Benjamin Levisay, CEO XRX Books, Stitches Events and Yarn Thing SPONSOR joined Marly on the Yarn Thing 
Podcast to share what’s new for 2015 from Knitting Magazine, XRX, STITCHES West (in February, just four weeks away), STITCHES South in April, Stitches Midwest in August and the ALL-NEW STITCHES Texas. Benjamin sent this bio in advance of this episode:
Benjamin Levisay is a second-generation partner in this 29-year-old company originally started by his uncle, Alexis Xenakis, his father, David Xenakis, and their partner Elaine Rowley. Benjamin has been a part of the fiber industry since his family opened a yarn shop in Sioux Falls, SD when he was a small boy, an enterprise that later evolved into XRX. After a career in the software industry, Benjamin rejoined th
e company nine years ago as CEO and Director of Marketing & Sales. He is more commonly known as one of the hosts of STITCHES and board member of Halos of Hope. It is his intention to carry on the legacy of passion and commitment that characterized his family’s contributions to the fiber world.
The really interesting thing about having Benjamin as a guest (and others that have been in the fiber industry for some time) is to hear how things have changed in just a few short years, with the advent of digital publishing and internet. Listening to him explain how books are put together by a company that is not focused on books but purely for encouraging the love of fiber makes for the appreciation that everyone has who happens to hear it.
During the show, he shared the books that have recently been published by XRX. Laura Bryant’s Artful Color Mindful Knits, Myra Woods Knit in New Directions, Judith Shangold’s Weave Knit Wear, and gave a teaser of a book by Anna Zillbourg that will be presented at Stitches West, happening in Santa Clara, California, February 19-22.
Speaking of the STITCHES Events, Benjamin always credit the hard work of the team, beginning with Mavis Smith, who is the beloved whirling dervish that really ensures that things get done: not only that they are planned to flow smoothly, but in a way that puts the best that can be offered together in a way that’s a gift to the attendees, vendors and teachers. The upcoming STITCHES West is the biggest of all the shows, this year featuring 320 vendor booths in the market floor. Last year the expected attendance was 12,000 and this year promises to be HUGE as well! Special events include options like the Fashion Show, the Student Fashion Show, Opening Day presentation with a Meet-the-Teachers Luncheon. And Don’t Forget the Pajama Party hosted by our lovely Marly Bird!
Brand-new this year is STITCHES Texas! happening in September. Benjamin shared the considerations taken into account to add a whole-new event to the system that’s been established: the event space, adequate lodging, the audience and vendor participation. He’s told me in the past, one of the biggest things to look at is having a usable loading dock area for the XRX crew and the vendors, which for many locations that we might imagine would be awesome could be completely undoable.
One event that was mentioned but not explained is Camp STITCHES which is a retreat atmosphere opportunity to learn with many of the teachers that are found in the STITCHES Events roster. Camp STITCHES used to happen regularly and were put off for a few years so the last one in November felt like the first one and next fall will be at the same location in New Mexico.
Benjamin hosted is own podcast for a couple of years that has recently come to an end, Fiber Hooligans. This was a wonderful opportunity to share with folks ‘the core of who the guests were’ he says, in a quality way. The time he spent with each show, when he really has his hands full with family, the work he does with XRX, Halos of Hope and Hopscotch Web (a company of his own founding, creating great websites with simplified drag-and-drop ease) he felt affected his ability to continue to present each guest in the way they deserve. He mentioned in the last episode of Fiber Hooligan as well as during this visit, that Sponsoring the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird has been a great way to present positive vibes in the fiber industry, so he will continue to support that and come back to share what’s new with XRX and Stitches!
The best of this episode for me was hearing the story of how they first met, in the way-back seat of the airport shuttle bus. Clearly it was the perfect foundation for a great foundation, and for those of us included as onlookers, it was a meaningful and beautiful beginning.
Follow the website for Knitting Universe, each of the events has it’s own Ravelry Group, so look for STITCHES West (there’s been a lot of chatter about who we are excited to see, meet and learn in that group so if you’re going check it out!) also all over social media so Facebook, Twitter, and if you can’t make an event, I would highly recommend the Rebel Mouse Feed, as it’s where you can literally watch the fun from home. (I know, it’s my favorite thing to do when I don’t get to be there.)
If you missed hearing the show live, you can catch it where it originally aired: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2015/01/29/benjamin-levisay-ceo-xrx-books-stitches-events-and-yarn-thing-sponsor or at iTunes
Rose says
January 29, 2015 at 3:36 pmWell colour me PURPLE!!! That was an awesome show! It was very interesting to learn about the origins of XRX, Stiches Live, (which I’m dieing to attend!), Knitting Magazine and all the rest! Marly you always have such interesting guests on your show. Thanks once again for doing what you do!
Rose ❤️
Audrey says
January 29, 2015 at 5:09 pmWill miss Benjamin and Tammy (Purple on Ravelry) every Monday.. I loved Fiberhooligan but wish him continued success with XRX and his other ventures.
Theresa B says
January 29, 2015 at 5:19 pmI loved the podcast! Interesting to learn about XRX books. Looking forward to attending my first Stitches, where I will buy purple yarn :).
Kathy says
January 29, 2015 at 6:16 pmLoved the show. I’m another color purple lover.
Elise Thomasset says
January 29, 2015 at 6:23 pm“When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat that doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me,
And I shall spend my pension
on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals,…”….and Yarn!
Wearing purple for you, Elise
Greg says
January 29, 2015 at 8:31 pmIt was so great to hear Benjamin on the podcast, especially since he just wrapped up his stint with the Fiber Hooligan podcast. The only thing that could have made this episode better is if Marly had pulled in Mrs. Wearing Purple herself, Tammy the Social Medusa to talk with Benjamin again. Their State of the Hooligan segment at the end of the Fiber Hooligan podcast was always my favorite part.
Marly, thanks so much for the interview with Benjamin — it’s nice to hear him on the other side of the microphone. 😉 I love what you’re doing with the Yarn Thing podcast — I especially enjoy the “inside baseball” behind-the-scenes nature of so many of your interviews. Looking forward to it every week!
-KnittingDaddy Greg
Theresa says
January 29, 2015 at 9:04 pmI absolutely loved today’s episode. I listened while knitring a purple lace vest with a Cascade Yarn’s Pacific Chunky. I really loved hearing about the Stitches shows. I live in Louisiana so maybe I will make it to either Texad or South one day.
Bonnie Jane Peterson says
January 29, 2015 at 9:27 pmThank you, Benjamin for all of your interviews which have inspired me. Thank you to Marly for having this interview today. Purple is one of my favorite colors. I am looking forward to this new book coming out soon! Hoping to be at the Stitches Market in April.
April Garwood says
January 29, 2015 at 9:43 pmI loved hearing about your creative ventures Benjamin. I love hearing about people that are generating great ideas, doing what they love, and making time for what matters most to them. While listening I was working on a very plain piece of crochet fabric that was not purple, but that’s too bad, because I really like purple.
Linda says
January 30, 2015 at 5:49 amI didn’t know that Benjamin was discontinuing the Fiber Hooligan Podcast. I’m behind on my podcast listening.
As it happens, purple is one of my favorite colors. I love knitting with it and looking forward to buying more purple yarn at Stitches in the future. I really enjoy the Stitches events. We need one closer to Philadelphia.
Lmecoll on Ravelry
Martha Donley says
January 30, 2015 at 9:14 amLove hearing Benjamin again. Kind of surprised by his picture as that was not how I pictured him, he looks better live, or well almost live. I love purple. It is my go to color that I can’t seem to get away from. I have never made it to a Stitches event yet, but Nashville isn’t to far from south-western Ohio. Maybe this will be the year.
Freakish Lemon says
January 30, 2015 at 10:52 amGreat interview. It was really cool to hear from Benjamin and learn some more about the other Stitches events. I’m a Stitches East guy (I work three buildings down from the Hartford Convention Center) and it’s cemented in my annual yarn event plans, but I definitely want to take a trip out to West or Midwest one day. I bought some Buffalo Wool mini-skeins there last year, including a lovely purple!
Thekla says
January 30, 2015 at 11:57 amTammy (the purple enabler) introduced me to the Fiberhooligan podcast. I have enjoyed it very much. Thank you, Marlybird, for the interview. Such a nice man.
Deila says
January 30, 2015 at 10:52 pmI love the color eggplant, a shade of purple. Love to go to stitches, but none are close enough for me.
Chasing Yarn says
January 30, 2015 at 10:56 pmI am sorry to hear that the Fiber Hooligan podcast has ended. Benjamin will be missed, but I hope that he does have more time to spend in his sunroom/porch area that he mentioned on your podcast. Hopefully I will be able to attend a Stitches event someday so I can look for all the purple fiber and yarn. Great podcast.
KathyD says
January 31, 2015 at 9:31 amWhat a delightful show. Thanks Marly and Benjamin. I’ll be shopping for purple yarn at the next Stitches.
Patty Selenski says
January 31, 2015 at 8:17 pmI loved this episode! I can’t wait to hang out with Ms Yarnthing and the fiber hooligan himself (aka my favorite dealer of soft and luxurious purple crack)! I love you both. The only thing that could have made this episode any better would be to make it an hour longer!
Vicki Lynch says
January 31, 2015 at 8:24 pmPurple is one of my favorite colors. Stitches Texas !!!Yea! It’s about 4 hours from me-totally do-able, even if I only make it for Friday and Saturday. I’ve been hearing about all the other stitches events, but just not been able to make it happen.
hotknitter says
January 31, 2015 at 11:39 pmLike Tammy, I love purple too. And I always enjoy listening to Benjamin, who seems so generous with his praise of others and his kind spirit. I’m going to Stitches West (hurrah!) and hope to see you both.
Sabrina says
February 1, 2015 at 6:36 amPurple! I need some purple knitwear. Thanks for another great interview.
Valerie says
February 1, 2015 at 3:32 pmKnitting a purple Ruby the Loveable Huggable monster at this very minute. Great podcast as always.
Debbie Rotondo says
February 1, 2015 at 5:30 pmMarly, thanks for another wonderful episode. My favorite color is blue, but I love purple too. Good luck to Benjamin in his future endeavors.
Sarah Short says
February 1, 2015 at 9:05 pmMy favorite color is purple but I barely have any in my closest. I think I need to fix that with some knitwear.
Sue DiMartino says
February 2, 2015 at 9:42 amListening to and finding out about Benjamin was a real treat, and then finding out about Stitches was something brand new to me! I will be sure to wear something in purple when I get to my first Stitches event!
Michelle says
February 2, 2015 at 11:57 amI got to listen to this interview on a Monday during yet another NH snowstorm. I loved the purple glow that came over the airwaves as Benjiman and Marley spoke. It was a lovely interview. As usual.
Elaine B. says
February 2, 2015 at 12:31 pmBenjamin’s choice of purple as the code word was perfect, since I’m currently knitting a purple and white cowl for my daughter. Living in the Lone Star State, I was excited to hear about the new Stitches Texas. Hopefully I can make it. Keep up the great work, Marly!
Linda C (addi-girl on Ravelry) says
February 2, 2015 at 1:44 pmI miss the Fiber Hooligan podcast so it was nice to hear from Benjamin this episode. I’m looking forward to Stitches West in a few weeks – hopefully I can say Hello to Marly, Benjamin and Tammy as well (I’ll be looking for her in purple attire!)
Annette says
February 2, 2015 at 4:43 pmLoved the show! Benjamin’s voice is so soothing, therefore I wish I didn’t miss his podcast. But, I haven’t missed Stitches Midwest in years! Oh, and purple is an awesome color. 🙂
joyce hancock says
February 2, 2015 at 8:18 pmAnother good life story. I haven’t been to any of the stitches show, so I always wondered what they were about. It was good to hear more about it. Purple is always a good color choice. Thanks for all the work you put in your show.
Debra says
February 3, 2015 at 9:40 amGreat podcast! I had not heard of the Fiber Hooligan podcast. I will have to go and listen to the older episodes. I loved hearing a little bit about what all goes into bringing Stitches to the public. Stitches is a great place to buy purple yarn or accessories!
Renee' C., says
February 3, 2015 at 9:47 amGreat show, Marly! Loved listening to you and Benjamin. So sad about the ending of the Fiber Hooligan podcast, but so glad to hear more about XRX and Stitches. Purple is also one of my favorite colors, too! Thank you for another mah-velous show!
Ruthie says
February 3, 2015 at 10:01 amNice to hear from Benjamin. I also listened to the Fiber Hooligans podcast and was saddened to hear it would be ending. I haven’t been to a Stitches event, but if I do go I will pick up some purple yarn. Thanks again for another great interview, Marly.
DeeSadie says
February 3, 2015 at 10:14 amI can’t wait to spot Tammy in her purple PJs at the Stitches West pajama party!!
Alison NY says
February 3, 2015 at 10:24 amSorry to hear Mr Ben will be leaving the podcasts behind. He had the voice for Audio listening. Purple is the comment word!
anne j-z says
February 3, 2015 at 11:33 amI bought some awesome purple yarn at Stitches East. XRX puts on the best events!
Iryna B. says
February 4, 2015 at 9:29 pmThank you for the show! Was great to hear again from Benjamin. I say purple as I should, but it never looks good on me…. lavender is a much better choice!
Lori Biamonte says
February 5, 2015 at 6:40 amSomehow I always find it relaxing to knit with purple yarn. Love the podcast!
(Short and sweet thought you’d like that!)
Jen says
February 5, 2015 at 9:03 amReally enjoyed the interview with Benjamin. Looking forward to Stitches Texas. I’m currently wearing purple.
Amy says
February 5, 2015 at 10:46 amI miss the Fiber Hooligan podcast, but I give kudos to Benjamin for making his family his first priority. The thought of purple yarn makes me feel warm and cozy on this very cold day in Central Ohio!
Tami says
February 5, 2015 at 4:21 pmI always love listening to you Marly and what a treat to get to hear from Benjamin this week!!! I am curious which STITCHES my mother and I will attend next, we made it to East 10 years in a row but it seems to be MIA since Texas was announced
Rose says
February 7, 2015 at 8:10 pmGreat show! Just started to listen to “Fiber Hooligan” podcast since having listened to this podcast. I am sorry to see you go just when I’ve discovered you 🙁 I do however, respect you for your decision. Thank goodness that we still have you Marly! Well, i’m going to get back to listening to your podcasts while knitting the PURPLE “Nymphaliden” by Melinda VerMeer… SOOOO MUCH FUN!!,
Nancy says
February 10, 2015 at 9:33 pmFiber Hooligan was very first podcast ever, and I shall miss Benjamin dearly! Thank goodness for Marly, who will help me through my withdrawal. I hope to see you at Stitches South this year. And I SHALL be wearing purple.