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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.
82 Episodes
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Send us a text 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 h...
Send us a text 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 entrepr...
Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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 replac...
Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori discuss effective holiday planning strategies for small businesses, particularly in the quilting industry. They explore the pros and cons of participating in Black Friday sales, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead to maximize profits while maintaining a balance between business and personal life. The conversation highlights the significance of community engagement, sustainable marketing practices, and the necessity...
Send us a text In this powerful episode of Quilting on the Side, Tori and Andi welcome back their favorite coach for quilters, Dara Tomasson, for a timely conversation about mindset, controversy, and emotional resilience in business. Together, they explore how to navigate emotionally charged situations, set healthy boundaries, and separate self-worth from business outcomes - especially in today’s divided social and economic climate (in the US at least!). Dara shares why reaching a neutr...
Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori discuss the journey of self-publishing, particularly in the quilting community. They share their personal experiences, reflection questions for aspiring authors, and the realities of the publishing process, including financial aspects and marketing strategies. Tori introduces the Self-Publishing Incubator, a program designed to support individuals in their publishing journey with a team of experts. Want to join the Self-Pub...
Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori chat with Jennifer Long of Sew a Story about her journey from a hobbyist quilter to a successful fabric designer and membership founder. Jennifer shares her early experiences with quilting, how she transitioned her passion into a business, and the challenges she faced along the way, including a significant rejection that ultimately led to her growth as a designer. The conversation delves into the importance of crafting conn...
Send us a text Summary In this episode, Andi and Tori celebrate the launch of Season Five, reflecting on their experiences at the H & H event and discussing the importance of recognizing trends in the quilting industry. They explore the concept of 'bed rotting' and its connection to sleep trends, as well as Tori's transition to full-time entrepreneurship. The conversation delves into market research strategies, emphasizing the significance of understanding one's ideal customer and engagin...
Send us a text In this episode, Andi and Tori celebrate the conclusion of Season Four of their podcast, reflecting on the incredible journey they've had with their guests and the insights shared throughout the season. 👉 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Want to Support the Podcast and Unlock Exclusive Perks? Join our Quilting on the Side Patreon community! By becoming a patron, you'll gain access ...
Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori welcome back Dara Tomasson, a life coach for quilters. They discuss the importance of emotional regulation, the shift from weight loss to mindset coaching, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with business pursuits. Dara shares insights on coping strategies, the nature of guilt, and the rewarding aspects of coaching women to improve their lives. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-acceptance, celebra...
Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and quilting. They discuss the basics of AI, its applications in the quilting community, and the limitations of AI-generated content. The conversation highlights the importance of human creativity in conjunction with AI tools, emphasizing the need for effective prompts to maximize AI's potential. They also touch on the role of images in AI and the future of AI in crea...
Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi shares her experiences participating in the Quilted Summit, discussing the benefits of collaboration, presentation styles, and the importance of engaging with an audience. She highlights the lessons learned from the event, including customer service strategies and the significance of follow-up communication. The conversation emphasizes the power of networking and collaboration in the quilting community, encouraging listeners to part...
Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori interview Susan Smith, a quilter with a rich family history in quilting. Susan shares her journey from learning to quilt on a treadle machine in a log cabin to turning her passion into a business during the pandemic. She discusses her marketing strategies, particularly the effectiveness of YouTube, and emphasizes the importance of building trust with her audience before selling her courses. Susan also shares insights ...
Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori discuss the ins and outs of presenting at quilt guilds. They cover the definition and purpose of quilt guilds, how to get started with presentations, the importance of networking, and the differences between trunk shows and technique lectures. The conversation also delves into pricing strategies, the necessity of contracts, and how to sell your work without overshadowing the educational aspect of your presentation. To...
Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori chat with Devan Robinson, a versatile entrepreneur and podcast editor. Devan shares her journey, transitioning from life coaching to marketing strategist, while highlighting the importance of empowering women and supporting their business growth. The discussion covers various topics, including aligning personal values with business goals, the range of services Devan provides, and her experience in organizing a women's...
Send us a text In this exciting episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori bring the energy and excitement of QuiltCon 2025 straight to your earbuds! They hit the ground running with a series of rapid-fire interviews, catching up with quilters, designers, and industry insiders at the renowned quilting convention. From lighthearted questions to quick insights into the creative process, this episode is packed with fun, laughter, and inspiration from the heart of the quilting world. Fe...
Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori discuss their experiences at QuiltCon 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. They share insights on the vibrant quilting community, the artistic expressions seen in the quilts, and the importance of networking and collaboration among quilters. The conversation also highlights the role of vendors and business opportunities within the quilting industry, as well as the significance of inclusivity and connection at events like QuiltCo...
Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Jennifer Parks from Jenny K Quilts shares her transformative journey in the quilting business, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, emotional growth, and the value of community. She discusses her experiences at the Audacious Retreat, the challenges of self-sabotage, and how she learned to embrace her artistic abilities. She highlights her strategies for building a sustainable business, including effective planning, teachin...
Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi sits down with Mindy Lewis, the passionate owner of Cozy Craft Room in Mesa, Arizona. Mindy shares her inspiring journey from crafting as a personal hobby to launching a thriving creative space for fellow makers. Join us as we discuss: The story behind the Cozy Craft Room and how it became a go-to hub for craftersThe power of community in the crafting world and why it’s essential for creativity and supportTips for turning your craft...
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