Quilting on the Side

Hosted by Andi Stanfield and Tori McElwain

Business Entrepreneurship Leisure Hobbies

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Episodes

111

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Co-hosts Tori McElwain of HeyTori and Andi Stanfield of True Blue Quilts share real talk about what it takes to grow a successful quilting business while balancing full-time work, family life, and creative energy. Whether you're into quilt pattern design , longarm quilting , teaching workshops , or selling handmade products , you'll find practical tips and honest conversations here. We cover everything from digital marketing and course creation to time management and the mindset shifts needed to build a sustainable, fulfilling side hustle. This show is your go-to guide for running a profitable quilting business on the side - with encouragement, strategy, and plenty of real-life stories from the stitching trenches.

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June 2, 2026Episode 2126 min

Season 6 Recap - Our Longest Season yet!

Send us Fan Mail Six seasons. Over a hundred episodes. Three years of real talk about building a quilting business on the side — and Tori and Andi are not done yet. In this Season 6 finale, the co-hosts take a walk down memory lane through what turned out to be their longest season yet — 21 episodes packed with guests, trade show adventures, solo experiments, and more than a few lessons learned the hard way. They recap the full guest lineup from Season 6: a cross-promotion episode with Brandy Maslowski of Quilter on Fire, mindset and weight loss coaching with Dara Tomasson , a masterclass on summits and email marketing from Jamie Bright , a return visit with Theresa Benson (The AI Quilter) on navigating AI ethically in 2026, self-publishing powerhouse Kathryn LeBlanc , Monika and her Canadian subscription box business Quilt the North, mosaic appliqué artist Cindy of Patterns on the Prairie, and pattern designer Brooke Stambersky of Brooke's Bitchin' Stitches. They also revisit their h+h Americas thread — from booth planning and brochures to the show floor rapid fire episode to the full panel debrief — and reflect on the solo episode format they experimented with this season. Andi shares a sneak peek at her upcoming book, Quilting on Video , and the hosts close out with honest thoughts on a "Top 40 Quilting Podcasts" nod — and why they're taking it with a grain of salt. Need some more help starting a YouTube channel? Grab Andi's No-Fear Filming Checklist here. Season 7 is coming in August or September. Until then, there are over 100 episodes waiting for you. Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Three Years of Quilting on the Side 03:04 Highlights from Season Six Guests 06:31 Exploring AI in Quilting with Teresa 08:01 Kathryn LeBlanc: The Multi-Passionate Quilter 09:47 Navigating the Canadian Quilting Business with Monica 10:58 Building a Business Without Social Media: Joyce's Story 12:33 Andi's Journey into YouTube and Book Writing 13:19 Brooke's Bitchin' Stitches: Balancing Business and Life 14:49 H and H Rapid Fire: Insights from the Trade Show 17:37 Diverse Perspectives from the H and H Panel Discussion 20:01 Recapping Season Six and Looking Ahead to Season Seven 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.

May 26, 2026Episode 201 hr 9 min

Was it Worth it? What 5 Quilting Professionals Learned at h+h Americas

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a tech editor, a marketing coach, and three quilt pattern designers and teachers walk into the h+h americas Trade show? These are five quilting business owners with wildly different game plans — and a lot of honest hindsight. In this special panel episode, Tori and Andi sit down with three of the friends they spent the week with at h+h Americas in Chicago — Kaitlyn Fritsch of Fritsch in Stitches, Laureen Smith of Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts, and Brooke Stambersky of Brooke's Bitchin' Stitches — to recap what the show was actually like, mistakes and all. The prep stories alone run the full spectrum: Tori planned a full year out for a $2,500 booth, while Kaitlyn decided to go just two weeks before and scrambled through business-card drama to make it happen. From there, the group digs into what they did on the floor, how they're handling follow-up now that they're home (spoiler: a marketing coach admits she forgot to collect contact info), and the moments that made it all worth it - from Laureen getting stopped by a quilting-world celebrity to Brooke's big fangirl moment. They don't sugarcoat the hard parts either: the overwhelm, the exhaustion, an unkind vendor, and the honest question every side-hustler eventually has to ask — is this a business investment, or just a really expensive hobby? If you've ever wondered whether a show like h+h is worth your time and money, this conversation will help you decide. Guests: Kaitlyn from Fritsch in Stitches Laureen from Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts Brooke from Brooke's Bitchin' Stitches Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Panelist Introductions 02:31 Preparation for H & H: Different Approaches 09:16 Experiences at H & H: Strategies and Insights 28:50 The Importance of Follow-Up and Networking 32:40 Navigating Post-Event Overwhelm 41:17 Strategies for Effective Follow-Up 44:39 Lessons Learned from Mistakes 45:40 Highs and Lows of the Experience 01:01:21 Reflections on Value and Future Plans 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.

May 19, 2026Episode 1933 min

h+h 2026 - Conversations from the Show Floor

Send us Fan Mail h+h Americas is a huge fabric and fiber arts industry trade show. Andi and Tori spent the week in Chicago and met a bunch of amazing people! In this episode, Andi walks the show floor and asks a variety of attendees about their experience. Meet longarm quilters, pattern writers, tech editors and fabric desigers. We hope you enjoy this peek behind the scenes. Did you hear that the Self-Publishing Incubator is open? Click here for more information. Guests: Barbie from The Quilting Mill Ann from The Crafty Moose Kaitlyn from Fritsch in Stitches Tori from Self-Publishing Incubator Christa from Christa Quilts Sammy from Sonder Quilt Studio Laura from Slice of Pi Terri from Lizard Creek Quilting Beverly from Flamingo Toes Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 01:03 Barbie 06:26 Ann 14:38 Kaitlyn 18:47 Tori 20:31 Christa 23:58 Sammy 26:01 Laura 28:47 Terri 30:44 Beverly 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.

May 12, 2026Episode 181 hr 4 min

Pixel by Pixel - How an Engineer Grew Her Quilting Business with Brooke Stambersky

Send us Fan Mail What if the best marketing strategy for your pattern business had nothing to do with Instagram? Brooke Stambersky of Brooke's Bitchin' Stitches started her entire quilting business the old-fashioned way - walking into quilt shops, showing up in person, and letting her passion do the talking. Just relationships, discipline, and a really good pixelated Michigan quilt. In this episode, Tori sits down with Brooke Stambersky of Brooke's Bitichin' Stitches to hear how a doodle on grid paper became a five-year, 50-state pattern series — and what it actually takes to see a project that big all the way through. They talk about how Brooke pitched quilt shops on her very first pattern with zero sales experience, why her Jeep-themed pattern Duck Duck Beep became her bestseller, and how she kept her business running smoothly through a cross-country move from North Carolina to Michigan. Brooke is a mechanical engineer and project manager by trade, and it shows. She breaks down how she plans her months, balances a full-time career with a side business, and built systems that let her show up for customers even when life got chaotic. If you've ever wondered whether you need to master social media before you can grow a real pattern business, Brooke's answer might surprise you. Don't miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: Discovering Quilting 10:06 From Hobby to Business: The Transition 18:10 Building a Brand: The Michigan Quilt and Beyond 27:53 Marketing Strategies: Grassroots and Personal Connections 34:58 The Power of Visibility in Pattern Design 40:02 Navigating the Quilt Shop Landscape 41:04 Balancing a Full-Time Job and a Side Business 45:32 Managing a Business During a Major Move 52:44 Engaging Customers Through Open Communication 55:55 Exciting Future Plans and Events Connect with Brooke: Brooke's Bitchin' Stitches Website Brooke on Instagram Brooke on Facebook 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.

May 5, 2026Episode 1719 min

Why YouTube Is My #1 Platform for Quilting Business Growth

Send us Fan Mail Andi flies solo this episode to share why YouTube has been her go-to social media platform for the past two years — and why she thinks it should be on every quilting business owner's radar. From the nuts and bolts of monetization requirements to the surprising longevity of a single well-timed video, she breaks down what's actually working for her channel. She also gets real about viral content, keyword strategy, and why chasing trends is a trap. Don't miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters: 00:00 – Our new podcast format 01:15 – YouTube as a primary social media strategy 02:30 – The case for live streaming (and why authenticity wins) 04:45 – Building community through live chat 05:42 – YouTube monetization explained 07:45 – Content ideas: quilt-alongs and "Stitch Story" videos 08:04 – Why 8+ minute videos matter for ad revenue 12:39 – Viral videos: luck, trends, and Andi's first viral moment 15:18 – Andi's biggest earner: the strip set video 19:10 – Resources: Join the fun in our Discord community Need some more help starting a YouTube channel? Grab the No-Fear Filming Checklist 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.

April 28, 2026Episode 1623 min

Beyond Distributors & Social Media: How One Quilt Pattern Designer Built a Successful Business

Send us Fan Mail What do you do when distributors keep saying no and social media isn't getting your patterns in front of the right people? In this solo episode, Tori shares the story of Joyce - a pattern designer and client who built a growing pattern business by going straight to quilt shops with smart research, personalized outreach, and a willingness to put the actual product in people's hands. Tori walks through Joyce's step-by-step approach: how she researched shops by studying what they featured (not just what they sold), wrote short introductory emails that led with value instead of credentials, sent full pattern sample packs rather than just cover photos, and built real relationships with shop owners at trade shows and in person. Tori also breaks down the three tiers of pricing — retail, wholesale, and distributor - and why understanding the math matters before you pitch. This episode is especially for newer pattern designers in their first couple of years who are hearing "not yet" from distributors or struggling to gain traction on social media. If that's you, this is a reminder that there's a proven path forward — and it starts with doing the homework most people skip. This is the first of our new solo episodes! If you like this format, click the Fan Mail button below and let us know. Companion Blog post — Tori's written companion post with Joyce's email templates and outreach tips. Connect with Joyce at JMinnis Designs: https://www.jminnisdesigns.com/ Don't miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Solo Episodes 02:00 Marketing Strategies for Pattern Designers 03:57 Joyce's Journey: Overcoming Challenges 06:16 Research: The Key to Success 10:35 Crafting Effective Outreach Emails 16:40 Building Relationships and Personalization 19:55 Understanding Pricing Strategies 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.

April 21, 2026Episode 1533 min

Mosaic Applique and the Pivot That Travels with You with Cindy Bader

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the business you love physically can't come with you? In this episode, Andi sits down with Cindy Bader of Patterns on the Prairie to talk about building - and rebuilding - a quilting business around the realities of your life. Cindy started quilting as a first-generation quilter on a $60 Walmart Singer that she had to spin the flywheel to start. Nearly two decades ago, worsening carpal tunnel pushed her out of a desk job and into a computerized longarm business she ran from home while raising three kids. Then COVID opened the door to snowbirding - and she hit a new wall: you can't exactly pack up a twelve-foot longarm frame and take it to Texas. So she pivoted again. Inspired by a 2:00 a.m. idea, Cindy started designing what she calls mosaic applique - fusible applique patterns with small gaps between the pieces, pre-reversed templates, color-sorted layouts, and a numbered reference page so customers can build each design from the center out like a puzzle. She recently added SVG files for cutting machines and uses a hotfix adhesive that stays permanent through washing, so there's no stitching around every little piece. If you've ever felt boxed in by the physical or seasonal limits of your current quilting business, this conversation is a reminder that the constraint often points directly at your next move. Don't miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Cindy’s Background 02:20 Cindy’s First Quilt and Early Sewing Memories 03:17 Transition from Hobbyist to Business Owner 05:47 Starting a Business During Carpal Tunnel Challenges 08:35 Discovering Quilt Pattern Design and Expanding Horizons 10:32 Introduction to Mosaic Applique Patterns 12:54 Design Process and Customer Pain Points 14:31 Innovative Application Techniques and Tools 15:30 Teaching and Sharing Patterns in Person and Online 16:42 Marketing Strategies and Word of Mouth 17:35 Family Support and Tech Skills in Business 21:41 Upcoming Events and New Pattern Releases 22:16 Where to Find Cindy and Her Patterns 23:03 Rapid Fire: Favorite Quilt Colors and Pattern Ideas 33:01 Closing Remarks and Thanks Connect with Cindy: Website: https://patternsontheprairie.com Instagram: @patternsontheprairie Facebook: @patternsontheprairie YouTube: @patternsontheprairie 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.

April 14, 2026Episode 1431 min

Media Kits, Elevator Pitches, and Cold Outreach for Quilters

Send us Fan Mail What actually goes into a media kit — and do you even need one? In this episode, Tori and Andi break down the nuts and bolts of building a media kit for your quilting business, from headshots and bios to class sample photos and social media handles. They walk through how your kit should look different depending on whether you're pitching a podcast, approaching a guild, or reaching out to a quilt shop — and why "make it about them, not you" is the thread that ties it all together. Tori and Andi also share two frameworks for introducing yourself and your business: Andi's elevator pitch formula (I help ___ do ___ so that ___) and Tori's three W's for cold outreach (why them, why you, why now). They talk tools for keeping everything organized — Google Drive, Trello, Notion — and get real about the cold emails that end up in the trash because the sender clearly didn't do their homework. Whether you're prepping for H&H Americas, reaching out to guilds for 2027, or just tired of scrambling to pull together your info every time an opportunity comes up, this episode gives you a game plan to get it done once and keep it ready. Don't miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Media Kits 04:09 Essentials of a Media Kit 07:01 Tailoring Media Kits for Different Audiences 10:06 Crafting Effective Pitches 13:01 Tools for Organizing Media Kits 15:53 Elevator Pitch Frameworks 18:48 Personalizing Outreach 21:47 Understanding Your Audience 24:47 Conclusion and Call to Action 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.

April 7, 2026Episode 1337 min

From Accidental Pattern Designer to Subscription Box Creator with Monika Henry

Send us Fan Mail What does it look like to build a quilting business almost by accident? In this episode, Tori and Andi sit down with Monika Henry of Penny Spool Quilts to talk about her journey from a six-year first quilt (cut with cardboard templates and scissors) to running a pattern design business, teaching an improv quilting workshop, and launching a Canadian quilt subscription box that took off faster than she expected. Monika shares the behind-the-scenes reality of creating Quilt the North — a quarterly subscription box featuring a Canadian pattern designer, curated fabric, and locally sourced handmade items tied to each designer's region. She talks about the logistics she had to figure out on the fly (like the fact that you have to order print fabric six to eight months in advance), how Canada's political climate unexpectedly did her marketing for her, and why the connections she made at H&H Americas gave her the confidence to actually launch. Tori and Andi also dig into what Monika calls "accidental" business moves — and reframe them as something more intentional: listening to your audience, following curiosity, and being willing to figure things out as you go. Monika also shares how working with a coach through Tori's DMMC program helped her step back from the middle of her business and see the bigger picture. Whether you've been thinking about launching a product-based offering, adding a subscription model, or just need a reminder that you don't have to have it all figured out before you start, this conversation delivers. Don't miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Connect with Monika Website: https://pennyspoolquilts.com See more about Quilt the North Instagram: @pennyspoolquilts Facebook: @pennyspoolquilts YouTube: @pennyspoolquilts Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest introduction 02:00 Monica's first quilt and quilting journey 05:25 Turning hobby into business 09:13 Starting the Canadian quilt subscription box 12:37 Marketing and launching the subscription box 17:09 Listening to the audience and business insights 22:54 Favorite parts of the quilting and business experience 27:57 Where to find Monica online 28:45 Recent quilt project and color choices 29:16 Tools and notions Monica loves 31:04 Inspiring figures outside quilting 31:52 Challenges of running a business 32:57 Number of quilts in Monica’s sewing room 34:44 Exploring the Journey of Quilt the North 36:45 The Fearless Entrepreneurial Spirit 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.

March 31, 2026Episode 1225 min

Pattern Designers + Quilt Shops: How to Build Partnerships That Work for Everyone

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Tori and Andi dig into a topic they've been hearing about from both sides - the relationship between pattern designers and quilt shops. Are they competitors? Partners? Somewhere in between? They break down the real economics of pattern design (spoiler: a $12 retail pattern doesn't go far at wholesale or distributor pricing), why most designers can't rely on direct-to-consumer sales alone, and what it actually takes to get your patterns into shops and distributors. Tori shares what she's seen at H&H over the past few years - including designers who got turned down multiple times before landing distributor deals - and Andi talks about the importance of having proof of concept before you pitch. From there, they get into practical strategies for working directly with local quilt shops: matching your patterns to a shop's vibe, offering kits and trunk shows, hosting demo days, and showing up as a true partner (not just someone looking for shelf space). Andi shares her approach to trunk show contracts, and Tori makes the case for why every shop visit should include a reel, a tag, and a social media shoutout - because boosting a shop's digital presence is one of the most valuable things a designer can do. They also talk about the role of email marketing, why teaching locally builds authority even for your online audience, and what Joann's closing means for the industry's reliance on independent quilt shops. Whether you're a pattern designer trying to grow your reach or a shop owner wondering how to make these partnerships work, this conversation is packed with ideas you can act on. Don't miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Bridging the Gap: Quilt Shops and Pattern Designers 04:06 Understanding Business Models: Sales Strategies for Designers 06:46 Building Relationships: Strategies for Working with Quilt Shops 09:42 Creating Value: How Designers Can Support Shops 12:40 Marketing Together: Boosting Visibility for Quilt Shops 15:29 The Importance of Community: Engaging with Local Shops 18:32 Partnerships for Success: Elevating the Quilting Industry 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.