Quilting on the Side - podcast cover

Quilting on the Side

Andi Stanfield and Tori McElwainpatreon.com

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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Episodes

Season 4 Recap

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 to behin...

Apr 29, 202527 minSeason 4Ep. 15

Get a Mindset Boost with a Life Coach

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, celebratin...

Apr 22, 202528 minSeason 4Ep. 14

Work Smarter With AI Tools

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 creativ...

Apr 15, 202537 minSeason 4Ep. 13

My Summit Story

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 partici...

Apr 08, 202527 minSeason 4Ep. 12

Stitching Success

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 fro...

Apr 01, 202536 minSeason 4Ep. 11

Step on Stage: Tips for Speaking to Quilt Guilds

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. Tori share...

Mar 25, 202530 minSeason 4Ep. 10

Empowering Women in Business

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 s...

Mar 18, 202540 minSeason 4Ep. 9

Rapid Fire Interviews from QuiltCon 2025

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. Feat...

Mar 11, 202524 minSeason 4Ep. 8

QuiltCon 2025 Recap

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 QuiltCon. ...

Mar 04, 202521 minSeason 4Ep. 7

From Self Doubt to Self Mastery

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, teaching, and c...

Feb 25, 202543 minSeason 4Ep. 6

Launch it Again!

Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side , Andi and Tori dive deep into the world of relaunching older products and services in the quilting business. They discuss why revisiting and reintroducing products can be a game-changer, offering valuable strategies on how to prepare for a successful relaunch. Andi and Tori emphasize that it’s not just about giving a product a fresh coat of paint but understanding how to connect with your audience in a meaningful way. Whether you’re prepari...

Feb 18, 202527 min

Creating Space for a Crafting Community

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 crafters The power of community in the crafting world and why it’s essential for creativity and support Tips for turning your craft ...

Feb 11, 202529 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Keep on Learning!

Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side , Andi and Tori dive into the essential role of professional development for creatives looking to turn their hobbies into successful businesses. They discuss the importance of continuous learning, identifying personal strengths and weaknesses, and making intentional choices about growth. Andi shares insights on prioritizing self-development—filling your own cup before pouring into others—and how to strategically find professional development...

Feb 04, 202518 minSeason 4Ep. 3

The Winding Road of a Quilt Teacher

Send us a text In this episode, Andi and Tori chat with Kaye from Oh Kaye Quilting about her incredible journey from a casual quilter to a thriving entrepreneur in the quilting industry. Kaye shares how her passion for quilting blossomed into a successful business, offering insights into accidental entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and her multifaceted roles in the quilting world. From teaching and launching her Pro Stitcher course to diving into product creation, Kaye’s story is fu...

Jan 28, 202549 minSeason 4Ep. 2

Planning for Growth

Send us a text Welcome back to Quilting on the Side ! Season 4 is here, and Andi and Tori are kicking off the new year with an inspiring conversation about reflection, planning, and the power of community in the quilting world. This episode is packed with practical insights for quilters, makers, and small business owners alike! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Reflections and Goals for the New Year – Andi and Tori share their personal challenges and wins, setting the stage for 2025. The Power ...

Jan 21, 202527 min

Season 3 Celebration

Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side , Andi and Tori celebrate the conclusion of Season Three by reflecting on their journey, sharing key takeaways, and highlighting the incredible guests who made this season memorable. They discuss the importance of community in the quilting industry and reflect on how creative entrepreneurs can benefit from taking time to celebrate progress, learn from challenges, and plan for the future. What You’ll Learn: Why reflection is crucial for perso...

Dec 17, 202430 minSeason 3Ep. 18

Year End Planning

Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori share their ultimate guide to wrapping up the year successfully and preparing for a thriving new year in your creative business. What You’ll Learn: The importance of year-end maintenance: from inventory counts to financial organization and using bookkeeping tools. How to conduct a systems check to ensure your automations are running smoothly and efficiently. Tips for evaluating your marketing ROI with a simple metrics meeting ...

Dec 10, 202415 minSeason 3Ep. 17

Leaving a Legacy: our chat with Loose Ends Project

Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of Quilting on the Side , Andi and Tori chat with Jen Simonic and Masey Kaplan, co-founders of Loose Ends, a nonprofit dedicated to finishing crafting projects for grieving families. Together, they explore how crafting can be a powerful tool for healing and community-building. Topics Covered: The origins of Loose Ends and its rapid growth to a global network of 28,000+ volunteers in 70 countries. How technology connects unfinished projects with willing cr...

Dec 03, 20241 hr 7 minSeason 3Ep. 16

Behind the Scenes of Self-Publishing

Send us a text In this episode, Andi and Tori share their journey through the world of self-publishing, focusing on the unique aspects of the quilting industry. They discuss what inspired them to write books, how they approached decisions like book length, and why they chose self-publishing over traditional publishing. This candid conversation uncovers the benefits of print-on-demand services, must-know marketing strategies for self-published authors, and the lessons Tori learned while managing ...

Nov 26, 202436 minSeason 3Ep. 15

Running a Retreat Center

Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side , Andi and Tori welcome Tabatha Smith, the Quilt Retreat Queen, to the show! Tabatha shares her story of starting as a novice quilter and growing into the owner of Camellia Palms Retreat Center, a hub for quilting retreats, and a thriving online quilting community. She talks about the joy of quilting as a creative outlet, the power of building friendships in the quilting world, and the challenges and rewards of running a quilting business. T...

Nov 19, 202444 min

The Nitty-Gritty of Quilt Alongs

Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side , Tori and Andi dive deep into the world of quilt alongs, covering everything you need to know to host a successful and engaging event. They discuss the purpose of quilt alongs, selecting the perfect patterns, engaging sponsors, and creating a memorable experience for participants. Tori and Andi emphasize the power of community and share marketing strategies that boost engagement and profitability. They also provide practical tips for managi...

Nov 12, 202426 minSeason 3Ep. 13

Back in School

Send us a text Join Tori and Andi in this heartwarming episode as they chat with Annette Wagner, an educator determined to make quilting accessible to students of all ages. Annette shares her journey from learning to sew as a child to teaching quilting in schools, discussing the triumphs and obstacles she's encountered. Tune in to explore how quilting in the classroom fosters teamwork, empathy, and hands-on learning across disciplines. Annette also shares her vision for the future of quilting in...

Nov 05, 202441 minSeason 3Ep. 12

Finding New Friends - Report from the 2024 Quilterpreneur Retreat

Send us a text Andi recently attended the Quilterpreneur Retreat hosted by Elizabeth Chappell of Quilter's Candy. It was a jam-packed weekend of business topics and new friendships in the glorious aspens of Sundance, Utah. Join us for a recap of the event and meet some of the fabulous quilting business owners who were in attendance. Event details here: https://learn.quilterscandy.com/sales-page-0a18f0b8-96e2-453a-baea-bcbb6cae3d91 This episode is sponsored by Wix! Start creating your website tod...

Oct 29, 202412 minSeason 3Ep. 11

Pursuing Your Passion

Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side , co-hosts Andi & Tori chat with Kate Hay, also known as Quilting with Miss Kate , about her journey from a 12-year-old learning to quilt with her mom to building a successful quilting business. Kate shares how she turned her passion for quilting into a thriving brand, consistently selling out quilt kits and finished quilts. Her story emphasizes the importance of being authentic on social media, collaborating with other quilters and desi...

Oct 22, 202441 minSeason 3Ep. 10

Quilting by the Numbers

Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori discuss the latest trends in the quilting industry, insights from the H & H Americas event, and the importance of engaging younger crafters. They explore the significance of community, the role of classes in attracting new quilters, and the impact of digital marketing and video content. The conversation also highlights consumer purchasing trends, emphasizing the preference for local shops over online retailers. Inside this...

Oct 15, 202442 minSeason 3Ep. 9

Success with Subscriptions

Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori talk to Kim Moos, the owner and founder of Cotton Cuts. Kim shares her journey of starting a quilting business and the growth it has experienced over the years. She discusses her transition from a corporate career to pursuing her passion for quilting and creating a subscription-based business, along with the challenges and successes of running Cotton Cuts. Kim highlights the expansion of their team, strategic planning fo...

Oct 08, 202454 minSeason 3Ep. 8

3 Tips to Create Your Best Workshop

Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori discuss the essential elements of conducting successful workshops in the crafting and quilting community. They explore the definition of workshops, the importance of pricing strategies, how to establish oneself as an expert, the significance of meeting students where they are, and the necessity of gathering feedback. Tori shares insights from her book, Workshops Unleashed, emphasizing the value of preparation and reflection in...

Oct 01, 202435 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Start Your YouTube Channel: Our Chat with The Guy Who Sews

Send us a text Sean, also known as The Guy Who Sews, shares his journey into quilting and how it transitioned into a business. He started quilting after being inspired by a quilter at a state fair and received a sewing machine as a Christmas gift. Sean is mostly self-taught and has learned through YouTube tutorials. He has built a strong presence in the quilting community on YouTube and collaborates with businesses like Cotton Cuts and Art East Quilting Co. Sean enjoys doing live streams with gu...

Sep 24, 202442 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Growing your Business with Instagram

Send us a text In this episode, Andi and Tori discuss strategies for gaining traction on Instagram. They emphasize the importance of consistency in posting, but also note that consistency doesn't necessarily mean posting every day. They also discuss the various features of Instagram, such as posts, carousels, reels, and stories, and how to effectively use them to showcase your work and engage with your audience. They highlight the three motivations for Instagram posts: attracting new people, nur...

Sep 17, 202426 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Talking to Quilters

Send us a text In this episode, Andi and Tori turn the tables and interview fellow quilting podcaster, Paula Chamberlain, hostess of A Quilter's Life. We learn how Paula got started and what motivates her to gather the stories of everyday quilters. Key takeways from this episode are the curiosity and genuine interest in her subjects that Paula brings to her podcast. The desire for connection is a basic human need and we can all fill that need within our own audiences. Another highlight is the fa...

Sep 10, 202444 minSeason 3Ep. 4
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