"The Textile Creative" with Virginia Wygal

The Myth of Balance:

What Makers Actually Need Is Harmony

Every January, we’re told to find balance — in our schedules, our energy, our creativity. But creative life rarely cooperates with even distribution. Some seasons pull harder. Some ideas arrive heavier. And forcing everything into neat proportions can quietly drain the work of its vitality.

In this episode, we explore a different way of thinking: harmony — not as a feeling, but as a skilled, responsive way of working. Through material examples, lived experience, and close attention to how creative demands actually behave, this conver...

Listening to Your Work

Letting Your Creative Direction Emerge

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia reflects on what it means to truly listen to your creative work — not to plan it, fix it, or optimize it, but to notice what it’s already telling you. Rather than jumping into goals or resolutions, this episode invites you to slow down and pay attention to the patterns, materials, and instincts that have been quietly guiding your work all along.

This is the final episode in the planning series, and instead of asking “What s...

Lessons from One Year In

The Power of Consistent Creativity: Reflecting on One Year of the Textile Creative Podcast

In this special Christmas Day episode, Virginia Wygal celebrates one year of the Textile Creative Podcast by discussing the importance of staying with your creative practice rather than constantly chasing novelty. She emphasizes the value of consistency and return, particularly in fabric and fiber arts, sharing personal insights and lessons learned over the past year.

Virginia encourages listeners to reflect on their own creative journeys, urging them to recognize the strength in persistence and...

The Small Win That Matters

Identifying and Leveraging Small Wins for a Productive 2026

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, hosted by Virginia Wygal, the focus shifts from how 2025 felt to identifying what genuinely worked. Instead of listing all achievements, Virginia emphasizes the importance of recognizing one small win from 2025 that quietly proved something moved forward. She shares three simple filters for evaluating these wins: it happened without forcing, it's repeatable, and it fits with your actual capacity.

Virginia warns against overcorrecting by chasing single wins too aggressively and advises using these...

What 2025 Actually Taught You

Reflecting on 2025: Quiet Data, Patterns, and Making Better Decisions for 2026

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal explores the often-overlooked aspects of year-end reflection to help creative entrepreneurs plan more effectively for 2026. Rather than focusing solely on metrics and spreadsheets, Virginia highlights the importance of understanding emotional data, identifying patterns, and recognizing quiet wins from the past year. She discusses how to identify what felt good or heavy, what you avoided, and what surprises and patterns emerged in 2025.

By reflecting on these insights, Virginia offers...

Plan 2026 Like A True Maker

A Maker's Guide to Planning 2026

In this episode of 'The Textile Creative Podcast,' Virginia Wygal introduces a five-part Yearend series for fabric creatives, focusing on practical and flexible planning tailored to creative rhythms. Virginia discusses why traditional corporate planning doesn’t work for creatives and offers a structured, but adaptable approach to setting goals and creating plans for 2026. She starts with defining anchors, understanding real-life capacity, and setting realistic goals.

The episode includes actionable steps, practical questions, and recommends tools to help creatives plan their year effectively, em...

Small Thanks, Big Meaning

Small Shifts, Big Gratitude: Reflections on Creative Growth

In this Thanksgiving episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal encourages listeners to slow down and appreciate the small, often overlooked moments that contribute to their creative growth. She shares her personal journey of letting go of certain projects, noticing the positive changes, and making small adjustments that have led to meaningful progress in her business and creative life. The episode highlights the importance of gratitude for the subtle shifts that guide us towards a fulfilling creative practice.

Virginia also...

50 Episodes In: What it Has Taught Me

Celebrating 50 Episodes: Lessons in Creativity and Persistence

In this milestone episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal reflects on reaching 50 episodes and the journey of podcasting. She shares valuable lessons learned about creativity, visibility, and the importance of showing up consistently. Virginia discusses how her creative voice has evolved, the challenges of maintaining commitment, and the significance of small wins.

She also addresses the need for a supportive infrastructure and invites listeners to embrace slow growth and trust the long game. This episode is a...

After the Show – What the Dust Teaches

Navigating the Post-Show Crash: Recovery, Reflection, and Rest in Creative Practices

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal explores the often overlooked aspect of the creative cycle—the crash that follows a major event or project. Virginia discusses the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that sets in after the adrenaline fades, sharing her own strategies for recovery. She emphasizes the importance of planning for this crash, viewing it not as a punishment but as a necessary part of the creative process.

Virginia also refl...

Behind the Booth – The Art of Showing Up

The Art of Showing Up: Energy, Presence, and Creative Practice

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal shares her thoughts on the importance of showing up, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. As she prepares for a local art show, Virginia explores the mental preparation required for any creative endeavor, from setting up a booth to posting online. She emphasizes that showing up is a skill that can be learned and refined, highlighting the significance of managing nerves, protecting energy, and staying pr...

Rediscovering Creativity: It Never Left You

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal explores the idea that everyone is inherently creative, even if they don't identify as artists. She discusses how societal expectations push us to sideline our creativity in favor of practicality and routine. Through personal anecdotes and scientific backing, Virginia emphasizes the importance of intentional daydreaming, reframing routines, and rekindling old joys to awaken our dormant creativity. She encourages listeners to recognize creativity in everyday problem-solving and small acts of innovation, illustrating that creativity isn't just a hobby but a fundamental way...

The Fabric Remembers: A Lesson in Creative Awareness

Embracing Creative Awareness Through Fabric

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal discusses the concept of creative awareness, exploring how the materials we work with serve as a living archive of our creative journey. She considers how remnants and scraps of fabric are not just leftovers, but evidence of our growth and evolution as makers.

Virginia shares her own experiences and the lessons learned from working with different materials, emphasizing the importance of patience, persistence, and the quiet confidence that comes from...

My Fabric Travels

The Universal Language of Fabric: Connecting Through Creativity

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal explores how fabric serves as a universal language connecting people across cultures and generations. Virginia shares personal stories from her travels in India, Italy, and China, where she experienced the beauty and craftsmanship of local fabric artisans. She emphasizes that creativity is about seeing deeply rather than traveling far, and that the love of making is a shared human experience.

Through her insights, Virginia aims to inspire listeners to view their...

Joy, Obsession and the Art of Play

Rediscovering the Joy of Creation: Embracing Playful Obsession in Textiles

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal explores the importance of creating purely for joy rather than productivity or profit. She discusses the value of slowing down, embracing obsession as reverence, and rediscovering the pleasure of working with natural fabrics like silk, linen, and wool.

Virginia shares personal anecdotes from her journey through the textile industry, offers practical tips to reconnect with your creative spark, and emphasizes the significance of joy and...

The Fabric Room

Creating Your Perfect Creative Space

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal dives into the significance of personal creative spaces and how they evolve over time. Virginia shares her own journey from sewing in a narrow strip between her bed and the wall to finally having a dedicated fabric room. She emphasizes that creative spaces, whether expansive or small, don't have to be Pinterest-perfect; rather, they should be functional, inviting, and uniquely yours. She outlines her current setup, balancing professional equipment with personal spaces, and stresses the importance...

How the Past Shaped the Future

From Sample Cutter to Creative Leading: A Journey in Textile Design

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal takes listeners through her inspiring journey in the professional fabric and design world. Starting from the very bottom as a sample cutter, Virginia discusses her climb to becoming the Director of Product Development, detailing the challenges and invaluable lessons learned along the way. She highlights the importance of respecting one’s unique creative process, balancing aesthetics with functionality, and the empowering nature of structure within creativity.

...

The Sewing Life I Created

From Early Sewing Projects to a Creative Career

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal reflects on her first fabric project and her journey from discovering her love for sewing to building a fulfilling career in fabric design and creativity. Virginia shares personal anecdotes from her childhood, including navigating home economics class and creating her own clothes, to the early signs of her passion for design. She emphasizes the importance of early creative milestones and how they shape the journey.

Whether you're a seasoned fabric...

The Fabric That Found Me

The Spark That Ignited My Lifelong Passion for Fabric

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal shares a deeply personal story about how her love for fabric began with a small bag of pink satin, pink chiffon, and burgundy velvet ribbon found in her mother's closet at the age of 10. Virginia talks about how this simple experience sparked a lifelong obsession that shaped her creativity and journey towards building a successful business. She recalls her early attempts at sewing, the vital lessons learned, and how her fascination...

Healing: When Creativity Meets Recovery

Healing through Creativity: Slowing Down and Staying Grounded

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal shares her personal journey through a challenging summer marked by a health crisis. Despite initially feeling fine, Virginia quickly realized her health needed to take priority, leading to a significant shift in her summer plans. She discusses the importance of listening to your body's signals and allowing yourself to slow down.

Throughout her recovery, Virginia found solace and grounding in small creative activities. She emphasizes that creativity isn't just...

The Myth of "Ready" in Creativity

In this episode, Virginia Wygal explores the myth of “feeling ready” before starting a creative project. She discusses why waiting for the perfect moment can hold you back, the neuroscience behind our need for certainty, and how embracing imperfection and responsiveness can lead to greater creativity and innovation.

Key Topics:

• Introduction & The Myth of Readiness – 0:00

Why we hesitate to start, perfectionism, and cultural pressures.

• Societal Pressures & The “Ready” Trap – 0:45

How business coaches, social media, and culture reinforce the myth.

• The Neuroscience o...

Staying the Course

Holding Steady in Your Creative Business During Slow Times

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, hosted by Virginia Wygal, we take a final look at the challenging moments of running a creative business during slow and uncertain times. Virginia shares personal insights and practical advice on ‘staying the course’ by focusing on clarity, alignment, and intentional action. She emphasizes the importance of connecting deeply with your 'why' and vision to navigate through the rough patches. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their motivations, adjust their strategies if needed, and take small...

Quietly Building Behind the Scenes

Harnessing Slow Times for Future Success in Creative Business

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal guides fabric creatives through navigating slow market periods by focusing on behind-the-scenes work essential for long-term success. She highlights the importance of building a strong foundation, maintaining flexibility, and experimenting with new ideas.

Virginia draws parallels between business growth and baking bread, emphasizing steady progress during quieter times. She encourages listeners to use these periods to develop new habits, fine-tune their offerings, and set up efficient systems. The episode...

Connecting With Your Audience

Staying Connected with Your Audience in Tough Times

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal explores how to stay connected with your audience during uncertain market conditions. Emphasizing the importance of consistent engagement, Virginia advises not to retreat but to be visibly present and supportive to your audience. She shares strategies to offer value and build trust without pushing for sales, using platforms like social media, podcasts, and newsletters.

Virginia underscores the significance of listening to audience feedback, refining offerings, and nurturing relationships to create a...

Understanding the Current Market

Navigating Market Uncertainty: Strategies for Creative Entrepreneurs

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal addresses the current market challenges facing creative entrepreneurs. She outlines a four-part series to help navigate these uncertain times, beginning with understanding the current market. Virginia emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the natural cycles of the economy, recognizing media-driven fear versus reality, and understanding the concept of a 'trust recession.' She provides actionable insights on how to stay grounded and proactive, including focusing on adaptability, resilience, and finding new opportunities during downturns.<...

Where’s the Office?

Crafting Your Ideal Workspace: Flexibility and Creativity in Focus

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal discusses the importance of creating an ideal workspace that aligns with individual creativity and business goals. Virginia shares insights from her own studio setup, emphasizing the freedom and flexibility that come with running her own business. She breaks down how to effectively design a workspace that fosters productivity and creativity, regardless of size or complexity. Virginia encourages listeners to identify their ideal workspace by focusing on both the physical and mental as...

Borrow My Diploma

Borrowing the Diploma: Fast-Track Your Creative Business Growth

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal shares her passion for continuous learning and reveals the concept of 'borrowing the diploma.' She explains how learning from the experiences, successes, and failures of others can significantly speed up your business growth. Virginia highlights the importance of observing and adapting the strategies of those ahead, alongside, and behind you on your entrepreneurial journey. She offers actionable tips, such as identifying inspiring entrepreneurs, consuming their content, and integrating those lessons into your own...

Success is a Decision

Success is a Series of Decisions: Exploring Creative Journeys with Virginia Wygal

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal explores the transformative concept that success is a series of decisions you make every day. With a focus on creativity, fabric design, and business, Virginia shares her journey from a downsizing to building a thriving fabric-based business. She emphasizes how success is not just about reaching big milestones but about the small, consistent choices that shape your path.

Inspired by speaker and psychotherapist Elliot Connie, Virginia reframes...

Rest Is Not a Luxury

Rest: The Essential Ingredient for Creativity and Business Success

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal discusses the crucial role of rest in maintaining creativity and achieving business success. Virginia shares her personal experiences with the challenges of the past few weeks, highlighting the importance of intentional rest. Drawing inspiration from Michael Hyatt's approach to planning time off, Virginia explores five key questions that help ensure rest is truly restorative. She emphasizes that rest is not a luxury but a necessary investment in energy, creativity, and productivity.<...

Organizing Your Inspiration

Turning Inspiration into Action: Organizing Creative Ideas

In part three of the Textile Creative Podcast's inspiration series, Virginia Wygal explores how to take the inspiration you've gathered and turn it into actionable creative projects. Virginia discusses the importance of creating and maintaining both physical and digital inspiration boards, as well as her personal methods for organizing and categorizing creative ideas. She shares practical tips on using tools like physical boards, sketchbooks, and digital platforms such as Pinterest to keep your ideas accessible and organized.

Additionally, Virginia provides a step-by-step guide...

Your Scouting List For Cool Ideas!

The where and how to find inspiration when you need it most.

Uncovering Inspiration: 9 Unexpected Places to Spark Your Creativity In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal explores the crucial role of inspiration in the creative process and shares nine unique places to find it. From architecture and nature to travel and fashion history, Virginia explains how everyday objects, storytelling, mood, and even music can fuel your creative spirit. This episode is packed with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a free PDF download with even...

Make Your Inspiration Count

Turning Creative Ideas into Reality

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal discusses the common plight of having brilliant ideas but struggling to take action. She emphasizes the importance of transforming inspiration into tangible progress through small, actionable steps. Virginia shares practical tips like capturing ideas immediately, embracing imperfect progress, setting daily action goals, and celebrating small victories.

She also highlights the significance of avoiding limbo and keeping the creative juices flowing consistently. Whether you're into fabric arts, sewing, or any other creative endeavor, this...

26: 3 Hot Takes That’ll Help You Start Your Business

Embracing Imperfection Might Be the Best Thing for Your Creative Business

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal encourages creators and entrepreneurs to push past their fears and take action, even if things aren't perfect. Sharing personal anecdotes and inspirations from successful entrepreneurs like Barbara Corcoran and Marie Forleo, Virginia introduces three powerful mantras: 'Start before you're ready,' 'You don't have to get it right, you just have to get it going,' and 'Be brave enough to be bad at something ne...

The Importance of Community in Your Creative Business

The Power of Community in Growing Your Creative Fabric Business

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal discusses the critical importance of having a supportive, like-minded community for fabric creatives. She explores how connecting with others who share similar struggles and goals can provide invaluable support, motivation, and practical advice for growing a creative business.

Virginia shares her own experiences of feeling isolated and how joining a community has helped her push through challenges and achieve her business goals. She also introduces...

A 21st Century Look at Productivity in Creative Business

Sustainable Productivity for Creative Entrepreneurs: Finding Your Natural Rhythm

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal explores the concept of sustainable productivity tailored for creative entrepreneurs in the 21st century. Virginia challenges the traditional 'hustle harder' mindset by advocating for building a natural rhythm in your work that fosters both productivity and creativity without the risk of burnout. She emphasizes the importance of consistency, intentional downtime, and working in harmony with your natural energy cycles.

Virginia also highlights the benefits of...

Left Brain vs. Right Brain: Balancing Creativity and Business Tasks

Balancing Creativity and Business as a Fabric Entrepreneur

In this episode of 'The Textile Creative Podcast,' Virginia Wygal addresses the common struggle of balancing creative and business tasks for fabric entrepreneurs. She discusses the importance of dedicating time to both sides, simplifying processes in the beginning, and how structure can free up more time for creative work. She shares her personal experiences and offers practical tips such as focusing on core tasks, scheduling specific times for business activities, and using tools to stay organized.<...

Taking Creative Risks with Intention

Embracing Creative Risks in Fabric Art

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal explores the concept of taking risks in the creative process, particularly in the context of fabric art. She challenges traditional notions of risk as synonymous with failure and instead presents it as a tool for growth, exploration, and intentional expansion.

Virginia discusses various forms of risk, including thoughtful exploration, pushing boundaries, releasing control, and redefining success. She provides practical suggestions for incorporating risk into fabric art, such as layering materials, exploring with...

Owning Your Expertise: Using Discontent as a Compass (Part 2 of 2)

Embracing Discontent: A Compass for Creative Growth

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal explores the often overlooked power of discontent in the creative journey. Highlighting that discomfort is not something to avoid but rather a guide signaling areas for growth and realignment.

Virginia shares her personal experiences of facing discontent and using it to refine her creative business and passions, particularly in fabric and garment design. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own sources of frustration and consider...

Owning Your Expertise: Stepping into Your Role as a Creative and Finding Your Place in the Creative World (Part 1 of 2)

Embrace Your Expertise: Owning Your Creative Journey

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal reflects on the importance of owning your expertise and stepping confidently into your creative role. Drawing from her own experiences, Virginia discusses the common fears and hesitations that hold creatives back and how understanding your unique journey can empower you.

This episode is the first of a two-part series that explores why recognizing and valuing your...

E19 Show Notes Planning for Seasonal Ebbs and Flows of Business

Managing Seasonal Ebb and Flow in Your Creative Business

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal discusses how creative businesses, like her sewing firm, experience natural ebbs and flows in demand. Virginia shares strategies for balancing these fluctuations through diversifying product offerings, meticulous planning, and record-keeping. She highlights the importance of preparedness for busy seasons and efficient utilization of slower periods for financial planning and creative exploration.

Practical tips include maintaining inventory, pre-planning marketing efforts, and considering outsourcing...

Your Creative Business Map: Why Knowing Your Destination Isn’t Enough

Navigating Your Creative Business Journey

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal addresses the overwhelm that many creative entrepreneurs feel when building their businesses. She uses a road trip metaphor to illustrate the importance of focusing on the next small step rather than the daunting end goal. Virginia shares personal experiences and practical steps to help break down big visions into manageable milestones. The episode emphasizes the importance of checking your progress, trusting the process, and staying focused on the immediate ta...

What To Do When Everyone Else Looks Better

Breaking Free from Creative Comparison: Strategies for Building Confidence and Visibility

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal addresses the harmful effects of comparison on creative confidence and visibility. She discusses how comparing oneself to others can undermine confidence, inhibit creativity, and affect pricing strategies.

Virginia shares personal stories and offers practical strategies to mitigate the impact of comparison, such as focusing on personal growth, curating your input, and staying true to your unique strengths. She emphasizes the importance of creating...

Creative Ruts and How to Escape Them.

Overcoming Creative Ruts with Unconventional Tactics

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal explores the common experience of hitting a creative rut. She discusses the familiar feelings of lack of ideas and motivation that every artist and maker faces. Virginia debunks the typical advice and shares her own unconventional yet effective methods to reset and reignite creativity. She emphasizes that waiting for inspiration is a trap, and instead, taking small actions can create momentum. Tune in to learn how to distinguish between a minor off...

Building a Sustainable Creative Business

From Hobby to Thriving Business: Essential Tips for Fabric Creatives

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast with Virginia Wygal, learn how to transition from hobby selling to building a sustainable creative business. Discover the core elements that make a business thrive, including branding, consistency, visibility, and systems.

Virginia shares her personal journey and offers practical advice on setting up order management, pricing templates, content calendars, and customer communication processes. Whether you're looking to grow or simplify, this episode provides the roadmap to make your creative business...

The First Steps in Selling Your Work

Getting Started with Selling Your Handmade Creations

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal guides fabric creatives through the initial steps of transforming their passion into a profitable business. She discusses the common challenges of choosing what to sell, pricing your products, and avoiding burnout by focusing on manageable steps.

Learn from Virginia's personal journey and get practical tips on how to test demand, select sales platforms, and start with confidence. Perfect for beginners looking to turn their creative talents into a...

When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Creative Zest

Creative Resets: Finding Value in Micro Tasks

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia discusses the challenges of maintaining creativity during difficult times when full productivity isn't feasible. She introduces the concept of 'micro tasks'—tiny steps that keep creative momentum alive—and emphasizes the importance of adjusting expectations and avoiding guilt.

Virginia shares her personal experiences with health setbacks and encourages listeners to honor where they are in their creative journey, making small but meaningful progress even when larger projects aren't possible.

The Fabric Creative’s Guide to Narrowing Your Niche

Passion, Skill, and Demand

In this episode of The Textile Creative, host Virginia Wygal helps fabric enthusiasts navigate the complexities of choosing a creative focus and finding a lucrative niche. Virginia shares her personal journey from feeling scattered to homing in on what she loves and excels at, while aligning with market demand. By addressing common mistakes like trying to do everything at once and lacking clarity in offerings, this episode provides actionable advice on how to balance passion, skill, and demand to build a successful cr...

E11: The Fear of Putting Yourself Out There

Overcoming Creative Fears: A Journey to Visibility and Confidence

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal discusses the challenges and fears creatives face when sharing their work online. Virginia relates her personal journey of overcoming the fear of visibility, detailing her clumsy first attempts at launching a website, going live on social media, and recording videos. She addresses common fears such as imposter syndrome, fear of judgment, and fear of being unnoticed.

Providing practical advice, Virginia emphasizes starting small and safe...

Fabric Creatives and the Art of Saying No

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal explores the importance of saying no for creative professionals. She emphasizes how declining non-aligned projects can protect your time, energy, and mental well-being. Virginia shares her personal experience with burnout from overcommitting and offers practical tips on setting boundaries, overcoming the fear of financial instability, and gracefully turning down work.

She also discusses the financial and creative benefits of being selective with your projects. Tune in to learn how to prioritize meaningful work that truly inspires a...

What Is A Portfolio Career for Fabric Creatives?

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal dives into the concept of a 'portfolio career'—a career built on multiple streams of income or projects that align with your unique skills and passion. Virginia explains how this approach is particularly beneficial for fabric and fiber artists and shares her personal journey from a focused career in women's fashion design to a versatile, sustainable creative business.

The episode emphasizes the importance of diversifying your income streams for financial stability, creative freedom, and flexibility, and off...

8: Creative Confidence: Building Trust in Your Process and Ideas

Building Creative Confidence: Trusting Your Process and Overcoming Self-Doubt

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal discusses the journey of building creative confidence and trusting one's process, despite fears and doubts. She shares her personal experiences, tips, and actionable steps for overcoming barriers like fear of failure, fear of success, overthinking, and comparison. Virginia emphasizes the importance of clarity, competence, resilience, and the messy middle in the creative process. She introduces practical tools such as a 'brag file' and celebrates viewing projects as e...

The Missing Link Strengthening Your Creative Foundation

Strengthening Your Creative Chain: Clarity, Confidence, Focus, and Consistency

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia shares her journey from a downsized career to owning a successful fabric-focused business. She introduces the concept of a 'creative chain' comprising four essential links: Clarity, Confidence, Focus, and Consistency. Virginia emphasizes that clarity grows as you move forward and discusses how to identify and strengthen weak links in your creative foundation. She also promotes the upcoming Sew Successful Workshop Series, designed to help you turn your passion for fabric...

6: The Secret to Thriving as a Fabric Creative

In this inaugural 2025 episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal focuses on helping fabric and fiber creatives find their spark to make this their most creative and successful year yet. Virginia shares her personal journey of overcoming obstacles and provides actionable steps to reconnect with your passion.

From recognizing signs of disconnection to experimenting with new techniques, Virginia emphasizes the importance of small, consistent steps toward thriving. She also introduces 'The Creative Cloth,' a resource to inspire and support fabric enthusiasts, and teases the...

6 Creative Challenges I’m Excited to Tackle in 2025

Creative Goals for 2025: Six Exciting Challenges for Fabric and Fiber Artists

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia shares her six highly anticipated creative challenges for the year 2025. Virginia, a fabric lover and entrepreneur from Dallas Fort Worth, aims to inspire others with her journey from passion to business. She details her plans to design a dramatic lace jacket, create a vibrant mixed media collage collection, explore wire weaving and metal fabrication, master surface pattern design in Adobe Illustrator, and launch workshops to help other fa...

E4 Your Creative Story: Reflecting on What Was, What Is, and What's Next

Reflecting on Your Creative Journey: Past, Present, and Future

In this special Christmas Eve episode, we're inspired by the iconic story of 'A Christmas Carol' to reflect on the past, present, and future of our creative journeys. We'll explore our creative roots, current practices, and dreams for the future through a guided, practical exercise with a downloadable worksheet. This episode aims to celebrate your achievements, acknowledge your current creative state, and inspire you to dream big for 2025.

Join us as...

E3: "Why Now Is the Time to Explore Fabric Arts"

The Renaissance of Fabric Arts: Creativity, Sustainability, and Personal Fulfillment

In this episode of The Textile Creative, host Virginia Wygal explores the myriad benefits of embracing fabric arts, from reducing stress and sparking creativity to challenging mass production norms and promoting sustainability. Virginia shares her journey from a downsized career to becoming a thriving entrepreneur in the fabric arts industry. She highlights the resurgence of sewing and fiber arts as a form of artistic expression and discusses the growing trend of “prosumerism” and the therapeutic valu...

E2 "What If There Weren’t Any Rules?"

Breaking Creative Rules: Unlock Your Artistic Potential

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal explores the power of breaking creative rules to unlock new potential in your artistic work. She shares personal experiences of intentional rule-breaking in fabric design, emphasizes the importance of understanding foundational concepts, and provides practical strategies for challenging assumptions and experimenting without judgment.

Virginia also highlights the significance of questioning imaginary limits and reframing rules as guidelines to foster innovation and creativity. Join Virginia as she encourages li...

E1: "Your Creativity Matters: Listening to the Call"

Embrace Your Creative Calling: Overcoming Fears and Thrive in Textile Art

In this episode of 'The Textile Creative Podcast,' Virginia discusses the importance of embracing your creativity and the value it brings to the world. She shares her personal journey of turning her passion for fabric and fiber art into a successful business and offers advice on listening to your inner voice, overcoming fears, and taking small steps towards your creative goals.

The episode also highlights the importance of being 'selfishly' dedicated to your...

To get more from Virginia Leigh Studio, go to:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com/

Hello there and welcome!

I’m Virginia Wygal, and this is The Textile Creative podcast, the podcast where creativity, design, business, all wrapped up in beautiful fabric, come together. Whether you’re working directly with fabric, creating fiber art, or designing custom gowns, home décor or crafts, this is your space to learn, grow, and thrive.

I’ve always had a love of fabric, and you’ll often hear me say that I have lint in my blood. Whe...