Quilting Central Podcast

Angie, Cathy, and Julie

Hosted by three passionate quilters and business owners — Cathy Thayer of Fabric Bash (Omaha, NE), Julie Mercer of Two Chicks Quilting (Ganado, TX), and Angie Dugan of The Quilting Connection (Elkhorn & Appleton, WI) — this podcast is your new go-to quilting companion. We’re three friends, professional longarm quilters, and dedicated fabric lovers who believe quilting should be fun, inclusive, and inspiring for everyone, whether you're a seasoned stitcher or just threading your first needle. Our goal? To bring you lively, informative episodes filled with real talk, helpful tips, heartfelt sto

  1. 18 APR

    Starting From Scratch: If We Had To Restart Our Quilting Journey's

    What would you do differently if you could start your quilting journey over? In this heartfelt and practical quilting discussion, experienced quilters share lessons learned from years of working with fabric, building a stash, and growing in creativity. From quilting organization tips to longarm quilting insights, this conversation is full of real-life advice every quilter can relate to.We dive into topics like managing a fabric stash, choosing between kits vs. yardage, working with pre-cuts like fat quarters and layer cakes, and why having a plan for your fabric matters. You’ll also hear honest reflections on quilting mistakes, cutting challenges, ruler use, and how better organization can transform your sewing space and workflow.Whether you’re a beginner quilter or have been sewing for years, this discussion will inspire you to rethink how you approach your projects, your stash, and your creative time. Plus, the conversation highlights the importance of community, relaxation, and making time for your own quilting joy.✨ Topics covered in this video:* Quilting stash organization tips and strategies* Kits vs. fabric yardage: what works best* Working with pre-cuts (fat quarters, jelly rolls, layer cakes)* Longarm quilting and finishing projects faster* Quilting, cutting tips, and ruler use* Lessons learned from years of quilting experience* Finding balance, creativity, and relaxation in quilting* Why quilting is more than just a hobby—it’s therapy and communityIf you’ve ever looked at your fabric stash and wondered “what now?”, this video is for you!👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting tips, sewing inspiration, and creative discussions.#Quilting #FabricStash #LongarmQuilting #QuiltingTips #SewingRoom #Precuts #FatQuarters #QuiltingCommunity #SewingInspiration #quilttalk 0:00 Introduction – Quilting Central Podcast Welcome7:10 The Difference Quilt Shop Quality Makes (Fabric, Tools & Machines)13:10 Choosing the Right Sewing Machine: What to Look For00:19:58 Sewing Machine vs Boats: A Funny Customer Story About Value00:20:57 Why Quality Thread Matters More Than You Think (Real Shop Story)00:27:32 Starting Over with Fabric Stash: Kits vs Yardage Decisions00:30:59 Kits vs Yardage & Fabric Buying Back Then00:41:00 Cutting Challenges & Using Rulers Properly00:45:00 Longarm Quilting, Confidence & Starting Over00:47:50 What Really Matters in Quilting & Life Lessons

    55 min
  2. 6 APR

    Trends of the Quilting World

    Discover the latest quilting trends straight from QuiltCon! 🧵✨ In this episode of the Quilting Central Podcast, we dive into what’s hot in the quilting world—from upcycled denim quilts and quilted clothing to modern patchwork, bag making, and hand stitching techniques making a huge comeback.If you love quilting, sewing, or fabric crafting, this conversation is packed with inspiration, ideas, and real insights from quilt shop owners and industry experts.🔹 In this video, we cover:* QuiltCon trends and modern quilting inspiration* Upcycling jeans into quilted fashion (bell bottoms, jackets & more)* Quilted bags, backpacks, and accessories (including beginner-friendly patterns)* The rise of handwork: EPP (English Paper Piecing), cross-stitch, embroidery & crochet* Using solid fabrics & low volume backgrounds in modern quilts* Creative techniques like thread painting and experimental quilting styles* Popular quilting designers like Tula Pink and emerging pattern trends* How quilting is evolving beyond traditional quilts into wearable artWhether you’re a beginner quilter or experienced maker, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas to try in your next quilting project.🧶 Quilting is no longer just about quilts—it’s about **self-expression, creativity, and community**.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting tips, tutorials, and industry trends!#quilting #quiltcon #modernquilting #quiltingtrends #sewingprojects #quiltideas #quiltingcommunity #englishpaperpiecing #quiltinglife #sewinginspiration #fabriclover #tulapink #quiltedbags #upcycling #handmadefashion

    46 min
  3. 5 MAR

    Talking Pantographs: Longarm Quilting Tips

    🧵 Pantographs Explained | Longarm Quilting from the Back | Quilting for Customers 🧵In this episode of the Quilting Central Podcast, Cathy, Angie, and Julie dive into everything you need to know about quilting with pantographs on a longarm quilting machine.We break down what a quilting pantograph is, how to quilt from the back of your longarm, and how to choose the right pantograph design for your specific machine and quilting style. Whether you're new to longarm quilting or looking to improve your pantograph skills, this episode covers the basics and beyond.We also discuss the differences between computerised quilting vs. hand-guided pantograph quilting, and share practical tips for using pantographs when quilting for customers in a home-based quilting business.✨ In This Episode, We Cover:✔️ What is a pantograph in longarm quilting?✔️ How to quilt from the back of a longarm machine✔️ Choosing the right pantograph size and pattern✔️ Computerised quilting vs. freehand pantograph quilting✔️ Tips for edge-to-edge quilting designs✔️ Using pantographs for customer quiltsWhether you’re a longarm quilter, a machine quilter, or thinking about starting a quilting business, this episode is packed with practical advice, quilting tips, and real-life shop talk from experienced quilters.🎧 Perfect for:• Longarm quilting beginners• Quilters considering computerised quilting systems• Home-based longarm business owners• Anyone curious about edge-to-edge quilting designsIf you love quilting tips, longarm quilting education, and honest quilting podcast conversations, be sure to like, subscribe, and join our quilting community!

    52 min
  4. 7 JAN

    New Year, New Quilts! Quilting Resolutions That ACTUALLY Wo

    New year… new quilting goals! 🎉In this episode of The Quilting Central Podcast, Angie, Cathy, and Julie sit down to talk all about New Year’s resolutions for quilters — the realistic kind that actually help you enjoy quilting more (and finish more quilts!). From tackling UFOs to organising sewing rooms, improving skills, and giving yourself permission to quilt your way, this episode is packed with encouragement, laughs, and practical advice to start the year inspired instead of overwhelmed. ✔️ Setting realistic quilting goals for the new year✔️ How to finally finish those UFO (unfinished object) quilts✔️ Sewing room organization resolutions that stick✔️ Skill-building goals without burnout✔️ Letting go of quilting guilt and comparison✔️ Making time for creativity — even during busy seasons Whether you’re a beginner quilter or a seasoned stitcher, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and start the year excited to sew. • Quilters planning their creative goals for the year• Anyone overwhelmed by unfinished projects• Makers who want to quilt with more joy and less pressure• Quilters looking for motivation and community What’s YOUR quilting resolution this year? Finish a UFO? Try a new technique? Organize your stash? Tell us in the comments — we’d love to cheer you on! 👇 👍 Like this video if you’re ready to quilt with intention🔔 Subscribe for weekly quilting tips, shop talk & podcast episodes🔁 Share with a quilty friend who needs a fresh start ✨ In This Episode, We Talk About:🧶 Perfect For:💬 Join the Conversation:

    38 min
  5. 24/12/2025

    From Quilt Shop Owner to Designer | Karen Montgomery Interview

    In this episode of the Quilting Central Podcast, Julie, Cathy, and Angie welcome special guest Karen Montgomery, an influential designer, educator, and industry leader in the quilting world. 🧵✨ Karen shares her quilting journey, starting with how she first learned to quilt and eventually opened her own quilt shop. She talks about the evolution of her career, including her transition into designing quilting patterns and rulers, and the inspiration behind her work. Karen is the publisher of The Quilt Company line of books and patterns, and her designs have been featured in Quilts and More magazine, along with numerous quilting books and catalogs. Known for her practical and popular techniques, Karen travels across the country teaching quilt shops and quilters alike. The conversation wraps up with an inside look at Sewposium, a unique quilting retreat and networking event for quilt shop owners, focused on education, collaboration, and growing successful quilting businesses. 🧵 In this episode, you’ll hear about: How Karen Montgomery got started quilting Opening and running a quilt shop Designing quilting patterns and rulers Teaching and traveling as a quilt educator What Sewposium is and why it matters for quilt shop owners Whether you’re a quilter, quilt shop owner, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories from the quilting industry, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight. 👉 Be sure to like, subscribe, and listen to more episodes of the Quilting Central Podcast for quilting conversations, tips, and industry interviews.

    1hr 5min

About

Hosted by three passionate quilters and business owners — Cathy Thayer of Fabric Bash (Omaha, NE), Julie Mercer of Two Chicks Quilting (Ganado, TX), and Angie Dugan of The Quilting Connection (Elkhorn & Appleton, WI) — this podcast is your new go-to quilting companion. We’re three friends, professional longarm quilters, and dedicated fabric lovers who believe quilting should be fun, inclusive, and inspiring for everyone, whether you're a seasoned stitcher or just threading your first needle. Our goal? To bring you lively, informative episodes filled with real talk, helpful tips, heartfelt sto

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