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December 19, 2016 By admin 60 Comments

Yarn Thing sponsors XRX, Stitches and Knitters Magazine CEO Benjamin Levisay

Yarn Thing sponsors XRX, Stitches and Knitters Magazine CEO Benjamin Levisay has BIG NEWS break on our Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird!

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 the company nine years ago as CEO and Director of Marketing & Sales. He is more commonly known as one of the hosts of STITCHES. It is his intention to carry on the legacy of passion and commitment that characterized his family’s contributions to the fiber world.

There’s a picture floating around (I know it was in the Knitter’s Magazine special K100 issue) of Benjamin as a little boy at the loom in that little LYS in South Dakota, which shows that being part of this company has been his whole life long, more or less actively. He’s been really linked for the last ten years when his dad, David Xenakis, began considering retiring. By that time, the Stitches Events had been happening for about 15 years, beginning in New Jersey, and having to make the really hard decisions about what’s feasible in publishing, the live and in person events, as well as social media.

One of those decisions that had to be made a couple of years ago was Stitches East. Rather than drop it completely, and very publicly, it has been reformatted to include not just the yarn arts (knitting, crocheting, spinning, etc) but also including sewing, quilting, embroidery, felting and more. The registration has opened, and the commitment of sponsors, Benjamin says, is higher than before, so clearly the excitement is, too. Benjamin’s concept of a playground where we can ‘play’ with several types of crafts is very enticing for many of us!

Benjamin announced today that they are working with Prime Publishing (known to most of us for AllFreeKnitting, AllFreeCrochet among many others) in creating a package for one person and a friend a very complete package to Stitches United. Details include, 5 nights stay, 24 hours of classes (literally, you could take all of Marly’s classes and not have to pick from among them!) VIP seating at the Fashion Shows (including the Student, which is a ton of fun) and banquets, lunch with Stitches Staff, $500 for travel AND $500 for spending. YES, you’ll wear yourself out but it will be so worth it! Click on this link to enter: https://STITCHES.Events/UnitedVIP BEFORE January 10th which is when the winner will be drawn.

Follow all that the Knitting Universe offers at their website, www.KnittingUniverse.com, check out the tabs for the magazines and books (also offered in e-form in case you’re shopping for last minute gifts!), and the tab to the various Events and Camps! They are also in Facebook, and several groups in Ravelry, one for each of the events.

Previously, Benjamin has visited a few times, if you wish to listen to more of him, check out his visit from March 2011, June 2011, and January 2015. If you noticed a big gap, that can be filled with the episodes of his own podcast, Fiber Hooligans.

In case you missed hearing this live it’s still available as an archived episode: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/12/20/yarn-thing-sponsors-xrx-stitches-and-knitters-magazine-ceo-benjamin-levisay or with your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio. OR you can view Marly’s behind-the-scenes video from the Birds of a Feather Studio that aired on her Facebook page.

Filed Under: Show Notes, Sponsors of Yarn Thing podcast Tagged With: show notes, shownotes, sponsors

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeannie Murphy says

    December 20, 2016 at 10:37 am

    Thanks! United Great show and love the opportunity.

    Reply
  2. Kristy Rene' Perkins says

    December 20, 2016 at 10:37 am

    Yay, United!! awesome show!

    Reply
  3. Jodi Jakeway says

    December 20, 2016 at 10:38 am

    United! love it!!!

    Reply
  4. Joy Bell says

    December 20, 2016 at 10:39 am

    United!

    Reply
  5. zantalluri says

    December 20, 2016 at 10:44 am

    Great show! Thank you for such a great opportunity! United crafters!

    Reply
  6. Lauren says

    December 20, 2016 at 11:39 am

    Loved hearing about the new Stitches United. Great concept ! Hope to attend a location near me, in the future.

    Reply
  7. Melissa Grover says

    December 20, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    Loved the show! Was a lot of fun, and I’m so excited about the XRX events, can’t wait to; united with my daughter, go to one of them, and soon! ^^
    Thank you for doing what you do Marly :0)

    Reply
  8. Tami says

    December 20, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    Was a great show as always, Stiches United – why cant any of these events be near me ?!

    Reply
  9. Chris Lopez says

    December 20, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    Benjamin seems like such an amazing man. I’d love to be able to go to all the events. The prize pack fir Stitches United just knocked my socks off! Wow!!

    Reply
  10. Amberly says

    December 20, 2016 at 12:55 pm

    I’ve never had a chance to attend a Stitches event, but I’ve heard lots of good things about them. Stitches United is the closest event to me, so maybe I will make it to an event in 2017. As a multi-crafter, the Stitches United concept is a great idea. Why do one craft when you can do all the crafts?Thanks again Marly for an awesome podcast! Looking forward to hearing more from you in 2017!

    Reply
  11. Michelle says

    December 20, 2016 at 2:30 pm

    I had the opportunity to go to the last Stitches East. Loved it. The newest show, Stitches United, is going to be a wonderful new event for us in the Northeast. Will see you there!

    Reply
  12. Markie Tenczar says

    December 20, 2016 at 7:03 pm

    I’ve always wanted to attend Stitches and I do even more now. Hopefully see you at the next TX! Or even sooner if I get lucky with united 😉

    Reply
  13. Suzanne says

    December 20, 2016 at 8:36 pm

    It’s a fabulous idea to have the crafts united all under one roof. Benjamin sounds so excited about this. I would love to attend one in the future.

    Reply
  14. Jackie Watson says

    December 20, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    Benjamin has united all sorts of creative people!

    Reply
  15. Staci Lockman says

    December 20, 2016 at 9:47 pm

    I enjoyed hearing the conversation with Benjamin today and am excited about the possibilities that Stitches United has to offer. I hope that soon it will extend to all the Stitches locations!

    Reply
  16. Brenda Nash says

    December 20, 2016 at 10:27 pm

    I would love to go to a Stitches event. I live in NW Florida and there aren’t any craft events anywhere close. I enjoyed the news about United! and the podcast (my first time listening!). I am a multicrafter.

    Reply
  17. Sylvia Earl says

    December 21, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    Would love to win the books. I’m a stitcher United person because of my history in crafting – quilting, knitting, crocheting.

    Reply
  18. Anita says

    December 21, 2016 at 12:43 pm

    As makers we are united in our love of crafts. This podcast and others help support us in our passion. Thank you for all the work that it takes to produce such a wonderful show. Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year. Cant wait to see what you have in store for us..

    Reply
  19. amy says

    December 21, 2016 at 8:01 pm

    I have already registered to win the prize to attend Stitches United. I never win anything so if I won that I wouldn’t care if I never won anything ever again. Great podcast.

    Reply
  20. Ramona says

    December 21, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    I love the idea of Stitches United. Thanks for the opportunity to win the VIP experience, as well as these reference books!

    Reply
  21. Valerie K says

    December 21, 2016 at 10:25 pm

    I like the idea of getting more crafts under one roof, so Stitches United is a great concept. I hope it catches on and spreads throughout the country. Thank you, Benjamin, for being willing to be innovative. And thank you for the generous prize.

    Reply
  22. Laura says

    December 22, 2016 at 4:45 am

    I LOVE the idea of Stitches United! Hope it is a huge success so that I can have the opportunity to attend when we move back to the US in a few years.

    Reply
  23. Debbie Palmer says

    December 22, 2016 at 11:24 am

    It’s nice to see my favorite crafts United under the Stitches umbrella.

    Reply
  24. Mary L. says

    December 22, 2016 at 2:42 pm

    Stitches United sounds like my kind of event! Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to win such a fabulous prize.

    Reply
  25. Edith says

    December 22, 2016 at 4:30 pm

    Happy Christmas and a Creative New Year
    Let’s stay United 🙂

    Reply
  26. Jody Nitz says

    December 22, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    Stitches United would be the most incredible event! Pick me, pick me, pick me!!

    Reply
  27. Mary Kay says

    December 22, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    I love that this event will bring so many united crafters together! I always love to hear what Benjamin and and XRX are up to.

    Reply
  28. Trisha says

    December 22, 2016 at 10:49 pm

    I love listening to Benjamin, what a great voice. Stitches United sounds like loads of fun. I’ve attended Stitches West and would love to someday attend “united.”

    Reply
  29. Vicki Lynch says

    December 23, 2016 at 7:41 am

    The Stitches United sounds like a fantastic event. I love the idea of the united approach to crafting.

    Reply
  30. Louise Gingery says

    December 24, 2016 at 7:40 am

    What another great show! Crafters united in the great USA!

    Reply
  31. ArtisanAtHeart says

    December 26, 2016 at 10:02 am

    I think this Stitches United show will be a great success! As a quilter/knitter/crocheter/machine knitter/spinner and wannabe weaver I can’t wait to have it on the West coast, too!

    Reply
  32. Jodie Matte says

    December 27, 2016 at 7:27 am

    Stitches UNITED sounds AWESOME! I am a crocheter, knitter and quilter! I’ve just taught my husband to crochet, so he would be my guest for sure if I win the VIP giveaway! *UNITED*

    Reply
  33. Robin says

    December 27, 2016 at 10:01 am

    I have thought fiber crafters should be United and no longer made to feel like the red headed stepchild. Thanks Benjamin for making it ok to knit, crochet, spin, sew, quilt, etc… Great show

    Reply
  34. Rachel McKinney says

    December 28, 2016 at 4:01 pm

    Loved hearing more about stitches united! sounds like a great time.

    Reply
  35. Connie Sutherland says

    December 29, 2016 at 7:17 am

    We should truly be United! Thanks for a great podcast!

    Reply
  36. Paulette Finnegan says

    December 29, 2016 at 10:20 am

    Stitches United is such a great idea. I’m a “maker” and like to sew, crochet and knit. Knitting is my main craft, but I love the idea of having more inspirations and classes at one place

    Reply
  37. Barb Pipkorn says

    December 29, 2016 at 10:54 am

    I love listening to your podacasts! Stitches United sounds like so much fun! I hope you keep doing events like this for us to attend! Thanks for the opportunities, both to attend and to win your fabulous prize.

    Reply
  38. Jessica says

    December 29, 2016 at 11:28 am

    I love the Stitches shows. I attended Stitches South last year and love the concept of Stitches United. I would love to attend. Maybe I can start saving for next year.

    Reply
  39. Devora Baronofsky says

    December 29, 2016 at 10:19 pm

    Stitches United sounds like so much fun

    Reply
  40. Kim says

    December 30, 2016 at 8:34 am

    As a multicrafter, I enjoyed hearing about Stitches United! Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year everyone!

    Reply
  41. [email protected] says

    January 1, 2017 at 8:42 am

    Stitches United sounds wonderful. It is an opportunity to get so many creative people together to learn about and from each other’s craft. I think i will come away with another craft if I have the opportunity to attend.

    Reply
  42. JulieRKnits says

    January 1, 2017 at 6:30 pm

    What a fantastic idea with creating the Stitches United event!!!

    Reply
  43. Elizabeth Merian says

    January 7, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    I would love to attend Stitches United!

    Reply
  44. Steph says

    January 7, 2017 at 8:38 pm

    I’m very excited about Stitches United. I know so many of my friends were sad when Stitches East ended (I had never been) but I think this sounds even better!

    Reply
  45. Nikii Murtaugh says

    January 8, 2017 at 9:53 pm

    Wow! I was sewing a snowman banner for the front porch while listening to this podcast. I’ve never been to Stitches West, or Stitches United. However, I jumped right up and signed up for the fabulous give-away for the trip, registration and lodging for a friend and myself. Thanks so much for your generosity, Benjamin. Whoever the lucky winner is will be so grateful. I hope it’s me!

    Reply
  46. Dorothy Monica says

    January 9, 2017 at 5:41 am

    Hope that I’m going to be able to attend Stitches United – sounds like a great show!

    Reply
  47. Nina says

    January 9, 2017 at 2:21 pm

    Attended Stitches West for first time in 16, amazing. Stitches United sounds wonderful. Thanks to XRX for supporting Marly and keeping us united on the Yarn Thing.

    Reply
  48. Shelly says

    January 11, 2017 at 12:30 am

    Stitches United sounds like a great concept. I wish them success.

    Reply
  49. Jill H. says

    January 11, 2017 at 5:48 pm

    Stitches United sounds like such fun!

    Reply
  50. Alicia says

    January 12, 2017 at 12:58 am

    Thanks for a great podcast! United sounds like fun!

    Reply
  51. Carol T says

    January 12, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    Great show. United is the theme for all crafted. Love the idea. Thanks.

    Reply
  52. Dana says

    January 13, 2017 at 5:30 am

    I’m a long time listener of the show frome Israel and I really hope that this prize is open for listeners outside of the United States:)

    Reply
  53. Missy Schmidt says

    January 13, 2017 at 11:53 pm

    Yay for Stitches United!!!!!

    Reply
  54. marypat says

    January 17, 2017 at 6:40 am

    United we stand!!

    Reply
  55. Sarah Short says

    January 25, 2017 at 9:47 am

    Loved hearing about the new Stitches United. I hope the show is a success.

    Reply
  56. Loretta says

    January 25, 2017 at 1:32 pm

    I’m a little late to the game, but I still feel United with y’all!!

    Reply
  57. Amy L. says

    January 27, 2017 at 12:04 pm

    Great to hear updates from Benjamin. I think the Stitches United idea is a winner – wish I could be at the debut!

    Reply
  58. Pam Maher says

    January 29, 2017 at 6:50 am

    I am really excited about the idea of Stitches United! This sounds like a wonderful direction for the company to move in.

    Reply
  59. Alicia A says

    January 30, 2017 at 8:27 pm

    Stitches United sounds like a great event.

    Reply
  60. Mary says

    February 1, 2017 at 7:27 pm

    I wish I could go to Stitches United! It sounds amazing!

    Reply

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