A Quilting Life Podcast

By Sherri McConnell & Chelsi Stratton

What's A Quilting Life Podcast about?

Discussions on quilting, fabric, inspiration, creativity and more. Hosted by mother and daughter Moda fabric designers Sherri McConnell and Chelsi Stratton, A Quilting Life Podcast with Sherri & Chelsi is a series of light-hearted and informative conversations that provide the listener with quilting industry news, quilting tips, and creative inspiration.

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A Quilting Life Podcast episodes:

04.08.2024
Sharing Quilting with Others and Keeping the Joy of Quilting Alive
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share what kept them excited about quilting after they were first introduced to this hobby. They then discuss how they have tried to introduce others to quilting and give some tips on how to...
03.25.2024
Spring Cleaning and Sewing
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss spring cleaning tips and ideas and share what they plan on sewing with for this Spring season. They also discuss some of their Spring decor ideas and how they feel more productive during...
03.11.2024
Laguna Sunrise Fabric Collection and New Quilt Book, Family Favorites
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss their new fabric collection, Laguna Sunrise. They discuss the inspirations behind this fabric line and talk about how it mixes and matches well with many of their previous fabric lines, including Strawberry Lemonade....
02.26.2024
Selecting and Piecing Quilt Backings and Dealing With Mistakes While Quilting
In this episode, Billy shares a new email for the podcast where listeners and viewers can send all of their listener quilt photos and listener questions to be answered on the podcast. The email is [email protected]. Sherri and Chelsi then...
02.12.2024
Amy Smart of Diary of a Quilter
In this episode, Sherri welcomes Amy Smart from Diary of a Quilter to the show. Amy is a quilter, a blogger, a fabric designer, a pattern designer, and an author. Today, Amy shares how she first started quilting and continued...
01.29.2024
Design Boards, Strike-Off Fabrics, Starting a YouTube Channel, & Sorting Fabric
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share a couple fun finds and answer a new batch of listener questions. Some topics discussed include the new navy Strawberry Lemonade print, design boards, sewing machine covers, strike-off fabrics, starting a quilting YouTube...
01.22.2024
2024 Preview: Goals, Upcoming Fabric, UFOs, and Sew Alongs
In this episode, Billy joins Sherri at the main desk as Chelsi is recovering from an illness and caring for a sick child. Sherri shares her goals for 2024, talks about unfinished projects she intends to complete this year, and...
01.08.2024
Moonbeams Charity Quilt and Stitch Along with Kimberly Jolly of Fat Quarter Shop
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi welcome back Kimberly Jolly of Fat Quarter Shop to talk all about the Moonbeams Charity Quilt and Stitch Along. This year's Make-A-Wish charity quilt features Sherri and Chelsi's Strawberry Lemonade fabric. There is also...
12.26.2023
A Quilting Life Academy, Favorite Podcasting Memories, and Looking Ahead to 2024
We made it to 100! In this episode, Sherri, Chelsi, and Billy look back at the early episodes of the podcast and discuss how it has evolved and become what it is today. They share some of their favorite memories...
12.11.2023
Holiday Sewing and Favorite Holiday Memories
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share some of the holiday-themed projects they are currently working on and ones they plan on completing in the future. They then share some of their favorite holiday traditions. These include favorite snacks, movies,...
11.27.2023
Giving Thanks and Gifts for Quilters
In this episode, Sherri, Chelsi, and Billy tell what they are grateful for this year in their quilting lives. Sherri and Chelsi then share some great gift ideas for fellow quilters this holiday season. All the products shared on today's...
11.13.2023
2023 Quilt Market Recap and The State of the Quilting Industry
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi recap their recent trip to Houston, Texas, for the 2023 International Quilt Market. They share some new quilting products they were introduced to and a great new book authored by Lissa Alexander and Susan...
10.30.2023
Improving Quilting Accuracy, Customer Feedback Influence, and Determining Fabric Yardage
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi answer some new listener questions. Some topics discussed include improving quilting accuracy, how sales reports and customer feedback influence future pattern and fabric designs, determining yardage for a pre-cut-friendly quilt pattern, starching fabric, and...
10.23.2023
Holiday Preparation, Two-Tone Quilts, and Quilt Market Anticipation
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss what they are doing to prepare for the upcoming holiday season. They also discuss two-tone quilts and what they are most looking forward to at the International Quilt Market this year. For complete show...
10.09.2023
Quilting Fails, Overcoming Your Inner Critic, and Progressing as a Quilter
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share some of their past "quilting fails." They share what some of their past failures were, and what they learned from these previous mistakes. They also discuss how they have overcome their inner critic...
09.25.2023
Precut Fabric Extravaganza
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss everything there is to know about precut fabrics. They first name and give the measurements for all of the Moda precut fabrics before diving into all the different ways they can make a...
09.11.2023
Quilting on a Budget and Fall Sewing 2023
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss all things Fall sewing. They share what fabrics they plan on sewing with this Fall and what projects and fabrics they plan on displaying in their homes. They also talk about other designers'...
08.28.2023
Sarah Hart-Unger of Best Laid Plans
In this episode, Sherri welcomes Sarah Hart-Unger of Best Laid Plans to the show. Sarah is the host of the Best Laid Plans podcast and the co-host of the Best of Both Worlds Podcast. Sarah is a mother of 3,...
08.14.2023
Creativity and Creative Practices to Become Your Best Creative Self
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss some of their favorite creative practices outside of quilting. They share how exploring other creative avenues influences their fabric and pattern designs. They also discuss how to take creative resets when they feel...
07.31.2023
Linen in Quilts, Finding the Right Quilting Chair, and Project Management Strategies
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi answer some new listener questions. Some of the topics discussed include nesting seams, king-sized quilt options, making a quilt pattern multiple times, helpful items for quilt retreats, bamboo batting, best quilting chairs, and more!...
07.24.2023
New Strawberry Lemonade Fabric Collection and Strength in a Creative Community
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss their new fabric collection, Strawberry Lemonade. They give some insights into the inspirations that went into designing this line. They share their favorite prints and talk about a couple of new colors that...
07.10.2023
Gifting Surprise Quilts and When Tragedy Strikes, Give a Quilt
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss how to go about surprising someone with a new quilt without them knowing. They give some ideas on determining the right color and size of the quilt you plan to make without the...
06.26.2023
Sewing while Traveling, Ultimate Summer BBQ Menu, and Favorite Outdoor Activities
In this summer-themed episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss sewing tips while traveling or on vacation. They talk about past experiences while flying with sewing machines, fabric, quilt patterns, and notions. They also discuss whether it is possible to sew while...
06.12.2023
Sewing with Shoes, Socks, or Barefoot? Keeping Seams Flat, & Quilt Guild Workshop Ideas
In this episode, Chelsi is back and feeling better than ever! Sherri and Chelsi first give some updates on their current, and upcoming, summer quilt alongs. They then answer some listener questions that were saved for when Chelsi returned. They...
05.29.2023
Managing Multiple Projects at Once, Paper vs PDF Patterns, and Fabric Variety
In this episode, Sherri is joined by Billy as she answers a batch of listener questions. Sherri previews her upcoming Happy Go Lucky quilt along that starts on Thursday, June 1st, 2023. Billy also shares an excellent listener quilt and...
05.22.2023
Elizabeth Chappell of Quilters Candy and the Craft to Career Podcast
In this episode, Sherri welcomes Elizabeth Chappell of Quilters Candy and the Craft to Career Podcast to the show. Elizabeth is a quilter, a fabric designer, a pattern designer, an author, an entrepreneur, and a podcaster. Elizabeth also helps like-minded...
05.08.2023
Quilting Finds the Internet and Technology in Quilting
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss how the internet has changed the landscape of quilting. They share how quilting blogs, tutorial videos, online quilt shops, and other innovations have helped quilting progress over the last 25 years. The hosts...
04.24.2023
Playing Thread Chicken, Bliss Quilt Kit Giveaway, and Favorite Hobbies
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi announce a fun giveaway sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop. We will select three lucky listeners that will receive a free Bliss quilt kit and pattern set. Be sure to leave your comment telling what...
04.10.2023
Quilting Trivia and "Billy Knows Quilting"
In this episode, Sherri tells how she received a notification of a package that was to be delivered to her home from Moda Fabrics. However, this package was not addressed to her or Chelsi, but rather to Billy. What was...
03.27.2023
Sewing Room Refresh, Spring Traditions, and Our Trip to the Beach Cities Quilt Guild
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi recap their recent trip to the Beach Cities Quilt Guild in Orange County California. They share some beautiful quilts the women in the guild brought to show during their visit. They then discuss Spring...
03.13.2023
New Bountiful Blooms Fabric Collection and What to do with New Fabric
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss their brand-new fabric collection, Bountiful Blooms. Chelsi gives her insights into what went into the design process of this collection and Sherri shares a few of her new quilts in Bountiful Blooms. They...
02.27.2023
Tips for Pressing Seams, Holding on to Fabric, and Designing Unique Quilt Patterns
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi answer the remaining listener questions they had left in their queue. Topics discussed today include cutting accurate flying geese blocks, beginner tips for pressing seams, quilt patterns that resemble other quilts, suggested rulers for...
02.13.2023
Valentine's Day Quilts and Life Lessons Learned from Quilting
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share some of their favorite Valentine's Day quilts, fabric, traditions, and decor. They then discuss, with Billy, how relevant a holiday Valentine's Day truly is and ask for feedback from listeners as to what...
01.30.2023
Curating Fabric, Quilt Border Options, and Choosing the Right Batting for your Quilt
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi answer a fun new batch of listener questions. Some of the topics discussed include future fabric lines in 2023 and 2024, curating fabrics for scrap quilts, quilt border options, working with bias binding, identifying...
01.23.2023
Dealing with Sewing Funks and How to Get Out of Them
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss what to do if you fall into a sewing funk. They share their past experiences dealing with sewing funks and talk about what some of the causes tend to be. They then give...
01.09.2023
Realistic Goals and Expectations for New Quilters
In this episode, Sherri shares some of her favorite recent reads and previews this year's A Quilting Life mystery block of the month sew-along. Billy then shares a couple more quilted Hanukkah small projects that viewers sent into the show....
12.26.2022
2022 Podcast Outtakes Reel
Enjoy this compilation of outtakes from this year's podcast recordings. Not everything goes perfectly each time we record and not everything always makes it to the final cut. Thank you to everyone who has downloaded or watched the podcast this...
12.12.2022
Grading 2022 and Looking Ahead to 2023
In this episode, Sherri, Chelsi, and Billy review some great listener feedback they received from the last episode. They then grade themselves on how they did with their 2022 goals and set some new goals for 2023. New Livestream Start Time:...
11.28.2022
Managing Fabric Stashes and Taking a Dream Quilting Class
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share tips for building and managing fabric stashes at the end of the year. They also discuss who they would take a quilting class from if they could choose any quilter from the past...
11.14.2022
2022 Holiday Prep Special
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share tips on Holiday prep. They discuss how they manage their Holiday quilting projects and other business responsibilities. They then share some of their favorite Holiday traditions, memories, decor ideas, and foods. Use code,...
10.31.2022
Growing as Fabric and Pattern Designers, Tips for Ordering Fabric, and Other Dream Jobs
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi answer new listener questions. First, Billy reveals the results from the scrappy vs coordinated quilt vote from episode 67, and Chelsi and Billy bury the hatchet, for the time being, after their favorite MLB...
10.24.2022
Favorite Fall Fabric, Costume Making, and Halloween Traditions
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share some of their favorite newly released fall fabrics. Sherri then recounts her memories of making many different Halloween costumes for her children throughout their childhoods. Sherri, Chelsi, and Billy then share some of...
10.10.2022
Using Leftover Fabric and Preparing for a Mystery Block Quilt Along
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss options for using leftover fabric from different collections when you are not looking to make a scrappy quilt. They also share some tips and ideas for being better prepared when you participate in...
09.26.2022
Fall Sewing and Traditions
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi recap a recent trip Sherri took to Utah for the Garden of Quilts festival. They also share some fun new finds and feature two lovely listener quilts. Lastly, they discuss their favorite Fall traditions...
09.12.2022
Quilter Susan Ache @yardgrl60
In this episode, Sherri welcomes the prolific quilter and stitcher Susan Ache to the show! Susan is known by many in the quilting community as @yardgrl60 on Instagram. Susan shares how her quilting journey began and how she implements quilting...
08.29.2022
Quilt Retreat Tips, Being Intentionally Scrappy, and Summer 2022 Wrap-Up
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi answer a fresh batch of listener questions. Some topics included in these questions are: How to overcome the hesitation to attend a quilt retreat, how to submit a question to the podcast, ideas for...
08.22.2022
Outdoor Quilt Display, Storage Ideas, and Negotiating Decor with Significant Other
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss unique ways to display quilts outdoors and throughout a home. They also share their ideas on best-utilizing space when storing quilts and recommend useful pieces of furniture for quilt storage. Lastly, Billy inquires...
08.08.2022
How to Start a Business in Quilting and Enhancing your Sewing Experience
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share their best tips for someone looking to start a business in the quilting industry. They discuss what they wish they had known before they began their businesses and provide helpful ideas and information...
07.25.2022
Simply Delightful Fabric Collection
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share their brand new fabric collection, Simply Delightful. Sherri and Chelsi discuss the inspirations that led them to design this fabric line and preview some of their favorite new colors and prints that are...
07.11.2022
10-Day Quilting Challenge, Ideas for Completing WIPS, and Mid-Year Goal Review
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share a fun 10-day quilting challenge that Sherri is currently participating in and blogging about. Sherri also shares a great idea for completing works in progress she recently heard from her friend, and long-arm...

What's A Quilting Life Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

A Quilting Life Podcast episodes:

Sharing Quilting with Others and Keeping the Joy of Quilting Alive

Spring Cleaning and Sewing

Laguna Sunrise Fabric Collection and New Quilt Book, Family Favorites

Selecting and Piecing Quilt Backings and Dealing With Mistakes While Quilting

Amy Smart of Diary of a Quilter

Design Boards, Strike-Off Fabrics, Starting a YouTube Channel, & Sorting Fabric

2024 Preview: Goals, Upcoming Fabric, UFOs, and Sew Alongs

Moonbeams Charity Quilt and Stitch Along with Kimberly Jolly of Fat Quarter Shop

A Quilting Life Academy, Favorite Podcasting Memories, and Looking Ahead to 2024

Holiday Sewing and Favorite Holiday Memories

Giving Thanks and Gifts for Quilters

2023 Quilt Market Recap and The State of the Quilting Industry

Improving Quilting Accuracy, Customer Feedback Influence, and Determining Fabric Yardage

Holiday Preparation, Two-Tone Quilts, and Quilt Market Anticipation

Quilting Fails, Overcoming Your Inner Critic, and Progressing as a Quilter

Precut Fabric Extravaganza

Quilting on a Budget and Fall Sewing 2023

Sarah Hart-Unger of Best Laid Plans

Creativity and Creative Practices to Become Your Best Creative Self

Linen in Quilts, Finding the Right Quilting Chair, and Project Management Strategies

New Strawberry Lemonade Fabric Collection and Strength in a Creative Community

Gifting Surprise Quilts and When Tragedy Strikes, Give a Quilt

Sewing while Traveling, Ultimate Summer BBQ Menu, and Favorite Outdoor Activities

Sewing with Shoes, Socks, or Barefoot? Keeping Seams Flat, & Quilt Guild Workshop Ideas

Managing Multiple Projects at Once, Paper vs PDF Patterns, and Fabric Variety

Elizabeth Chappell of Quilters Candy and the Craft to Career Podcast

Quilting Finds the Internet and Technology in Quilting

Playing Thread Chicken, Bliss Quilt Kit Giveaway, and Favorite Hobbies

Quilting Trivia and "Billy Knows Quilting"

Sewing Room Refresh, Spring Traditions, and Our Trip to the Beach Cities Quilt Guild

New Bountiful Blooms Fabric Collection and What to do with New Fabric

Tips for Pressing Seams, Holding on to Fabric, and Designing Unique Quilt Patterns

Valentine's Day Quilts and Life Lessons Learned from Quilting

Curating Fabric, Quilt Border Options, and Choosing the Right Batting for your Quilt

Dealing with Sewing Funks and How to Get Out of Them

Realistic Goals and Expectations for New Quilters

2022 Podcast Outtakes Reel

Grading 2022 and Looking Ahead to 2023

Managing Fabric Stashes and Taking a Dream Quilting Class

2022 Holiday Prep Special

Growing as Fabric and Pattern Designers, Tips for Ordering Fabric, and Other Dream Jobs

Favorite Fall Fabric, Costume Making, and Halloween Traditions

Using Leftover Fabric and Preparing for a Mystery Block Quilt Along

Fall Sewing and Traditions

Quilter Susan Ache @yardgrl60

Quilt Retreat Tips, Being Intentionally Scrappy, and Summer 2022 Wrap-Up

Outdoor Quilt Display, Storage Ideas, and Negotiating Decor with Significant Other

How to Start a Business in Quilting and Enhancing your Sewing Experience

Simply Delightful Fabric Collection

10-Day Quilting Challenge, Ideas for Completing WIPS, and Mid-Year Goal Review