Slow Craft, Deep Roots: Rediscovering Punch Needle Art | Micah Clasper-Torch (Bonus Episode)

For those that are new around here, I release bonus episodes that serve a niche part of my audience so if this topic is something that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, check out one of the hundreds of other episodes in the podcast archives OR join me back here next week for a conversation that you don’t want to miss!

Micah Clasper-Torch a fashion designer and punch needle artist joins the show to talk about her creative journey and the resurgence of heritage crafts in modern life. Micah shares how her background in fashion design led her to discover punch needle—an old rug-making technique now finding new life in both art and fashion. She explains the history and evolution of the craft, its meditative nature, and why it's become especially meaningful in a fast-paced, mass-produced world. Both she and Diane explore the intersection of slow craft, sustainable fashion, and mindful consumption, discussing how punch needle work offers both creative expression and a way to reconnect with intentional living.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Connect with Micah:
• Web: www.micahclasper-torch.com & https://www.punchneedlefashion.com/ 
• @claspertorch & @punchneedle.world
• Book: Punch Needle Fashion: 15 Punch Needle Projects for Crafting Accessories and Wearables

About Micah|

Micah Clasper-Torch is a Los Angeles-based artist, designer, and educator helping to lead the modern revival of punch needle rug hooking. With a background in fashion design from The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and the Politecnico di Milano in Italy, Micah blends fine art, heritage craft, and wearable design to create one-of-a-kind textile pieces that range from coats and accessories to wall hangings and soft sculpture.

In 2019 Micah was formally trained as an Oxford Punch Needle Instructor at the Oxford Rug Hooking School in Vermont, and in 2020 she launched Punch Needle World, an online community, shop and educational platform dedicated to uplifting the craft and its history, and making high quality supplies and training accessible around the world.  

Her debut book, Punch Needle Fashion, comes out in June 2025 from Quadrille and brings punch needle into the world of contemporary fashion through 15 original projects and a beautifully photographed exploration of the medium.

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