A Quilting Life Podcast - podcast cover

A Quilting Life Podcast

Sherri McConnell & Chelsi Strattonwww.buzzsprout.com
Discussions on quilting, fabric, inspiration, creativity and more. Hosted by mother and daughter Moda fabric designers Sherri McConnell and Chelsi Stratton, A Quilting Life Podcast with Sherri & Chelsi is a series of light-hearted and informative conversations that provide the listener with quilting industry news, quilting tips, and creative inspiration.
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Episodes

Creating an Ideal Sewing Space

In this episode, Sherri, Chelsi, and Billy respond to some of the great feedback they got from their previous two episodes. Sherri and Chelsi then discuss how to create an ideal sewing setting. They look back at when they first began quilting and how they made do with what was available for them as they started their quilting journeys while simultaneously raising young families. They share ideas for sewers and quilters who may not yet have a designated sewing area to make their space as function...

May 09, 202251 minEp. 55

Finding a Quilt Retreat, Using Precut Fabric, and What is Saving Our Lives Right Now

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss ways to find, or host, a quality quilt retreat, the benefits of using precut fabric when piecing a quilt, and how they distinguish what constitutes Spring and Summer fabric. They, along with Billy, then discuss some things that are currently saving their lives at this time. For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/a-quilting-life-podcast-epis...

Apr 25, 202249 minEp. 54

Our Quilting Lives: Remembering the Past and Planning for the Future

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi look back at the early days of their quilting lives, prior to starting their quilting businesses. They then try to envision what their future quilting lives will hold in-store when they decide to step away from the business side of quilting. For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-53-show-notes/ Emma's Garden (Quilt o...

Apr 11, 202248 minEp. 53

Our Favorite Quilting Things and Swoon Quilt Stories

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share many of their favorite quilting notions in a special "Favorite Things" episode. They also do a deep dive into the Swoon Quilt pattern by Camille Roskelley of Thimble Blossoms, after receiving multiple questions about the quilt when it was mentioned in episode 50. Sherri shares her story of piecing together the first Swoon quilt, and Chelsi shares her story of hiking her Swoon quilt to the top of a mountain! For complete show notes, pictures, and links to ...

Mar 28, 202242 minEp. 52

Our Newest Fabric Line, Emma

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share their brand new fabric line, Emma. Sherr shares who Emma is and why designing this line was so sentimental to both of them. They then give a preview of each of the new quilts they will be debuting with this line. Paper patterns are available now for pre-order in Sherri and Chelsi's Etsy shops. PDF patterns will also be coming to their shops soon. For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilti...

Mar 14, 202239 minEp. 51

Quilts for Gifts and Charity, Substituting Quilt Blocks, and Seam Pressing Advice

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share their thoughts on pressing seams in quilts, substituting quilt blocks in quilts, and give ideas on gifting and donating quilts. They also share an update from a viewer with ideas on cleaning vintage quilts. Finally, they announce when they will be able to share their upcoming new fabric collection and patterns. For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltingl...

Feb 28, 202240 minEp. 50

All About Long-Arm Quilting

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi are joined by their friends, and talented long-arm quilters, Marion Bott and Val Krueger. They each share how they initially were introduced to quilting and how they eventually got into long-arm quilting. They then spend time answering frequently asked questions that people have for long-arm quilters. They explain the difference between custom and edge-to-edge quilting, and when it might be best to use custom instead of edge-to-edge. They also discuss how they ...

Feb 14, 202254 minEp. 49

Favorite Part of the Quilting Process, Backing for Binding, and Labeling Antique Quilts

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share their thoughts on using backing fabric for binding, issues with quilt fabrics fading and bleeding, and ideas for labeling antique quilts. They also discuss their favorite parts of the quilting process. For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/2022/01/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-48-show-notes.html/ Community (Quilt on the Wall): https://tidd...

Jan 31, 202246 minEp. 48

Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi welcome Lisa Bongean from Primitive Gatherings on the podcast. Lisa shares how she first got into quilting and how that led her to eventually open up her own quilt shop. Lisa also talks about her brand new retreat center, The Gathering, in Larsen, Wisconsin. Finally, Lisa gives a preview of some of her upcoming fabric lines and a quilt along she plans on starting this upcoming spring/summer. Thank you Lisa for sharing your quilting life with us today! For compl...

Jan 24, 202246 minEp. 47

Finishing Works in Progress in 2022 and Favorite Sewing Room Hacks

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss how to best go about completing unfinished quilting projects in 2022. They share some of the specific projects they plan on completing this year and also give advice on how to best organize yourself in order to complete UFOs. They also discuss their favorite sewing room hacks and tips that help them be more efficient and productive in the sewing room. For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A...

Jan 10, 202243 minEp. 46

Year End Review and 2022 Goals

In this episode, Sherri, Chelsi, and Billy recap their accomplishments from 2021 and discuss the new goals they have set for 2022. These goals include quilting goals, business goals, and personal goals. Thank you to everyone who has listened to and watched the podcast this year! We appreciate your support and look forward to another year of creating fun and informative A Quilting Life Podcast episodes! For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, vi...

Dec 27, 202148 minEp. 45

Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi welcome their good friend and fellow Moda fabric designer Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts. Corey shares how she first got into quilting and how she gradually moved into designing patterns, writing books, and designing fabric. She also gives some insight into her process for designing fabric and speaks about her most recent collection, "Cozy Up" and her upcoming collection, "Beautiful Day." Corey's Beautiful Day fabric was chosen for next year's Fat Quarter Shop...

Dec 13, 202141 minEp. 44

Listener Questions, Favorite Quilt Patterns, and Funny Stories

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi answer listener questions, share their favorite quilt patterns they have personally designed, and rank their top 3 fabric collections. They also share some funny personal stories about one another and mention a few famous people they have met or run into. For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/2021/11/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-43-show-notes.h...

Nov 29, 202148 minEp. 43

Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Company

In today's episode Sherri welcomes Jenny Doan, founder of the Missouri Star Quilt Company to the podcast! Jenny's new memoir, How to Stitch an American Dream is available now. Jenny's positivity will inspire you, and she also offers helpful ideas for quilters. Her complete bio can be found below. Thank you Jenny for sharing your quilting life with us today! Show Notes Blog Post: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/2021/11/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-42-show-notes.html/ Jenny's Book: How to Stitch ...

Nov 22, 202151 minEp. 42

Kimberly Jolly of Fat Quarter Shop

In this episode Sherri and Chelsi welcome Kimberly Jolly, founder of Fat Quarter Shop. Kimberly shares what she did prior to starting Fat Quarter Shop and what drew her to quilting and eventually to opening an online quilt shop. Kimberly then shares some of her favorite quilts she has completed over the years and some of her favorite notions that she has stared using recently. She provides a preview of what is up and coming from Fat Quarter Shop in the near future, including the Heartfelt charit...

Nov 08, 202134 minEp. 41

Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories Exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston

In this episode Sherri has the pleasure to speak with Jeniffer Swope, curator of the "Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories" exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Jennifer shares information about the exhibition (which is currently up and running now) as well as a publication that can be purchased from the MFA's website. She then shares 8 different quilts that are being featured in the exhibition and speaks on the cultural and historical significance of each quilt. More information...

Oct 25, 202150 minEp. 40

Pat Sloan "The Voice of Quilting"

Quilter extraordinaire Pat Sloan joins Sherri and Chelsi on today's episode to share her quilting journey. Pat discusses how she was first introduced to quilting through a friend, the early days of internet radio and podcasting, and she also shares her experience of breaking both of her wrists during the pandemic while continuing to produce quilting content on her YouTube channel. Pat also talks about her great Facebook community and shares her story of taking inventory of her quilts. Thank you ...

Oct 11, 202146 minEp. 39

Cutting Fabrics and Beginner Quilt Blocks

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share tips for accurate fabric cutting and also discuss beginner friendly and intermediate quilt block styles. They also share a beautiful quilt a listener of the podcast made that was inspired by Sherri's Labor of Love quilt book and pieced with Sherri and Chelsi's Balboa fabric collection. To see pictures of this quilt, click on the link below to visit the show notes blog post. For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and...

Sep 27, 202151 minEp. 38

Moda Fabric Designer Stacy Iest Hsu

Moda Designer Stacy Iest Hsu joins Sherri and Chelsi to share her design and quilting journey. You'll love hearing Stacy's ideas and insights on fabric design and quilting. Thank you Stacy for sharing your Quilting Life with us today! For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/2021/09/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-37-show-notes.html/ Where to Find Stacy: Stacy's Website: stacyiesthsu....

Sep 13, 202145 minEp. 37

Fabric Grain, Donating Fabrics, and Our Education Background

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi take listener questions and discuss taking into consideration the grain of fabric prior to cutting, share a great idea from a listener of where to donate fabric, and share their educational backgrounds prior to starting quilting businesses. Other topics discussed include hand sewing wool projects, thread for piecing, and choosing colors and fabrics for a quilt. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCklPG6iAr9Lzmt7hGnveJgA For complete show notes, pictures, ...

Aug 30, 202136 minEp. 36

Kristin Esser of Simple. Handmade. Everyday.

In this episode, Sherri is joined by Kristin Esser of Simple. Handmade. Everyday. Kristin is a quilter, knitter, podcaster, and cozy home creator. She joins the podcast today to discuss her journey into the world of quilting and shares her experience of sewing clothes before moving onto small projects and eventually quilts. Kristin is a very talented hand-piecer and has some excellent videos on her youtube channel where she demonstrates how to hand piece different blocks. Kristin also hosts her ...

Aug 23, 202141 minEp. 35

Brick-and-Mortar Quilt Stores and our Dream Quilt Shop

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss the importance of brick-and-mortar quilt shops. They then have some fun as they imagine opening up their very own quilt shop in their small town and discuss the things that would make their shop unique and special. For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/2021/08/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-34-show-notes.html/ Visit the A Quilting Life Yo...

Aug 09, 202145 minEp. 34

Selecting the Right Fabric for Quilts and Projects

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share their new fabric collection, Seashore Drive, which ships in January 2022. They also discuss fabric selection for quilts and projects. For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/2021/07/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-32-show-notes.html/ Visit the A Quilting Life YouTube channel for more great video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmSR-j...

Jul 26, 202147 minEp. 33

How we Began Designing Fabric and Looking Back at our First Fabric Line, "Bright Sun"

In this episode, Sherri & Chelsi discuss their fabric design journey from the early beginnings until the present. They also take a close look at their first-ever fabric line, "Bright Sun" and discuss the styles, colors, trends, and other influences that helped shape that first line. Sherri also displays and discusses her "Bright Sun" quilts. For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.co...

Jul 12, 202153 minEp. 32

2021 Goals Update and Small Quilting Projects

In this episode Sherri and Chelsi give an update of their 2021 goals and have an in depth discussion on small quilting projects. For complete show notes, and pictures and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/2021/06/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-31-show-notes.html/ Visit the A Quilting Life YouTube channel for more great video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmSR-jDR956ATQe30JHX87w Enjoy what you heard? Be ...

Jun 28, 202143 minEp. 31

Choosing Thread Colors, Fabric Preparation, and Beginner Quilt Project Ideas

In this episode Sherri and Chelsi discuss coordinating the correct thread colors with their quilts, give tips for preparing fabric prior to sewing, and share some ideas for the best beginner quilt projects. The winners of the one year anniversary giveaway are also announced in this episode! Other topics discussed include: mixing pre-washed fabrics with unwashed fabrics, using old thread, quilt borders, half-square triangles, flying geese, basting for machine quilting, and international travel de...

Jun 14, 202153 minEp. 30

One Year Anniversary Special! Looking Back and Looking Forward, and the Future of Quilting

This episode marks our 1-year anniversary since we began the podcast on June 1st 2020! We so appreciate all of the wonderful support from our listeners over the past year. In this episode Sherri, Chelsi, and Billy reminisce on the idea of starting a podcast and how it developed into what it is today. The group also share some of their ideas for the future of the podcast, including new guests, topics, and listener call-in questions. To wrap up this special episode the group discusses the future o...

May 31, 202144 minEp. 29

Our Quilting Journeys, Opening Pre-Cuts, and Finding Balance in Scrap Quilts

In this episode Sherri and Chelsi discuss their personal quilting journeys as was also discussed in the recent American Patchwork & Quilting Podcast. They also discuss the fear/superstition of opening pre-cut fabric bundles, and give tips on finding a good balance in scrap quilts. Other topics discussed include: new fabric arriving, directional fabric, background for scrap quilts, mixing cream, white and beige backgrounds, having “sparkle” in a quilt, battings with light backgrounds, and Mod...

May 17, 202139 minEp. 28

Quilt as You Go Method, Working with Family, and Choosing Fabrics for Scrap Quilts

In this episode Sherri and Chelsi discuss the quilt as you go method, the special dynamic of working with family, and choosing the right fabrics for scrap quilts. Other topics discussed include: A recap of the first live stream, diagonal seam tape with large blocks, pillow sham definition, pinked edges on pre-cuts, Chelsi working as a full-time mother, guidelines for combining different sizes of prints in a quilt, fabric requirements when making a quilt larger than the pattern, quarter inch seam...

May 03, 202151 minEp. 27

Getting Started in Pattern & Fabric Design, Storing Quilts, and Las Vegas Quilt Shops

In this episode Sherri and Chelsi discuss how to get started in the quilt pattern and fabric design industries, share some ideas for storing quilts, and shout-out a few of their favorite quilt shops in the Las Vegas area. Other topics discussed include: binding strip width, project cutting tools, hopes for a future Christmas fabric collection, pillowcases and shams, and their favorite clothing shops. For complete show notes, and pictures and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, v...

Apr 19, 202143 minEp. 26
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