Taiga Bentley is the curator behind the whimsical color-gradient quilts and quilted jackets at House of Taiga. Since she was a young girl, Taiga has always felt drawn to rainbows, color gradients and art. As the owner of Olga Korper Gallery (started by her grandmother), she always has her eye on art. During the lockdown of 2020, Taiga was enamored by the quilt her friend was making, and a whole new world of craft was opened to her. As she browsed the internet for gorgeous fabrics, she knew there was no going back. She immediately purchased herself a sewing machine and began to learn to sew. Her rainbow gradient puff quilt was her first project, and is still a staple in the entertainment of her daughters as an "I Spy" game. Several quilts later, Taiga added quilted color-gradient jackets to her repertoire. Wearable quilts?! Why not! The same fabrics that are fun and eye-catching for children also make beautiful jackets for children and adults alike. Each one unique and tailored to the life of the client. Taiga lives for color and loves to share her passion with the masses. Not only can her quilts and jackets be purchased, but she also curates color-gradient bundles you can buy so you can make your own gorgeous color-gradient quilt! So jump on the Rainbow Connection, have a listen and go check out Taiga's world of color! 

Find Taiga here! 
Website: https://www.houseoftaiga.com/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/houseoftaiga 

This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Premium quality, ethically made bedding, loungewear and more. Use code GRANNYS at checkout to receive up to 40% off your total purchase! https://cozyearth.com/ 

Want to see more? You can find it here:  
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Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow  
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After training at the prestigious, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Rachel acted for a while but then through a mutual friend found out about a TV presenting gig, and that was that! Off she went in search of a new career. After a successful run of broadcast television jobs and hosting live events, her last TV presenting gig was for a craft channel working with lots of different artists selling their products. When this came to an end, it was a natural transition for media and the world of craft to combine when Rachel started CraftyMonkies, a place where people can go and learn a variety of art and sewing, mostly quilting based skills with incredible artists from all around the world via live interactive Zoom classes, or via their monthly member VIP club, and at in-person retreats in both the USA AND UK. After hearing amazing stories from classmates and teachers about how they had overcome blocks in their life using creativity, it was only a matter of time before Rachel started the podcast ‘Breaking the Blocks. The first episode was launched in February 2024 and it continues to grow at a fast pace! Rachel is successfully building a fantastic community of like-minded creative souls who regularly come together to share their passion with each other, and as she says, ‘the door is always open’ so go check out CraftyMonkies and the podcast if you feel so inclined! 

"We have two lives, the second begins when we realize we only have one." -- Confucius 

Find Rachel here! 
CraftyMonkies - https://www.craftymonkies.com/ 
Breaking the Blocks - https://www.breakingtheblocks.com/ 

This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Premium quality, ethically made bedding, loungewear and more. Use code GRANNYS at checkout to receive up to 40% off your total purchase! https://cozyearth.com/ 

Want to see more? You can find it here:  
Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me  
Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Become a patron and get a NYGQS sticker and early access to episodes!  
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow 
https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany  
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow  
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop  
Want to be on the show? Send us a message!

Todd Leavitt, a Vermont transplant to North Carolina, has been on the quilt scene for quite some time now. But it hasn't always been his obvious passion. Todd and his brothers were all taught to sew at young ages by their mother. There was also some sewing during school for a home sciences class. Todd enjoyed sewing, but felt societal pressure to leave it behind and focus on his career. There weren't a lot of openly gay men in the sewing scene. All that changed when Todd experienced a heart-attack at 40. That was the wakeup call he needed to find more balance and start doing more of what he loved. That's where quilting entered his life. Now, he's a pattern designer, Craft-Thirster, Textile Daddy and content creator. The Bear Quilter has a new pattern to be released in October, and fabric kits and notions will be available on his website! Please enjoy this episode and go find Todd if you haven't already! 
Find The Bear Quilter here!
Website: thebearquilter.com for merch and more. 
Instagram/Threads: www.instagram.com/thebearquilter  @Thebearquilter  
 

This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Premium quality, ethically made bedding, loungewear and more. Use code GRANNYS at checkout to receive up to 40% off your total purchase! https://cozyearth.com/

Want to see more? You can find it here:  
Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me  
Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Become a patron and get a NYGQS sticker and early access to episodes!  
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow 
https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany  
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow  
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop  
Want to be on the show? Send us a message!

Welcome back everyone! Amanda is here to update you about what happened during her trip to Europe and why she came back early. She also talks about the sewing projects she is planning and things she has made. Amanda also talks about moving her business from her parents' house to her garage studio. Amanda's summer plans were cut short, but there was no shortage of good times had and fun quilting experiences. She's excited to be back with all of you and can't wait for the amazing lineup of guests she has for you!

Links:
Dutch Names Monument - https://libeskind.com/work/names-monument/
Sweater Weather Sampler kit - https://www.sewjoyfulstudio.com/shop/p/sweater-weather-sampler-2024-cover-quilt-kit
Seaforth Pants - https://www.heyjunehandmade.com/product/seaforth-pants/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop  use code GRANNYS to get 50% off!
Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me  
Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Become a patron and get a NYGQS sticker and early access to episodes!  
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow 
https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany  
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow    

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Meagan Guité is a Project Coordinator for Ruby Star Society who loves color, anything vintage and pets. Meagan's mom, Sarah, taught her how to quilt over 15 years ago when she opened a quilt shop. Meagan worked for her mom, and learned to quilt so she could answer questions for customers. Meagan's joy of making things with fabric comes from Sarah, and is something Meagan cherishes even more now. After Sarah passed away in 2021, Meagan found a new energy to create and sew. She quilted through the pain of losing her mother as a way to keep her close. Since then, Meagan quit her corporate job, and in a leap-of-faith moment, she applied for the job posted by Ruby Star Society looking for a project coordinator/social media/marketing expert. She got the job (that she splits with Audrey Savage) and now gets to live in the creative space of quilting and sewing. As the Project Coordinator, Meagan organizes the projects that will be mocked up in new fabric lines being released. She also helps write and create project plans and patterns. The new 10 Years of Magic pattern is one of Meagan's designs. Meagan is clearly an asset to Ruby Star Society and the world of quilting. Her ideas and excitement for design are so inspiring! Go check out her work while you listen. Please enjoy! 

Find Meagan here!
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sewgiddy 

Want to see more? You can find it here:  
Amanda is taking Karlee Porter's Graffiti Quilting masterclass! Take it with her and when you sign up for the class, use code NYGQS25 to get a $25 discount on your tuition! www.karleeporter.com 

Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me  
Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Become a patron and get a NYGQS sticker and early access to episodes!  
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow 
https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany  
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow  
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop 
 Want to be on the show? Send us a message!

Jenni Grover is a wellness coach for makers, author and quilter. She cares deeply about the intersection of craft and health, coaching clients’ physical, mental, social, creative and spiritual concerns. In this episode, she and Amanda talk about the way we can run into unpleasantness in the online realm, and how we can engage with certain messages we may not want to hear. With some examples of exercises we can try, Jenni and Amanda chat about ways to process those messages and maintain our true selves in the process. Jenni recently released a deeply personal project out into the world. She shares her feelings on the matter and what that has been like for her.
Jenni is also a past president and current board member of the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild, and a passionate craft journalist, having written for Quiltfolk, SuzyQuilts.com, Quiltmaker magazine and Craft Industry Alliance.
A lifelong writer, Jenni has more than 34 years of experience in print, broadcast and online media. She has been a professional speaker since 1996.Jenni has lived with multiple chronic illnesses and chronic pain since 1997 and has devoted much of her life to advocating for those like her. Her book ChronicBabe 101: How to Craft an Incredible Life Beyond Illness has helped countless folks feel better.
Do enjoy this episode, and go check out her work!

Find Jenni here!!

Instagram: www.instagram.com/coachjennigrover 
website: coachjennigrover.com.

Want to see more? You can find it here:  
Amanda is taking Karlee Porter's Graffiti Quilting masterclass! Take it with her and when you sign up for the class, use code NYGQS25 to get a $25 discount on your tuition! www.karleeporter.com 
Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me  
Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Become a patron and get a NYGQS sticker and early access to episodes!  
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow 
https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany  
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow  
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop  
Want to be on the show? Send us a message!

Becca Shifflett is a crafter at heart. She tried just about everything under the sun before she found quilting. But about 7 years ago, Becca went to her friend's "Sip n' Sew" to meet new people and try something new. The rest is history! Becca fell in love with sewing and learning how to make beautiful quilts. And about 3 years ago, Becca bought her longarm, a HandiQuilter Amara. As much as Becca loves the tech aspect of the computerized longarming, she will take that step in the near future. For now she does beautiful free motion longarming. In among all the fun she was having learning new skills in quilting, Becca decided to start a YouTube channel to share tips for sewing and her love of making beautiful quilts. Becca has a beautiful community of supporters that fuel her excitement for making content. Becca hosts a Live Stream on YouTube *almost* every Friday evening, so go check it out! While you're at it, go check her website where you can find her blog and some helpful information about how to start your own YouTube channel, you can browse her patterns and see what she's up to next. 
Find Becca here: 
Web: http://www.sewbecca.com 
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/sewbecca 

Want to see more? You can find it here:  
Amanda is taking Karlee Porter's Graffiti Quilting masterclass! Take it with her and when you sign up for the class, use code NYGQS25 to get a $25 discount on your tuition! www.karleeporter.com 
Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me  
Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Become a patron and get a NYGQS sticker and early access to episodes!  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow 
https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany  
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow  
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop  

Want to be on the show? Send us a message!

Ian started with a Cricut, now we're here! Ian Garland is a lover of sewing and quilting. He truly started into his crafting journey by purchasing a Cricut to create stage lighting gobos. When that didn't pan out, he started using his Cricut to create paper crafts and greeting cards, and the rest is history. Ian has built the amazing Off Kilter Crafter community over on YouTube where he hosts live streams of sewing sessions. He also posts videos with sewing and quilting tips and tricks. Ian is an Instructional Designer by day and loves to work with his local guild to share new ideas and modern quilt designs.  Catch Ian over on his YouTube Channel @OffKilterCrafterIan or his Instagram @OffKilterCrafterIan and be on the lookout for more of his amazing work!

988 - the National Suicide Prevention Hotline
 

Find Ian Here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offkiltercrafterian/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/OffKilterCrafterIan
 

This episode is sponsored by SmartLabels! Go check them out! https://www.qrsmartlabels.com/ 

Want to see more? You can find it here:  
Amanda is taking Karlee Porter's Graffiti Quilting masterclass! Take it with her and when you sign up for the class, use code NYGQS25 to get a $25 discount on your tuition! www.karleeporter.com 
Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me  
Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Become a patron and get a NYGQS sticker and early access to episodes!  
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow 
https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany  
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow  
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop  
Want to be on the show? Send us a message!

Matthew Boudreaux is a sewist, crafter, teacher, speaker, designer, advocate, firm anti-racist, LGBTQIA+, and (best of all) Helena’s dad, and is probably better known as Mx. Domestic. They have taken us on their journey as they navigate what it means to be a queer, neurodivergent voice and advocate in the quilting space. Matthew's goal is to create a truly inclusive space for all makers to enjoy. As they have grown and learned about themselves, they have been vulnerable in sharing the often scary road to finding self-love. Matthew has so many new things coming up to share with the quilting world, so keep an eye on their socials! Please enjoy! 
Find Mx. Domestic here! 
Website: https://mxdomestic.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mx.domestic/ 

This episode is sponsored by SmartLabels! Go check them out! https://www.qrsmartlabels.com/ 

Want to see more? You can find it here:  
Amanda is taking Karlee Porter's Graffiti Quilting masterclass! Take it with her and when you sign up for the class, use code NYGQS25 to get a $25 discount on your tuition! www.karleeporter.com 
Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me  
Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Become a patron and get a NYGQS sticker and early access to episodes!  
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow 
https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany  
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow  
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop  
Want to be on the show? Send us a message!

Amy Freyn is a queer longarm quilter living in Quito, Ecuador. A university professor by day- but quilts (or thinks about quilting) in all of her free time. In this episode Amy shares how she got from the Midwest of the United States all the way to Quito, Ecuador. Amy's life as a professor just keeps getting better as she continues to add patchwork and quilting into the university curriculum as well as LGTBQ Lit studies classes. Amy is living her best life at the equator, finding creative ways to move quilts to and from the US as well as acquiring more machines to master. Amy is bringing quilting to the university setting so that her students can learn another medium of art and expression by sharing her passion. Amy also quilts in collaboration with Dee of Pixel Quilts to create beautiful works of art. Please go look at her work while you listen, and please enjoy this episode!

Find Amy here! 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quitoquilts/ 

This episode is sponsored by SmartLabels! Go check them out! https://www.qrsmartlabels.com/ 

Want to see more? You can find it here: 
 Amanda is taking Karlee Porter's Graffiti Quilting masterclass! Take it with her and when you sign up for the class, use code NYGQS25 to get a $25 discount on your tuition! www.karleeporter.com
Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me  
Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Become a patron and get a NYGQS sticker and early access to episodes!  
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow 
https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany  
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow  
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop  
Want to be on the show? Send us a message!