In this episode of Splitting Seams, I'm joined by my good friend Brittany of The Empurrium, who is celebrating 15 years in business. We talk honestly about what that actually looks like — the highs, the chaos, the burnout, and the reality of staying in business for that long when life keeps happening around it. We also discuss Brittany's recent shift from full-time self employment to a more traditional job, and all the emotions, perspective shifts, and realities involved in such a major shift.

Fair warning: we definitely go on a few tangents in this one, and there is a lot of cat talk. If you love cats, stories, and conversations that wander a bit, you’ll feel right at home.

Brittany's Links:

• FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheEmPURRium
• FB Groups:
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/empurrium/
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/empurriumpurrfectstitches
• IG & TT: @theempurrium
• YouTube: @BrittanyEmpurrium
• Website: https://theempurrium.com/
• PREORDER (Active until Feb 15, 2026): https://theempurrium.com/collections/preorder
• Email: brittany@theempurrium.com

Shannon's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/knottedthreadsco

In this episode of Splitting Seams, I sit down for a long, honest, and sometimes technical bag-making chat with Jess of Wish Upon a Rainbow. We talk about bag making differences across the US and UK, the importance of support networks, meeting people where they’re at, and what it’s been like for Jess running a high-demand handmade business. We discuss self expression, talent vs skill, and some upcoming changes to her business. Jess offers some absolutely amazing insights into all things, so it was truly a treat to chat with her.

Jess's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Wishuponarainbow

Shannon's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/knottedthreadsco

Support the show and get early access to episodes and more by joining the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/SplittingSeams

In this episode of Splitting Seams, Olivia's and I discuss her journey from cosplay to owning a business in our sewing community, her passion for creating fandom art that translates into custom hardware and fabrics, and the challenges of running a small business. Olivia shares insights into her creative process, the importance of community, and the lessons learned from collaborations. We also touch on the significance of mental health and self-kindness in our little creative world.

Olivia's Socials!:

Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/alchemats

Instagram: @alchematsdesigns

TikTok: @alchemats

Alchemats Website: alchemats.com

New website offering standard hardware and other non-fandom specific items: basic-crafts.com

Shannon's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/knottedthreadsco

Support the show and get early access to episodes and more by joining the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/SplittingSeams

In this episode of Splitting Seams, longtime friend, tester, and admin Niki of Niki Makes joins me to talk about the realities of bagmaking, testing, striking, healthy boundaries, and discovering our worth in this community. From sewing her first bag, to encouraging others to teach and create, to overcoming loss and choosing “what matters,” Niki reminds us that most things in sewing, and life, are "figure-out-able".

Niki's Socials!:

• Instagram: @niki_makes
• TikTok: @niki_makes
• Attend her class at Sew Whatever Studios in March! Details here: https://moremeknow.com/collections/sew-whatever-studio-classes

Shannon's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/knottedthreadsco

Support the show and get early access to episodes and more by joining the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/SplittingSeams

In this episode of Splitting Seams, host Shannon Timchula welcomes Niko from Sewgnar, a PDF pattern and handmade goods business that almost exclusively uses cork. They discuss the importance of authenticity in business, the challenges and joys of using cork, and the significance of being open to change and learning from failure. The conversation highlights personal growth, community, and the creative process in the sewing industry.

Some of Niko's thoughts she wanted added to her remarks on competition in the community: "A rising tide raises all ships and I believe there’s enough room at the table for everyone. I don’t personally find it competitive because I do what I can to include and bring others up with me when possible." - - - - Please also take a moment to check out her site to see how she gives back to various organizations every year! See.. I told you she's got a big ol' heart! https://www.sewgnar.com/giving-back

Niko's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SewGnar

Shannon's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/knottedthreadsco

Support the show and get early access to episodes and more by joining the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/SplittingSeams

In this conversation, Lauren and Shannon discuss the challenges of running a growing business, the importance of authenticity in content creation, and the impact of financial pressures on creativity. They explore the balance between work and life, especially as parents, and the significance of community support in overcoming struggles.

Lauren's Info: https://linktr.ee/moremeknow.com

Support the show here for bonus content!: https://www.patreon.com/cw/SplittingSeams

Welcome to Splitting Seams. Where every seam has a story. Thanks for being here. I hope you enjoy what's to come this season.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/SplittingSeams

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@knottedthreadsco

https://knottedthreadsco.com