The opportunity to loop into making and pattern design in a modern way, one that embraces the value and forethought of slow fashion and simple living, is here. Highlighting artistic creation, vision, and fiber craft is an increasingly powerful dynamic among millennials and Gen Z. The crossroad of where art, skill and community meet and is shared on ever popular social media platforms in creative ways is one that should be embraced for true industry sustainability, and if not, could create a make-or-break situation for B2B. Our Maker Life (OML) was established in 2016 and consists of knitters, crocheters, yarn dyers, business entrepreneurs, pattern designers, and industry influencers who share a collective passion for fiber arts + community. OML has connected thousands of makers online, hosts fun and inspiring in-person conferences, meetups, yarn tours, and knit nights. In this lecture, OML founder Jewell Washington offers challenging insight into the value of what, why, where, and how organizations can find practicability and advantage in embracing the talent of the modern maker, while remaining true to traditionalism and industry roots. She’ll show the usefulness, hurdles, and wins next gen has provided in both her knit and crochet design and networking careers, both in small business and in the larger community. Learn how tradition + modern can be a win-win for fiber art.