Economics – a primer
Many people are taking to YouTube and other social media sites to raise the hue and cry to “Save Joann’s“. While I will be among the sad when (not if) they finally close their doors for the last time, I think it’s really, REALLY important to understand what factors went into this final implosion. I…
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Stash half-full (a perspective)
The rumors have been flying for some time, and yesterday on Reddit, the details started trickling out. By this morning there were full posts on the decision by Joann’s corporate overlords to declare bankruptcy for a second time in a year. First of all, I want to state my deep and heartfelt sympathy for the…