Tariff impact and Needlework Marketplace releases

This is usually a happy time of year for me, where I get to share all the new releases that I have been working so hard on at Needlework Marketplace. While there will be detailed posts on all of these soon, this has coincided with some devastating news from the White House regarding tariffs. Please read this, as it affects all the small designers, dyers and small businesses that you love.

I was preparing for the (frankly unjustified) 10% tariff being placed on Australian imports into the US for some time, but the recent announcement that this is being extended to ALL packages into the US, potentially in addition to an $80-$200 fee being added to EVERY package coming into the US from the 29th August 2025. As a small business, this is completely impossible and will put a lot of us out of business. While I sell patterns and threads to people all over the world (and I’m very grateful), about 2/3 of my customers are in the US.

The information provided by the White House is unclear, and it is uncertain if these additional fees will be applied for a specific period of time or not. It’s also unclear what delays are likely to occur at the ports. Please watch my latest Flosstube (and forgive the tears) if you would like an explanation of how the tariffs work, and their impact.

Due to this uncertainty, I have decided that I will have to suspend physical shipping to the US from tomorrow (14th August 2025 in AU/13th in the US) for my Etsy store. I cannot, in good conscience, send to you without being able to let you know when they will arrive and what charges you will have to pay.

I am hoping this is temporary, and please know that I am working with other designers, dyers and stores to find a solution. In the meantime, PDFs are not subject to tariffs and will remain available.

As for my Needlework Marketplace releases, with the support of Bobbie (the show runner), I will be able to get a limited supply into the US. This is a one-off solution and it is unclear if and when I will be able to send stock to stores again. Please contact your favourite store if you would like a copy. PDFs will be available 6 weeks or so after the end of August. The new releases are shown below – I hope you love them…

I have been incredibly touched by the kind words and support that I’ve already received. I adore this work and it means more than I can say to be a part of this wonderful community. I will keep you updated, and please continue to support all the designers, dyers, and small businesses that you love.

Many thanks,

Joanna