We were lucky to catch up with Dawn Cook Ronningen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dawn, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

After my first book was published I decided I wanted the independence to self publish.
My focus is antique textiles which is a niche audience so leaving the safety of a publisher also meant 100% of the risk was mine. It was up to me to finance, manage, deliver and promote my next two books.

It was a resounding success and we’ve had a second print run. The dedication and support of family and friends (old and new) has been incredible. I have met so many supportive people who I can then support through networking.

I am proud I was able to keep the actual printing local and support a union print shop while also distributing the books internationally.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My interest in textiles started at a young age but in my youth I didn’t see an opportunity to make a living at it. It wasn’t until I retired from a career in IT that I was able to fully dive in. During my “IT Phase” in life I was able to collect and do some research. My background in software and instruction was helpful.
I am an author, maker, collector, historian and instructor living in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
I am the author of three books, “Antique American Needlework Tools” (Schiffer Publishing 2018) Mary Witherwax (2022) and “Sewing Rolls, Needle Rolls and Huswifs” (2023). My collections include antique embroidery, quilts, antique and vintage needlework tools, textiles and other related antiques. I enjoy sharing my collections not only with books and magazine but also guilds and historic organizations. In my classes, lectures and trunk shows I include rare examples from my collections and often tell the stories of the makers.
History is a great teacher if we listen to learn. Often truth is better than fiction and contemporary art can be traced in historical influences.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I have a degree in business that helped me make many decisions from a less emotional standpoint than I see some other makers operate. I also found many people were willing to answer questions – complete strangers – eager to offer insights- but the final call is yours. My printer for example was able to provide opinions based on previous experience I could use in my analysis.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Don’t expect everyone to like your work. Those opinions can be helpful but don’t let them deter your course – consider them – but don’t let them be your guide. Your people are the ones who see your light! Use their energy.

As a small business I work directly with consumers, retailers and wholesalers. The first round of No’s can be daunting. I was able to reflect and better identify my target audience. I even had a few of the initial contacts come back as customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CollectorWithNeedle
• Instagram: Dawn Ronningen
• Facebook: Dawn Ronningen
• Other: Blog
  http://collectorwithaneedle.blogspot.com/p/virtual-programs.html

Image Credits

Dawn Cook Ronningen