• Home
  • Suggest A Craft
  • DIY Newsletter

Needle Work

Art, patterns and techniques

  • About CraftGossip
  • Our Network
    • Bath & Body Crafts
    • Candle Making Ideas
    • Crochet Ideas
    • Cross Stitch
    • Edible Crafts
    • Felting Patterns
    • Glass Art
    • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Indie Crafts
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts
    • Knitting Patterns
    • Lesson Plans
    • Needlework
    • Party Ideas
    • Polymer Clay
    • Quilting Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing Patterns
    • Card Making
    • DIY Weddings
    • Not Craft Ideas
  • Giveaways
  • Roundups
  • Store
  • Search

Support textile artists through TAFA

November 26, 2012 by Denise Felton 1 Comment

Rachel Biel, founder of the Textile and Fiber Arts List (TAFA) writes so beautifully about TAFA’s mission and evolution. I wish I could share her entire e-newsletter with you, including links to TAFA’s kindred sites. In this limited space, I’ll pass along this much. Rachel says,

I realized that I was a part of a tribe on the internet that needed a structured community.  There are many organizations on the web that provide specific and needed services to the textile and fiber art community.  But, I wanted something that was focused on the business end of things, that was international, that brought together historical and cultural textiles with contemporary and experimental works and that jumped in on the social media platforms that are out there.  I didn’t find such a group, so I launched TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List in 2010 using a free blog platform to showcase our members.

By the end of that year, it was clear that we would need a “real” website that had a powerful search engine.  In mid-2011 we held a fundraiser on IndieGoGo which raised $5,000 to build the site.  It launched in January of this year…The site went way over budget, costing $10K instead of $5K.  (I am making payments on it.)…We still have many features we would like to add to the site, but it is finally an amazing place, a tribe that we can be proud of!  TAFA now has 470 members from 35 countries and each new profile that gets up on the site brings in new treasures.  It’s a feast for the eyes and a huge accomplishment!

Now the goal is to have the site generate enough income to grow it, invest in paid marketing, pay me a salary (!!!), and hire an assistant.  We depend on our sponsors for this and if you have a business which would appeal to an audience of smart, creative, well-traveled women over 40 years old (our niche market), consider becoming a sponsor!  The sponsor ads flash on every page except for the home page and member profiles and you could even sponsor a favorite cause or organization of your choice.

As the annual season of giving approaches, I hope you’ll consider supporting Rachel’s commitment to developing this amazing organization by shopping with its member artists, becoming a sponsor, or donating funds to keep the enterprise going. As Rachel says,

I believe firmly that when we connect with the handmade tribe, we are helping to make the world a better place.  Many of our TAFA members look at how their work can be sustainable.  They might use recycled materials, raise sheep on small farms, use dyes that are not toxic, and make quality work that lasts a lifetime.

Go to TAFA.

Related Ideas:

  • 91LQucaONOL._SL1500_
    Book Review: Crafting a Better World by Diana Weymar
  • 71onuQjEBIL._SL1500_
    How Needle and Thread Wove the Stories of Our World…
  • aari-indian-work-embroidery-patterns-free-needlework-
    Aari Work Hand Embroidery Tutorials and Patterns
  • Screenshot 2025-03-27 121736
    Spotlight on Sarah Beth Timmons: The Art of…
«
»

Comments

  1. Rachel Biel says

    November 28, 2012 at 12:29 pm

    Oh, Denise! You are such a great support! I spread your kudos around and hope that people will come visit you here, too. Such a wonderful resource!

Have you read?

DMC American Camping Embroidery Pattern – A Nostalgic Outdoor Stitch for Summer Lovers

If you’re someone who loves the idea of campfires, clear skies, and vintage road trips, the DMC American Camping Embroidery Pattern is a charming little project that captures all those cozy outdoor vibes in one neat hoop.

This free embroidery … Read More ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Needlework Patterns and Ideas

There is no better place than the Needlework blog for all the latest tutorials and free patterns. Need some inspiration? We have you covered there too with awesome artists and links to amazing websites. Are you an avid cross stitcher? Maybe embroidery is thing, No matter what kind of stitch you are passionate about, there is something for you on the Needlework blog.There is no need to spend hours searching the internet for the latest news in the Needlework world, just stop by Craft Gossip and find everything you need for your next stitchy project. C'mon in! Have a seat, grab a cup of tea and catch up with your favorite stitchy friends.

Explore

Applique Artists Christmas Craft Inspirations Craft News and Events Crazy quilting Cross stitch DIY Tutorials and Patterns Embroidery Felt Free Patterns Giveaways Hand Holiday Machine Embroidery Needlepoint and bargello Needlework general news Patterns and charts Tips Tutorials

RSS More Articles

  • Cozy Up Your Holidays with This Stunning Christmas Blanket!
  • 5 Must-Know Secrets to Turning Your Suburban Home into a Profitable, Sustainable Homestead
  • Recycled Paper Cylinder Face Art – A Colorful Win for All Ages
  • 12 FREE Summer Digital Stamps to Download
  • Today Only: 50% Off When You Spend $50 at Crochet.com!
  • Today only 50% OFF When You Spend $50 at KnitPicks.com
  • Kids and Adults Will Love this Paper Version of Tetris
  • Knit a Hat with a Flock of Chickens
  • That Time a Thrift Store Employee Shamed Me – And Your Honest Responses
  • DMC American Camping Embroidery Pattern – A Nostalgic Outdoor Stitch for Summer Lovers

Copyright © 2025 · CraftGossip | Start Here | Contact Us | Link to Us | Your Editors | Privacy and affiliate policy