Our Story
Meet the Founder
Hi, I’m Xinrui Sherry Li, founder of Circus of Threads. I grew up in Nantong, China, a city known for its rich textile traditions, and moved to Austin in 2017 to pursue graduate studies at UT Austin.
My background is in tech consulting and data science, but I’ve always loved bags! During college, I ran side hustle as a fashion buyer. Although my career took me in a different direction, that unconventional path has shaped the way I design today. My hometown’s textile heritage gave me a natural appreciation for fabrics and colors, while my analytical background brings precision and structure to my sewing patterns and product designs.
Today, I design our products, develop sewing patterns, build our website, and answer your questions. ;)
Meet my golden retriever and my very first design: a dog poop bag holder!
Why Organization?
After losing my data job as AI reshaped the industry, I spent more time making things at home - from mending my dog’s toys to sewing and embroidery. Inspired by Marie Kondo’s approach to tidying, I found that organizing my space helped clear my mind and regain a sense of control little by little over my life.
When I searched for storage for my sewing tools, most I found were mass-produced plastic boxes which missing the texture and warmth I felt about crafting.
So I began designing my own. The idea was simple: our favorite tools deserve a home that feels just as special as the things we make with them.
Story Behind the Name
The name of Circus of Threads recalls the excitement I felt as a child when traveling sellers arrived in town with little treasures from elsewhere. I find that same wonder in my favorite novel, Cien años de soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude).
We hope our pieces bring the same to your creative life: something useful, with a touch of wonder.
Meet Our Artisan Team
Designed in Austin, our pieces are brought to life by a team of 20–30 top artisans across small workshops in China.
Our lead sewing artisan has a background in architectural design, bringing an understanding of space, structure, and precision to our work. Together, we share a love of sewing, thoughtful craftsmanship, and making each piece by hand with care and attention to detail.
Our Fabrics
I source fabrics from China, Japan, Korea, the US, and the UK, including Liberty prints. My international background helps me connect with suppliers across countries and languages.
Choosing fabric and comparing colors and textures are definitely the most exciting parts of the process. Looking ahead, we plan to develop our own prints and collaborate with artists from different backgrounds.
A subtle difference in color changes how a piece feels.
Our Mission
Create thoughtful crafting organizers that bring color, warmth, and joy to everyday making - with less brainwork and more room for creativity.
Thank YOU for Our Beloved Fiber Community
Seeing designs that began in my little Austin home studio become part of creative spaces around the world means more to me than words can express. Your kind reviews, encouragement, and support have brought me to tears more times than I can count.
Thank you for believing in me, especially in those early days when we were still small. Circus of Threads began during a time of uncertainty and what I like to call my little midlife crisis - a moment when I was rediscovering myself and figuring out what I truly wanted to do.
Knowing that something I created with my own hands, something that once existed only as an idea in my home studio, has found a place in your creative life is incredibly meaningful. To know that my talents are seen, appreciated, and bringing a little more joy to your making journey makes it all worthwhile.
Thank you for being part of our story, for supporting our small business, and for believing in small-batch craftsmanship.
I can't wait to see what you create next!
Love & Joy,
Xinrui (Shin-ray) Sherry Li
Founder, Circus of Threads
Austin, Texas