Quilting on the Side

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 In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Tori and Andi break down how quilt pattern designers, quilting teachers, and longarm quilters can prep their businesses for the busy holiday season - without being glued to their laptops. They walk through what really needs to stay consistent (like newsletters and YouTube), how to set up simple holiday sales systems on your website, and why December and summer slowdowns are normal in the quilting industry. You’ll leave with practical steps, data-driven ideas, and a mindset boost to help you ride the ups and downs of your quilt business with more confidence. 

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Listen to the Black Friday/ Holiday Sale episode here!

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Co-Hosts:

Tori McElwain @heytori.tech

Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts

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In this episode of Quilting on the Side, host Andi introduces Jessica Steele, a quilt pattern designer known for her sports-themed quilts. Jessica shares her journey from a hobbyist to a full-time business owner, discussing the inspiration behind her designs, the challenges of balancing family life with her quilting business, and her approach to marketing and social media. She also talks about her collaborations with other designers and her future projects, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the joy of quilting amidst the business aspects.

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

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jessica Steele and Her Designs
01:28 The Journey from Hobby to Business
02:58 Inspiration Behind Sports-Themed Quilts
04:57 Designing for a Modern Aesthetic
10:06 Balancing Family Life and Business
12:30 Navigating Social Media and Marketing
16:58 Collaborations and Community Engagement
20:56 Future Projects and Aspirations
21:52 Maintaining the Joy of Quilting
26:18 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Insights

Connect with Jessica:

On her Website: https://www.jessicasteeledesign.com/ 

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicasteeledesign/

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.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Tori interviews her co-host Andi about her experiences participating in four virtual quilting summits this year (2025). They discuss the rise of virtual summits in the quilting community, the benefits of collaboration, and the importance of audience engagement. Andi shares insights on preparing for a summit, the importance of follow-up strategies, and the role of lead magnets in building an email list. The conversation emphasizes the value of data collection and marketing strategies to maximize the impact of summits on business growth.

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Virtual Summits in Quilting
04:15 The Benefits of Collaboration and Community
07:03 Choosing to Participate in Summits
10:01 Testing Ideas Through Summits
12:48 Engagement and Audience Building
15:38 Impact on Business and Sales
18:20 Follow-Up Strategies After Summits
21:24 Preparing for a Summit
24:10 Marketing and Promotion Strategies
27:02 Interacting with Summit Organizers
30:16 Final Thoughts on Summit Participation

See previous Episodes on summits:

"My Summit Story" 

Listen to Tabatha's Interview Here! (Mentioned in this podcast)

Subscribe to Andi's YouTube! CLICK HERE

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.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori interview Meredith Marsh, a YouTube expert, who shares her entrepreneurial journey, insights on content creation, and the evolving landscape of video marketing. 

Meredith discusses the importance of community building through memberships, the relevance of blogging alongside video content, and the impact of AI on content creation. She also provides practical advice for new YouTubers, strategies for working with brands, and guidance on choosing the right tools for online courses. The conversation wraps up with rapid-fire questions that reveal Meredith's personal preferences and insights into her creative process.

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

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to YouTube Expertise
00:30 Meredith's Entrepreneurial Journey
04:18 Navigating Content Evolution and Rebranding
06:31 Starting a New YouTube Channel
08:34 The Relevance of Blogging in the Video Era
10:29 AI's Impact on Content Discovery
13:19 Building a Community through Membership
13:52 Choosing the Right Platform for Courses
18:14 The Importance of Taking Action
25:13 Working with Brands and Sponsorships
27:16 Navigating Brand Collaborations
29:41 Aligning Content with Audience Interests
34:07 Essential Tools for Video Creation
38:25 The Rewards of Content Creation
42:30 Finding Inspiration in Unconventional Places

Guest Links

Meredith Marsh on YouTube

Crush it on Camera Playlist: CLICK HERE

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.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori discuss the importance of building a community within the quilting industry. They explore mindset shifts necessary for collaboration, overcoming self-doubt, and creating a welcoming environment for all quilters. The conversation emphasizes the value of featuring each other's work, forming symbiotic relationships, and engaging in local business collaborations. They also touch on the significance of sharing platforms and personal stories, networking, and the need for fair pricing strategies. The episode concludes with a call to celebrate wins together and support one another in the quilting journey.

Additional Resources Mentioned in the Podcast: 

Click here to listen to the Collaboration Episode

Click here to listen to the Price to Thrive Episode

Rachel Rodgers We Should All Be Millionaires

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

Chapters

00:00 Building Community in Quilting
03:38 Mindset Shifts for Collaboration
07:31 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Business
10:22 Creating a Welcoming Environment
12:29 Featuring Each Other's Work
14:50 Symbiotic Relationships in Quilting
18:32 The Power of Local Meetups
21:53 Sharing Stories to Connect
25:58 Pricing Strategies for Success
31:39 Celebrating Wins Together

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 us Fan Mail

In this episode of Quilting on the Side, host Andi and co-host Tori welcome Laureen Smith, a prolific quilt designer and former chemical engineer. Laureen shares her journey from the corporate world to quilting, detailing her early experiences with needlework and how they shaped her passion for quilting. She discusses her transition into quilt design, the challenges of working with fabric manufacturers, and her innovative approach to three-dimensional fusible applique. 

The conversation also touches on the business side of quilting, including pattern writing and the importance of community engagement. Laureen's insights into the creative process and her rapid-fire responses provide a comprehensive look at her quilting journey and the industry.

Chapters
05:48 Laureen's Journey into Quilting
11:23 The Business of Quilt Design
18:12 Navigating Fabric Manufacturer Relationships
23:53 The Art of Pattern Writing
33:18 Exploring Three-Dimensional Fusible Appliqué
34:14 The Art of Fusible Applique
39:27 Innovative Techniques in Quilting
43:13 Building a Quilting Business
49:43 Inspiration and Creative Process
54:24 Connecting with the Quilting Community

Connect with Laureen Smith

www.TourmalineThymeqQuilts.com 

IG @ttquilts

FB @tandtquilts

YouTube @tourmalinethymequilts3628

Want More Quilting 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.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori discuss the challenges quilt business owners face with accumulating sample quilts. They explore various options for managing these samples, including giving them away, repurposing them into wearable art, and selling them. The conversation delves into the difficulties of pricing handmade quilts and the importance of finding the right market to sell them effectively. The hosts share creative ideas for repurposing quilts and highlight the significance of targeting affluent areas for selling quilts.

Chapters
00:00 Navigating the Quilt Sample Dilemma
04:00 Creative Repurposing of Quilts
06:50 Selling Samples: Challenges and Opportunities
12:56 Finding the Right Market for Quilts
18:35 Planning for Fabric Samples
21:34 Choosing Timeless Color Schemes
23:19 Dealing with Mistakes in Quilting
25:58 Creative Solutions for Quilting Errors
29:09 Community Engagement and Selling Quilts

Want More Quilting 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.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Quilting on the Side, host Andy welcomes Tasha Haynes, a passionate quilter who transitioned from a hobbyist to a business owner. Tasha shares her journey of starting quilting in 2015, the challenges of turning her passion into a business, and the importance of community in the quilting world. She discusses her experiences with selling patterns on Etsy and her personal website, the growth of her YouTube channel, and the balance of family life with her entrepreneurial endeavors. Tasha also offers valuable insights on lessons learned in business and the importance of focusing on one strong lead magnet for email lists.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tasha Haynes and Her Quilting Journey
02:46 Transitioning from Hobby to Business
05:44 Navigating Sales Channels: Etsy vs. Personal Website
08:50 The Growth of Tasha's YouTube Channel
11:48 Creating a Supportive Quilting Community
14:53 Exploring Future Business Avenues
17:48 Balancing Family Life with a Quilting Business
20:51 Lessons Learned in Business
23:15 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Connect with Tasha:

Membership: https://clubhouse.tashaquilts.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TashaQuilts 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashaquilts/ 

Website & Blog: https://tashaquilts.com 

Want More Quilting 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.

Send us Fan Mail

In this celebratory episode of the Quilting on the Side podcast, hosts Andi and Tori reflect on their journey through 75 episodes, sharing lessons learned, the importance of authenticity, and the value of community. They discuss the challenges faced in podcasting, the significance of structure and organization, and how technology has aided their efficiency. The conversation emphasizes the power of real stories and the growth of their community, highlighting that success is not just about numbers but about meaningful connections.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating 75 Episodes: A Journey of Perseverance
06:57 Real Stories Over Perfect Advice
12:04 Navigating Struggles: Monetization and Promotion
17:28 The Importance of Structure and Preparation
24:45 Community Over Algorithms: Building Connections
34:28 Exploring Pattern Design and Technology
37:24 Networking and Organic Growth in Quilting

Want More Quilting 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.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori welcome Teresa, the AI Quilter, who shares her journey from the semiconductor industry to the world of quilting and artificial intelligence. Teresa discusses her passion for teaching AI concepts to various audiences, including quilters, and addresses the ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated art. 

She emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and how it can enhance creativity without replacing the human touch. The conversation also covers marketing strategies for solopreneurs and concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Teresa's inspirations and insights into the quilting community.

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Teresa, the AI Quilter
04:42 The Journey into AI and Quilting
17:09 Ethics and Copyright in AI Art
23:55 Leveraging AI for Creative Processes
35:57 Marketing Tips for Solopreneurs
44:32 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Connect with Theresa:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaiquilter/

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

Get her book, Digital Muse: Bringing AI Into Your Creative Process, and her patterns: https://theaiquilter.com/shop 

Heard about the Self Publishing Incubator? Click here to see more. 

Want More Quilting 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.