Episode #99: Ellen March

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we're talking about sewing magazines and television with my guest, Ellen March. Ellen March is the Community Content Director for the sewing division of F+W Media, including the Sew News, Creative Machine Embroidery, BurdaStyle, Sew Daily and Sew it All brands. She’s appeared on several television shows spreading her love of sewing, most notably Hallmark’s Marie Osmond Show and DIY Network’s Uncommon Threads, and she hosted Sew it All TV on PBS for nine seasons.

Ellen traces her career in the sewing media industry from stumbling upon a job description for a graphic designers at Sew News (she wasn't a graphic designer, but applied for a job anyway) to pitching a PBS show, to overseeing a suite of sewing magazines and brands for F+W Media. One of the things that stands out about Ellen's journey is her willingness to ask for the job she wants and her eagerness to take on new challenges. Her approach is very inspiring.

I ask Ellen to detail for us what exactly sewing magazines are looking right now. She explains how to write a good pitch (and what not to do) and why she feels that being published in a magazine is a worthwhile endeavor for designers. If you'd like to get on the contributors list for Sew News and Creative Machine Embroidery magazines, be sure to listen because Ellen shares the email address you can write to.

+++++

This episode is sponsored by Sweetbriar Sisters. Sweetbriar Sisters is excited to announce their latest book, Hopeful Hatchlings! This sewing pattern collection includes nine different baby animals to hatch (and re-hatch!) from adorable zipper eggs. You can find Hopeful Hatchlings, along with a full collection of one of a kind toy patterns at SweetbriarSisters.com. Be sure to use coupon code ‘naps’ for 20% off your purchase of digital patterns (including the Hopeful Hatchlings eBook) from now until August 31. 

+++++

Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same.

To get the full show notes for this episode, visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Meet with show host, Abby Glassenberg, each month for our Craft Business Roundtable, get access to courses and webinars taught by industry leaders, and much more.