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