Well hey there, Craftonians! ✨
If you’ve been hanging out with me here on the Happy Time Craftcast, you know we don’t just chat about glue sticks and glitter (though, let’s be honest — I’m always here for both!). We talk about creativity, connection, and the beautiful ways people weave their hearts into what they make. And oh my goodness — this week’s guest, the incredible AJ Young, left me feeling so inspired.
But first… can I share a little farm moment with you? Before I even hit record, the kitchen at Big Raven Farm smelled amazing — Darin was testing recipes for his next international cooking retreat, and I may or may not have “taste-tested” one too many curry-spiced dishes. (Purely for quality control, of course!)
Then I sat down with AJ — a queer, trans fiber artist from Michigan whose work absolutely blew me away. His art bridges craft, identity, and history, turning fabric into living stories that celebrate love, resilience, and community.
Getting to Know AJ
AJ’s creative journey is stitched with courage and curiosity. He blends his background in sociology with his love for fiber art, quilting, and weaving, creating work that explores belonging and representation. His series, “Stitching Our Histories,” transforms LGBTQ+ archival documents into breathtaking quilts — each one a tender, powerful reminder that our stories matter and deserve to be remembered. 🌈
He also teaches a Quilt-As-You-Go Virtual Class, where you can learn his accessible, creative approach to quilting from the comfort of your own craft space. (And friends, he’s giving our listeners a treat — use code HAPPYTIME when you sign up for a little discount love! 💕)
And because I can’t help myself, we even snuck in a Book Nook for Makers segment! This week I shared The Collage Workbook by Randall Plowman — it’s like a playful creativity gym for your imagination. Oh, and I also confessed my latest studio obsession: Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bombay India Ink. Those colors just sing!
What I Learned From AJ
Talking with AJ reminded me of a few things that I think every creative heart needs to hear:
✨ Art connects us to who we are. Every stitch, brushstroke, or word tells part of our story.
✨ Imperfection is beautiful. AJ’s work celebrates the handmade — crooked seams and all — because those “flaws” are where the humanity lives.
✨ Creativity is community. When we make art, we’re not just expressing ourselves — we’re inviting others to feel seen, too.
✨ Teaching is sharing love. AJ’s gentle, joyful approach to teaching quilting reminds me how much magic happens when artists lift each other up.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’ve ever felt the pull between identity and creativity, this conversation will speak right to your heart. AJ’s perspective is equal parts tender, thoughtful, and joy-filled — the kind of talk that makes you want to grab your favorite fabric scraps, pour a cup of tea, and make something just because it feels right. ☕💖
Until next time, Craftonians — keep stitching your stories, keep sharing your heart, and keep shining your creative light. ✨
With love and color,
Joleen 🌿
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
AJ Young (he/they) is a queer, trans fiber artist and educator from Fennville, Michigan. A lifelong maker, AJ works across knitting, quilting, weaving, bag-making, and mixed media art. With a background in sociology and LGBTQ+ community work, AJ’s artistic mission is to blend creativity and social awareness. His series “Stitching Our Histories” reimagines archival queer documents into modern quilts — offering a vibrant, tangible way to preserve and celebrate LGBTQ+ stories through fabric and thread.
Follow AJ
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 — 04:59] — Big Raven Farm updates & new cooking retreat news
[05:00 — 08:44] — 2026 retreat calendar opens
[08:45 — 09:59] — Meet today’s guest: AJ Young
[10:00 — 15:59] — AJ’s creative journey — from yarn to weaving and quilting
[16:00 — 19:59] — The inspiration behind Stitching Our Histories
[20:00 — 30:59] — Joleen shares a heartfelt story
[31:00 — 33:59] — “Poly-craftual” — AJ’s joyful take on loving all crafts
[34:00 — 39:59] — Favorite tools and creative materials
[40:00 — 45:59] — How community influences creativity
[46:00 — 48:59] — The emotional thread behind Stitching Our Histories — honoring queer voices
[49:00 — 51:59] — The beauty of imperfection — learning through making
[52:00 — 58:59] — Favorite moments in AJ’s creative journey
[59:00 - End] — Closing thoughts — creativity as courage and kindness
Quotes from the Episode
“I’m never afraid to try anything at least once — and if I can do it with fabric and yarn, even better!” — AJ Young
“Creativity gives us another way to tell our stories — one stitch, one layer, one moment at a time.” — AJ Young
“The experiences of one generation change the world for the next — and that’s something to celebrate.” — Joleen Emery
“I identify as poly-craftual — I just love making in every way possible.” — AJ Young
“Art has this quiet power to heal and connect us — especially when it comes from the heart.” — Joleen Emery
Resources and Links
🌿 Big Raven Farm Retreats — Explore creative retreats for 2025–2026!
💸 Exclusive Discount for Listeners! Use code "happytime" on AJ’s website to save $20 on Quilt As You Go Virtual Class!
📚 Book Nook for Makers: The Collage Workbook by Randall Plowman
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