On today’s special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re thrilled to be bringing you a recording of the keynote address at h+h americas 2026. This year, our speaker was Natalie Chanin, and her talk was called “The Future of Craft Is Collective.”
Natalie is the founder and creative director of The School of Making, Alabama Chanin, and the nonprofit Project Threadways, reflects on the evolving role of craft in a complex world. Drawing on the Project Threadways manifesto, she explores how making—rooted in joy, creativity, and shared experience—can connect individuals while also building stronger, more resilient and interconnected systems of education, production, and community. This keynote invites the craft industry to chart a path forward through collaboration, shared resources, and collective stewardship—moving beyond preservation to build resilient, regenerative ecosystems for the next generation of makers.
Podcast Planning for Natalie Chanin
This episode is sponsored by Andrews Artistry.
Branding, Web Design & Brand Photography for Creatives and Small Businesses
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In this keynote speech, Natalie shares her personal history and interest in cotton and sustainable textiles. She talks about her dedication to preserving craft tradition in Florence, Alabama, the region where she grew up. She came back to her hometown in 2000 with the idea of creating a small line of t-shirts.
Natalie explains the Slow Design movement and what zero-waste production means. The garments she produces are made by local women using organic or upcycled cotton, and any waste fabric is used for embellishments, including patchwork and applique. Natalie has a factory in Florence called Building 14 where the garments are produced.
We hope you enjoy this insightful and provocative keynote from Natalie.
