Designing fabric, and illustrating the idea of something - with Kim Kight · The Rev Craft Biz Podcast summary

Key takeaways

Kim Kight blends her passion for birding with fabric design, creating unique collections that reflect her interests.
The fabric industry is challenged by inflation and consumer behavior, necessitating smarter inventory management and sustainable practices.
Community connections play a fundamental role in fostering creativity, encouraging collaboration and support within the crafting industry.
Balancing artistic expression with sustainability and social responsibility is crucial for future creators in the fabric industry.
Fostering diversity and inclusivity in the crafting community is essential for its growth and vitality.

Summary

The Journey of Kim Kight

In this episode, Sam Hunter talks to Kim Kight, a multifaceted individual who traversed from a fabric enthusiast to a prominent fabric designer with Ruby Star Society. Kight shares her unique journey, including her start with her fabric-focused blog 'True Up' and the challenges she faced to establish herself in the competitive world of fabric design. They discuss how Kight balances her day job as a speech pathologist alongside her creative endeavors in the fabric industry.

Birding and Fabric Design

Kim shares her passion for birding and how it intertwines with her fabric design work. They discuss her latest collection, 'Bird Is the Word,' which cleverly illustrates various aspects of birding through fabric designs. Kight reflects on the similarities between birding and quilting, noting how both require an appreciation for beauty and detail, and how her love for birds has inspired her recent collections.

The Evolution of the Fabric Industry

In an in-depth discussion, Kim and Sam explore the current state of the fabric industry, considering the impact of inflation and the pandemic on fabric sales and production. They highlight the need for smarter inventory management, discussing the challenges of overproduction, especially in the modern fabric sector. Kight also provides insight on sustaining creativity in a market that's constantly evolving, urging a balance between trend-following and personal artistic expression.

Community and Connection

The conversation pivots to the importance of community within the quilting and crafting circles. Sam and Kim emphasize how a supportive community can elevate creative expression and foster innovation. They reflect on ways the industry can become more inclusive to younger generations, ultimately encouraging a more interconnected and diverse crafting community.

Sustainability and Future Considerations

Towards the end, the episode tackles sustainability within the fabric industry. They discuss the significance of sourcing locally and creating sustainable patterns that support both the environment and fair labor practices. Kight shares her views on finding harmony between creativity and responsibility, encouraging fellow creators to be mindful of their impact on the world, while still making beautiful, artful contributions.

Show notes

#28 Kim Kight talks about her path from fabric afficionado and bird lover, to her fabric blog True Up, to fabric designer with Ruby Star Society, while still keeping her day job.

Show Notes

Quote - Season in your life

Website - https://www.kight.kim/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kmelkight @kmelkight

Kim Kight Etsy Shop - https://www.etsy.com/shop/KimberlyKightStudio

Ruby Star Society - https://www.rubystarsociety.com/

Designers of RSS:

Melody Miller - https://www.rubystarsociety.com/designers/melody

Alexia Marcelle Abegg - https://alexiamarcelleabegg.com/

Rashida Coleman-Hale - https://www.rashidacolemanhale.com/

Sarah Watts - https://www.sarahwatts.com/

True Up - https://www.trueup.net/

Kokka Fabric - https://kokkafabrics.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqbU04EBFVZfQ8cUeVYfKRNLdYGCe7w1CTp92OKLz27peboI4-B

*How to Design Fabric book - https://amzn.to/3z8cCQq

Kim Kight Etsy Shop - https://www.etsy.com/shop/KimberlyKightStudio

Moda Fabrics - https://modafabrics.com/

Bird is the Word Fabric Collection - https://shop.modafabrics.com/collection?group=Bird%20Is%20The%20Word

Alison Ramsing - https://allisonramsing.com/

Teresa Coates - https://www.teresacoates.com/

Metro Patchwork Society - https://www.metropatch.com/

Free Spirit Fabrics - https://freespiritfabrics.com/

Robert Kauffman - https://www.robertkaufman.com/

Amy Butler - https://www.amybutlerdesign.com/

Denyse Schmidt - https://dsquilts.com/

Heather Ross - https://heatherross.squarespace.com/

Ellevest - https://www.ellevest.com/

Ruta Maya Coffee - https://rutamayacoffee.com/

Procreate - https://procreate.com/

*Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys - https://amzn.to/4dZWRKw

Ruby Star Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rubystarsociety/ @rubystarsociety

Charm Pack Newsletter - https://www.thecharmpack.com/

Blue Star Donuts - https://bluestardonuts.com/

Voodoo Doughnuts - https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/

Pip’s Doughnuts - https://www.pipsoriginalonline.com/

*Affiliate link - I might make a commission but you don’t pay more

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Where to find Sam Hunter:

How to Own a Revolutionary Craft Biz - www.revcraftbiz.com

Hunter's Design Studio - www.huntersdesignstudio.com

Embroidered Journey - www.embroideredjourney.com

Creatively Sorted - www.creativelysorted.com

Sam Hunter Art - www.samhunterart.com

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