h+h Connect

Join Darrin as he engages in a captivating conversation with Jamie Lomax, a renowned knitting pattern designer and author, and Heidi Kaisand from Hen and Chick Studio. Jamie introduces her company, Pacific Knit Co, and her innovative modular knitting patterns as well as her new book, 'The Doodle Knit Directory.' She shares her journey from corporate life to becoming a full-time designer. Heidi discusses the significance of ...

Join Darrin for an insightful conversation with Heidi Kaisand from Hen & Chick Studio, a quilt shop and retreat center in Conrad, Iowa. Heidi shares her experiences and the importance of attending the h+h Americas show for networking and education. Discover her philosophy on customer engagement, the evolving retail landscape, and the value of continuous learning. Heidi also discusses her upcoming class on customer engagement an...

Join us for an insightful discussion with Sheena Burt from Color Story Studios as she shares her expertise on transforming independent retailers into must-visit destinations. Sheena talks about her journey, the importance of curation in modern retail, and offers practical advice for creating captivating store displays. Learn about her two upcoming classes at H&H Americas: 'One Table Four Ways' and 'The Art of Retail,' where she...

h+h Connect: Industry Insights and Innovations with The ScissormanIn this month's edition of h+h Connect, host Darrin sits down with Brint, better known as the Scissorman, from Specialty Product Sales Incorporated and CEO of Famore Cutlery. The episode explores a range of industry topics, from the recent turmoil at Joanne Fabrics to the vibrant, passionate world of the crafting community, including quilting, knitting, and the b...

Danielle Mayer introduces the Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival (open to the public), slated for May 2026 at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Highlighting insights from Darrin Stern, Vice President of Koelnmesse, Inc., and show director, the event addresses a gap in the Midwest crafting market. The festival offers a diverse range of activities, including knitting, quilting, sewing, and more, with a strong fo...

🎙️ h+h Connect Podcast: Meet the Team Behind the Craft Community 🎨✨

In this special holiday edition of the h+h Connect Podcast, we’re taking you behind the scenes to meet the incredible team bringing h+h americas to life. Join host Darrin Stern as he sits down with key staff members to discuss their journeys, inspirations, and passions for the craft industry.

Through candid and heartfelt conversations, you’ll hear from:

• Jess...

Crafting Dreams into Reality: Nichole Schneider's Inspiring Journey | h+h Connect Show In this episode of the h+h Connect Show, host Darrin welcomes special guest @NicholeSchneider, a multifaceted entrepreneur, creator, artist, and businesswoman. Nichole, the founder of @ColeyCraft (www.coleycraft.com), shares her remarkable origin story, drawing from her family's rich heritage in fashion design and business. She discusses her edu...

h+h americas, a prominent trade show for fiber craft retailers, has unveiled plans for a new pavilion dedicated to beads, buttons, tools, and items for jewelry making and crafts. This initiative responds to growing demand from industry professionals seeking specialized vendors in these categories. 

Responding to Industry Demand

The decision to launch the new pavilion comes after careful consideration of feedback from the event's co...

Welcome to another edition of the h+h Connect Show! In this episode, Darrin welcomes Gale Zucker, a celebrated photographer in the crafting community, to discuss the critical role of photography, visual images, and headshots in business. Gale shares insights on why visual marketing has become vital in today's digital-first world, the importance of headshots for personal and business branding, and tips for effective photography usin...

In the latest episode of h+h Connect, hosted by Darrin Stern, Show Director for h+h Americas and Vice President at Koelnmesse Inc., we dive into an inspiring conversation with Jessica and Jamie from SewTites. As sisters and co-founders, they share their serendipitous entry into the crafting marketplace, driven by their love for quilting and sewing.

Jessica and Jamie discuss the unique dynamics of running a family business, hig...

n this episode of h+h Connect, host Darrin Stern, the show director for h+h Americas, discusses the highlights from the third day of h+h Americas, an event that connects the global crafting and hobby industries. Presentations from industry leaders Mark Hyland of Handy Quilter and Jan Hurwitz of Berroco reveal significant findings from two major consumer research studies. Mark shares data on quilting trends, highlighting demographic...

Influencer Insights with Amber Kemp-Gerstel: Creativity, Challenges, and Social Media Strategies

In this episode of h+h Connect, hosted by Darren Stern, we dive into the keynote session from h+h americas day two with Amber Kemp-Gerstel. Amber, a prominent creator and influencer, shares her journey, including her experiences with influencer marketing, overcoming challenges like having her Instagram account hacked, and maintaining ...

Welcome to another exciting episode of h+h Connect. I'm Darrin Stern, the show director for h+h Americas and a Vice President at Koelnmesse Inc., based in Chicago. Our podcast series brings you valuable insights and inspiration to enhance your business, creativity, and overall inspiration.

In today's episode, we have a fascinating State of the Industry panel discussion from h+h americas 2024 featuring a diverse group o...

Dive into the vibrant world of fiber arts with Alanna Wilcox on this week's h+h Connect. From the playgrounds of Brooklyn to the forefront of textile innovation, Alana shares her journey through the colorful threads of life. Discover how a childhood fascination with untangling knots blossomed into a profound love for embroidery, crocheting, and knitting. Join us as Alana unravels the tapestry of her experiences, from teaching a...