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In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori welcome back Theresa Benson  - the AI Quilter for a fascinating conversation about how artificial intelligence is showing up in the quilting world.

Since her last appearance on the podcast, Theresa has been busy speaking at guilds, mentoring quilters, presenting on the big stage at QuiltCon, and researching some of the biggest questions people have about AI.

Together they discuss:

• How AI is actually being used by quilters today
 • Why some of the environmental concerns around AI have recently been greatly exaggerated
• What Theresa discovered while researching the topic for her white paper
• How AI fits into the creative process without replacing human creativity
• When (and if) AI use should be disclosed in quilting projects
• Practical ways quilters and quilt business owners can use AI responsibly

The conversation also touches on teaching, presenting programs for guilds, and how creative entrepreneurs can balance giving value while still running a sustainable business.

It’s a thoughtful, insightful, and educational episode that brings clarity to a topic many creatives are still figuring out.

Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.

Mentioned in the Episode:
Theresa's Book: Digital Muse: Bringing AI into Your Creative Process
Theresa's White Paper on Environment and AI
Opting Out of Data Sets - Blog Post  

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI in Quilting
10:27 AI vs. Fabric Manufacturing Water Usage
16:30 The Villainization of AI
22:44 AI's Influence in Quilting
34:15 Navigating AI in Business and Teaching
44:10 The Return of Teresa: A Richer Conversation

Connect with Theresa:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/theaiquilter

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresabenson/  

Website - https://theaiquilter.com

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheAIQuilter

Want More Quilting Business Content?
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Co-Hosts:

Tori McElwain @heytori.tech & https://www.heytori.tech/

Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts & https://truebluequilts.com/ 

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Taking your quilt business from a digital screen to a physical trade show booth can feel like a high-stakes challenge. In this episode, Tori and Andi pull back the curtain on the "messy middle" of booth prep and the vulnerability of being seen. You'll discover:

• The "Top-Down" Strategy: How to design for visibility so your brand is seen from across the room.
• Pro-Tips on a Budget: Why wooden crates and magnetic LEDs are a business owner’s best friend.
• The Introvert’s Secret Weapon: How sticker trading turns awkward networking into a fun connection.
• The Personalized Pitch: Why a "gift packet" lands better partnerships than a generic brochure.

Perfect for any creative entrepreneur ready to step into the spotlight. Join us as we bridge the gap between digital magic and real-life connection.

Mentioned in the Episode: 

• Blog Post: Your h+h Roadmap  
• Craft to Career Episode with Darrin Stern  
• Our episode with Brandy, The Quilter on Fire  
• Register for h+h  

Chapters

[00:05] - Welcome & The "Why" Behind Booth Prep

[01:46] - Navigating H&H Americas: B2B vs. B2C and Booth Basics

[02:45] - The "Spotlight" Strategy: Why You Shouldn't Display Everything

[03:20] - From Digital to Physical: Turning Marketing Concepts into "Thought Bubbles"

[05:43] - The Booth as a Landing Page: Designing for the Customer Journey

[07:39] - Andi’s Trade Show Past & Using "Top-Down" Visibility

[10:09] - The Magic of Wooden Crates: Height, Storage, and Aesthetic

[11:26] - Beyond the Business Card: Postcards, Brochures, and QR Codes

[15:19] - The Trifold Truth: Focusing Your Message to Avoid Confusion

[18:20] - The Personalized Pitch: Turning Partnerships into "Gifts"

[23:18] - Sticker Culture: The Introvert’s Secret Weapon for Networking

[28:06] - Strategic Lighting: Magnetic LEDs and Gallery Vibes

[30:06] - Outro & Final Reflections

Want More Quilting Business Content?
🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks
🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed
📌 Follow us on Instagram

Co-Hosts:

Tori McElwain @heytori.tech & https://www.heytori.tech/

Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts & https://truebluequilts.com/ 

Support the show

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Send a text

In this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori interview Jamie Bright with Craft a Dream, a successful quilter and entrepreneur. Jamie shares her journey from starting quilting at a young age to building a thriving business in the quilting industry. She discusses the importance of marketing, collaborations, and organic growth strategies for quilters looking to turn their passion into a business. Jamie also provides valuable insights on how to effectively participate in summits and leverage them for business growth, emphasizing the need for alignment between presentations, freebies, and products. The conversation highlights the joy of quilting and the supportive community within the quilting world.

Watch the Quilters Paradise Summit

Quilters Paradise Summit (Free ticket - Andi's allfilate link): Click Here!

Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jamie Bright and Her Quilting Journey
07:34 Transitioning from Photography to Quilting Business
12:42 Marketing Tips for Quilters
17:41 The Power of Collaborations and Summits
24:40 Creating Effective Presentations for Summits
25:37 Effective Presentation Techniques
29:57 Maximizing Summit Engagement
33:52 Promoting Your Summit Effectively
36:59 Leveraging Affiliate Marketing
39:50 Building Relationships and Community
42:42 Creative Collaboration and Idea Sharing
48:00 Upcoming Events and Opportunities
49:21 Jamie Bright takeaways

Connect with Jamie!

Quilters Playspace Community: Click Here! 

Quilt Patterns: Click Here!

Join email list: Click Here! 

Instagram: Click Here!

Facebook: Click Here!

Want More Quilting Business Content?
🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks
🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed
📌 Follow us on Instagram

Co-Hosts:

Tori McElwain @heytori.tech & https://www.heytori.tech/

Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts & https://truebluequilts.com/ 

Support the show

If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send a text

In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori reflect on their journey since the podcast's inception, discussing significant changes in their businesses, personal growth, and the evolution of their creative identities. Tori shares her transition to full-time coaching and the launch of her self-publishing incubator, while Andi highlights her success with YouTube and the development of her quilting patterns. They explore the realities of running a quilting business, the importance of work-life balance, and the lessons learned along the way, culminating in advice to their past selves.

Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Business Evolution
03:46 Tori's Transition to Full-Time Business
11:05 Andi's Journey and YouTube Success
17:00 Tori's Rebranding and New Identity
24:12 The Reality of Quilting as a Business
29:43 Work-Life Balance and Daily Routines
36:31 Reflections on Pattern Design
42:32 Advice to Our Past Selves

Want More Quilting Business Content?
🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks
🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed
📌 Follow us on Instagram

Co-Hosts:

Tori McElwain @heytori.tech & https://www.heytori.tech/

Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts & https://truebluequilts.com/ 

Support the show

If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send a text

In this conversation, Andi and Tori McElwain delve into the essentials of digital marketing for business owners, focusing on how to effectively show up online. Tori shares her insights on the importance of building an email list, nurturing leads through content, and the critical role of launching products. They discuss strategies for managing multiple projects and the significance of documenting the creative process to engage audiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for a structured approach to digital marketing, making it easier for entrepreneurs to connect with their audience and drive sales.

If you need a community to bounce ideas off of, join our on Patreon!

If you are looking for Digital Marketing help, join Tori's Digital Marketing Coaching Program. 

Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Digital Marketing for Quilters
03:44 Understanding the Lead Strategy
08:42 Content Strategy: Building Trust and Authority
12:11 The Launch Strategy: Converting Leads to Sales
18:45 Adjusting Launch Strategies for Different Products
23:33 Creating Content While Staying Inspired

Want More Quilting Business Content?
🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks
🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed
📌 Follow us on Instagram

Co-Hosts:

Co-Hosts:

Tori McElwain @heytori.tech & https://www.heytori.tech/

Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts & https://truebluequilts.com/ 

Support the show

If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send a text

In this engaging conversation, Andi and our guest Dara Tomasson explore the complexities of navigating conflict, overcoming self-sabotage, and finding joy in business. They discuss the importance of emotional resilience, the impact of imposter syndrome, and the necessity of taking control of one's reactions in a chaotic world. Dara shares her insights on personal growth, the creative process, and the significance of community support in achieving success. The discussion emphasizes the need for continuous evolution and the power of choice in shaping one's path.

Passed Episode mentioned on this episode: How to Handle Controversy, Difficult Conversations, & More with Dara Tomasson

Descript mentioned by Dara and Andi

Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.

Chapters
00:00 Navigating Conflict and Emotional Resilience
14:41 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Sabotage
26:14 Finding Joy and Purpose in Business
36:06 Embracing Growth and Learning from Setbacks

Connect with Dara Tomasson:

• On Instagram 
• On her website: https://daratomasson.com/
• On YouTube

Want More Quilting Business Content?
🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks

🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed 

📌 Follow us on Instagram

Co-Hosts:

Tori McElwain @heytori.tech & https://www.heytori.tech/

Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts & https://truebluequilts.com/ 

Support the show

If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send a text

In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori McElwain delve into the evolving landscape of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and its implications for quilting businesses. Tori shares her insights gained from extensive research, particularly focusing on the integration of AI search bots into SEO strategies. The conversation highlights the importance of using relevant keywords naturally in content, avoiding outdated practices like keyword stuffing, and ensuring that businesses are visible across various platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Tori emphasizes that while AI search is becoming more prevalent, the foundational principles of SEO remain crucial for improving online visibility and engagement.

The discussion also covers practical tips for optimizing social media presence, including the significance of business accounts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and the necessity of including keywords in titles, descriptions, and even image alt texts. Tori encourages listeners to conduct self-audits of their online content to identify missed opportunities for keyword integration. The episode wraps up with actionable advice on how to research trending keywords and the importance of maintaining a consistent online presence to enhance search rankings.

Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to SEO in Quilting
00:48 Understanding AI Search and Its Impact
02:20 Best Practices for Keyword Usage
04:43 Platforms to Focus On for SEO
09:44 The Role of Social Media in SEO
14:49 Engagement vs. Hashtags in Social Media
19:54 Practical Tips for Keyword Optimization
24:38 Real-World Examples of SEO Mistakes
29:23 Tools and Resources for Keyword Research
34:40 Final Thoughts on SEO for Quilters

Mentioned inthe Podcast Episode:

Keywords Blog Post

H+H Americas Fiber Arts Trade Show in May 2026

Pinterest Post: Gifts for Quilters - example

Digital Marketing Magic Program with Tori: 

Want to see how well your SEO is doing? See the Creative's SEO Clarity Report

Want More Quilting Business Content?
🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks

🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed 

📌 Follow us on Instagram

Co-Hosts:

Tori McElwain @heytori.tech & https://www.heytori.tech/

Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts & https://truebluequilts.com/ 

Support the show

If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send a text

In this engaging conversation, Brandy Maslowski, Tori McElwain, and Andi Stanfield explore their quilting journeys, the evolution of their businesses, and the impact of podcasting in the quilting community. They share personal stories about their first quilts, discuss the significance of color trends in quilting, and delve into the role of AI in their businesses. The episode also highlights their current projects, future plans, and the importance of community and creativity in the quilting world.

Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Quilting and Podcasting Journeys
02:56 The Evolution of Quilting and Business Strategies
05:47 Personal Quilting Stories and Inspirations
08:58 Discussion on Pantone Color of the Year
11:46 Books and Resources in the Quilting Community
14:44 Podcasting Insights and Tips
20:37 AI in Quilting and Business
33:51 Current Projects and Future Plans
46:41 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Connect with Brandy

Quilter on Fire Podcast

Quilter on Fire on YouTube

Instagram

Website - for classes and more!

More about the Fiber Fix Fam

Want More Quilting Business Content?
🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks

🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed 

📌 Follow us on Instagram

Co-Hosts:

Tori McElwain @heytori.tech & https://www.heytori.tech/

Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts & https://truebluequilts.com/ 

Support the show

If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send a text

In this episode, Tori and Andi kick off Season Six by discussing the challenges of work-life balance for entrepreneurs, particularly those in the quilting community. They explore the unrealistic expectations of balance, the importance of self-care, and the need to acknowledge tougher times. The conversation emphasizes the significance of structuring time for learning and creativity, utilizing time blocking for productivity, and the duality of being both a creative and a business owner. They also invite listeners to join Tori's upcoming book club and reflect on their own strategies for managing their time and responsibilities.

Mentioned in the Episode (click to visit):

Goal Planning Podcast Episode

Our Interview with Karlee Porter

Book Club for Workshops Unleashed

Join Fiber Fix Fam with Brandy (the Quilter on Fire) and Mel Beach, along with Tori, for a monthly creative boost!

Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.

Chapters

00:00 Kicking Off Season Six: Intentions and Planning
02:48 Navigating Work-Life Balance as Entrepreneurs
05:44 Understanding the Glass and Rubber Analogy
08:37 The Importance of Self-Care and Acknowledging Grief
11:42 Structuring Time for Learning and Creativity
14:36 Time Blocking for Productivity
17:30 Combining Marketing with Creative Time
20:42 The Batman and Bruce Wayne Analogy
23:32 Creating Accountability in Your Craft
26:31 Final Thoughts on Balancing Life and Business

Want More Quilting Business Content?
🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks

🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed 

📌 Follow us on Instagram

Co-Hosts:

Tori McElwain @heytori.tech & https://www.heytori.tech/

Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts & https://truebluequilts.com/ 

Support the show

If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send a text

In this episode, Andi and Tori reflect on their journey through five seasons of the Quilting on the Side podcast. They discuss the importance of community engagement, key business insights shared throughout the season, and highlight memorable guests who brought unique perspectives to the quilting industry. The conversation also touches on industry trends, the impact of AI, and preparations for the upcoming year, emphasizing the need for collaboration and support within the quilting community.

Chapters
00:00 Reflecting on Five Seasons of Podcasting
05:02 Engaging with the Community
10:50 Key Business Insights from Season Five
16:56 Guest Highlights and Unique Perspectives
24:20 Industry Trends and Future Directions
30:20 Planning for the Holidays and Beyond
39:04 Looking Ahead to Season Six

Mentioned in this Episode:

Craft to Career Podcast with h+h Americas’ Darrin Stern https://quilterscandy.com/hh

Season 5 Guests:

Jennifer Long @sewastory_jenniferlong
Dara Tomasson @dara_tomasson
Tasha Hayes @tashaquilts
Theresa Benson @theaiquilter
Laureen Smith @ttquilts
Meredith Marsh @meredithmarsh.co
Jessica Steele @jessicasteeledesign
and Karlee Porter @karleeporterdesign

Want More Quilting Business Content?
🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks
🔗 Grab Tori’s new book, Workshops Unleashed
📌 Follow us on Instagram

Co-Hosts:

Tori McElwain @heytori.tech

Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts

Support the show

If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.