Sew Off Kilter Podcast

In this episode of the Sew Off Kilter Podcast, Ian is joined by cohost Todd, the Bear Quilter, for a conversation with Maddie Kertay, better known as the Badass Quilter! Maddie shares her journey from sewing as a child to becoming a recognizable voice in the quilting community. Along the way, she talks about her experiences with sewing machines, industry events, and why authenticity, creativity, and community matter so much in the world of quilting. But quilting isn't her only passion! Maddie also shares the heartwarming story behind her work rescuing neonatal kittens and how caring for these tiny furballs fits into her already busy life. Join Ian, Todd, and Maddie for a conversation filled with quilting stories, a little badassery, and plenty of heart. Because sometimes the things that bring us together are stitched with thread, a shared passion, and a whole lot of love for tiny kittens!

In this heartfelt season opener, Ian sits down with Barb, a quilter and artist whose work blends storytelling, activism, and deep personal meaning. They reflect on how quilting brought them together through QuiltCon, and how that shared passion blossomed into a meaningful friendship. Barb opens up about discovering quilting as a way to process grief, teaching herself through books, and eventually finding her voice through thread painting and art quilts. The conversation explores powerful pieces like her portrait quilt of her son and son-in-law, her LGBTQ+ advocacy through fabric, and the emotional impact of creating memory quilts for families. It’s a moving celebration of creativity, community, and the courage it takes to make art that says something.

In this episode, Ian introduces the new season of the podcast, shares upcoming guests and topics, and discusses the exciting direction for Season 2 with co-host Todd The Bear Quilter.

In this emotional and heartfelt episode of The Sew Off Kilter Podcast, Becca shares the news that she’ll be stepping away from the podcast and opens up about the journey that brought her here. Alongside Ian, the two reflect on how far they’ve come, the friendships and memories they’ve built, and the growth they’ve experienced both personally and creatively throughout the show.

The conversation dives into the challenges of balancing quilting, teaching, travel, and life behind the scenes, while also looking ahead to exciting future adventures. From upcoming cruises and retreats to new collaborations and creative opportunities, this episode is filled with laughter, honesty, gratitude, and hope for what’s next.

Whether you’ve been listening from the beginning or just recently joined the fun, this episode is a heartfelt sendoff to an unforgettable chapter of the podcast.

What’s it like being a quilter in Greenland? In this episode, Ian and Becca sit down with Greenland Quilter Katy Joelsen to talk about her incredible journey from Florida to life in the Arctic. Katy shares what it’s really like quilting in one of the most remote places in the world, from sourcing fabric and sewing supplies from the United States to building a creative community surrounded by snow, ice, and breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, the conversation dives into creativity, adaptation, cultural differences, and the unique challenges and joys of quilting far from the traditional quilting scene. It’s a cozy, fascinating, and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.

On this episode of The Sew Off Kilter Podcast, Ian and Becca are joined by Di Cluff from Sister Chicks Quilts for a conversation that blends creativity, business, and a whole lot of quilting wisdom. Di shares her journey from working as a seamstress to becoming a passionate quilter known for her love of scrappy quilts. She talks about how her style evolved over time and what led her to build a business centered around quilting and community. The conversation dives into the world of quilting retreats, including what it really takes to host them and why they mean so much to the people who attend. From the logistics to the magic of bringing quilters together, Di gives an honest look behind the scenes. They also get into the realities of running a YouTube channel and making it financially sustainable. Di opens up about monetization, multiple income streams, and what it takes to turn a creative passion into a working business. It is a thoughtful, honest, and often funny conversation about what it looks like to build a life around quilting.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Brandy from Quilter on Fire to talk about her journey from firefighting to quilting, and how creativity became a lifeline during her battle with PTSD. Brandy shares how quilting helped her process trauma and rediscover herself, turning pain into purpose through fabric and storytelling. We also dive into what really makes a quilt stand out at shows like QuiltCon, including why originality, strong narratives, and great photography matter just as much as technical skill. Plus, Brandy gives us a behind-the-scenes look at judging. She breaks down how to approach feedback, why understanding the criteria is key, and how patience and persistence can take you further than chasing perfection.

On this episode of The Sew Off Kilter Podcast, Ian and Becca sit down with Steven Bland and his husband Walter for a fun and insightful conversation about quilting, creativity, and community. Steven shares how he went from paper crafting and teaching high school English to becoming a quilting content creator on YouTube. He opens up about building his platform, hosting virtual retreats, and what he’s learned along the way, both behind the sewing machine and behind the camera. The group dives into favorite projects, tips for quilters at any level, and how technology, including AI tools, is starting to play a role in the creative process. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, honest moments, and a reminder of just how important community is in the quilting world. Whether you’re brand new to quilting or have years of experience, this episode is packed with stories, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on finding your creative voice.

The Idiot Quilter Spring Retreat will be held on Saturday April 18, 2026. This is a virtual retreat and it is free but in order to reserve your spot, you will need to register by sending me (The Idiot Quilter) an email message stating your name(first and last) and the email address you wish to be contacted at. Registration opens at 9:00 AM eastern time on Saturday April 4. You can find my email address in the about section of any of my You Tube videos. 

Click on the link below to view a short video that will explain all the details (like prizes, guest speakers, and fun events) of the retreat.

The Idiot Quilter Retreat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWJyKl5gcE8

What brings someone to QuiltCon? In this episode, Ian and Becca take The Sew Off Kilter Podcast on the road and hit the show floor to find out. Armed with microphones and plenty of curiosity, they chat with quilters from all over, asking a simple question: Why did you come to QuiltCon? The answers range from heartfelt to hilarious, with stories about creative inspiration, community, favorite quilts, and the excitement of being surrounded by thousands of people who love quilting just as much as they do. These quick, man-on-the-street style interviews give a fun snapshot of the energy on the show floor and highlight the many different reasons people make the trip to QuiltCon each year. Join Ian and Becca as they share the voices, motivations, and inspiration of the quilting community, straight from the middle of the action. 

Join us as we relive the vibrant experiences of QuiltCon 2026, from favorite moments and quilts to the community connections that made it unforgettable. Discover insights into the event's highlights, challenges, and the inspiring talent on display.