Quilting on the Side

Andi Stanfield and Tori McElwain
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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.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Quilt Market Is Gone. Now What?

    Send a text Quilt Market is gone. After decades as the destination event for quilting industry professionals, the fall show has been canceled indefinitely, and Tori and Andi have thoughts. In this episode, they pull back the curtain on what the end of Quilt Market might mean for your business and the quilting industry as a whole, why it may not be the bad news everyone's making it out to be, and what it could signal about where things are heading. They dig into the shift from brick-and-mortar-centered business models to the rise of online creators and digital shops, and why a show that didn't make room for that evolution was always going to struggle. They also talk about why H&H Americas seems to be filling that void and then some. From the energy on the show floor to the surprising crossover between quilting, knitting, and other fiber arts, Tori and Andi share what makes H&H feel different from anything the quilting industry has seen before. Tori even shares a practical marketing insight she picked up from a knitter at the show — one that quilters absolutely should be borrowing. Plus: the news that H&H announced a fall show in Houston, stepping directly into the time slot Quilt Market left behind. Whether you've been mourning Market or wondering if H&H is worth your time and money, this episode offers an honest — if speculative — look at the trade show landscape and what it might mean for your quilting business right now. Mentioned in this episode: Blog Post: Growing Your Fiber Arts Business at a Trade Show Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:15 The History of Quilt Market 01:20 The Big News: Quilt Market Canceled Indefinitely 03:00 What This Could Mean for the Quilting Industry 05:30 Who Quilt Market Left Behind 07:05 Why H&H Americas Feels Different 09:45 The Surprising Knitting-Quilting Crossover 13:25 A Marketing Idea Worth Stealing from the Knitting World 18:35 H&H Announces a Fall Show in Houston 20:00 What's Next for the Quilting Trade Show Landscape 22:55 Tori's Rebrand and New Logo Quilt 25:30 Andi's Stretch Star Quilt Along 29:00 Closing Thoughts 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.

    31 min

  2. 10 MAR

    The Truth About AI's Environmental Impact for Quilters with Theresa the AI Quilter

    Send a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori welcome back Theresa Benson  - the AI Quilter for a fascinating conversation about how artificial intelligence is showing up in the quilting world. Since her last appearance on the podcast, Theresa has been busy speaking at guilds, mentoring quilters, presenting on the big stage at QuiltCon, and researching some of the biggest questions people have about AI. Together they discuss: • How AI is actually being used by quilters today  • Why some of the environmental concerns around AI have recently been greatly exaggerated • What Theresa discovered while researching the topic for her white paper • How AI fits into the creative process without replacing human creativity • When (and if) AI use should be disclosed in quilting projects • Practical ways quilters and quilt business owners can use AI responsibly The conversation also touches on teaching, presenting programs for guilds, and how creative entrepreneurs can balance giving value while still running a sustainable business. It’s a thoughtful, insightful, and educational episode that brings clarity to a topic many creatives are still figuring out. Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Mentioned in the Episode: Theresa's Book: Digital Muse: Bringing AI into Your Creative Process Theresa's White Paper on Environment and AI Opting Out of Data Sets - Blog Post   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Quilting 10:27 AI vs. Fabric Manufacturing Water Usage 16:30 The Villainization of AI 22:44 AI's Influence in Quilting 34:15 Navigating AI in Business and Teaching 44:10 The Return of Teresa: A Richer Conversation Connect with Theresa: Instagram - https://instagram.com/theaiquilter LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresabenson/   Website - https://theaiquilter.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheAIQuilter 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.

    49 min

  3. 3 MAR

    Stickers, Shaking Hands, and Sewing Seeds: Authentic Networking for Quilting Industry Events

    Send a text Taking your quilt business from a digital screen to a physical trade show booth can feel like a high-stakes challenge. In this episode, Tori and Andi pull back the curtain on the "messy middle" of booth prep and the vulnerability of being seen. You'll discover: The "Top-Down" Strategy: How to design for visibility so your brand is seen from across the room.Pro-Tips on a Budget: Why wooden crates and magnetic LEDs are a business owner’s best friend.The Introvert’s Secret Weapon: How sticker trading turns awkward networking into a fun connection.The Personalized Pitch: Why a "gift packet" lands better partnerships than a generic brochure.Perfect for any creative entrepreneur ready to step into the spotlight. Join us as we bridge the gap between digital magic and real-life connection. Mentioned in the Episode:  Blog Post: Your h+h Roadmap  Craft to Career Episode with Darrin Stern  Our episode with Brandy, The Quilter on Fire  Register for h+h   Chapters [00:05] - Welcome & The "Why" Behind Booth Prep [01:46] - Navigating H&H Americas: B2B vs. B2C and Booth Basics [02:45] - The "Spotlight" Strategy: Why You Shouldn't Display Everything [03:20] - From Digital to Physical: Turning Marketing Concepts into "Thought Bubbles" [05:43] - The Booth as a Landing Page: Designing for the Customer Journey [07:39] - Andi’s Trade Show Past & Using "Top-Down" Visibility [10:09] - The Magic of Wooden Crates: Height, Storage, and Aesthetic [11:26] - Beyond the Business Card: Postcards, Brochures, and QR Codes [15:19] - The Trifold Truth: Focusing Your Message to Avoid Confusion [18:20] - The Personalized Pitch: Turning Partnerships into "Gifts" [23:18] - Sticker Culture: The Introvert’s Secret Weapon for Networking [28:06] - Strategic Lighting: Magnetic LEDs and Gallery Vibes [30:06] - Outro & Final Reflections 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.

    32 min

  4. 24 FEB

    Summit Prep Masterclass with Jamie Bright from Craft a Dream

    Send a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori interview Jamie Bright with Craft a Dream, a successful quilter and entrepreneur. Jamie shares her journey from starting quilting at a young age to building a thriving business in the quilting industry. She discusses the importance of marketing, collaborations, and organic growth strategies for quilters looking to turn their passion into a business. Jamie also provides valuable insights on how to effectively participate in summits and leverage them for business growth, emphasizing the need for alignment between presentations, freebies, and products. The conversation highlights the joy of quilting and the supportive community within the quilting world. Watch the Quilters Paradise Summit Quilters Paradise Summit (Free ticket - Andi's allfilate link): Click Here! Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jamie Bright and Her Quilting Journey 07:34 Transitioning from Photography to Quilting Business 12:42 Marketing Tips for Quilters 17:41 The Power of Collaborations and Summits 24:40 Creating Effective Presentations for Summits 25:37 Effective Presentation Techniques 29:57 Maximizing Summit Engagement 33:52 Promoting Your Summit Effectively 36:59 Leveraging Affiliate Marketing 39:50 Building Relationships and Community 42:42 Creative Collaboration and Idea Sharing 48:00 Upcoming Events and Opportunities 49:21 Jamie Bright takeaways Connect with Jamie! Quilters Playspace Community: Click Here!  Quilt Patterns: Click Here! Join email list: Click Here!  Instagram: Click Here! Facebook: Click 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.

    53 min

  5. 17 FEB

    Let us Reintroduce Ourselves: Meet 2026 Andi & Tori

    Send a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori reflect on their journey since the podcast's inception, discussing significant changes in their businesses, personal growth, and the evolution of their creative identities. Tori shares her transition to full-time coaching and the launch of her self-publishing incubator, while Andi highlights her success with YouTube and the development of her quilting patterns. They explore the realities of running a quilting business, the importance of work-life balance, and the lessons learned along the way, culminating in advice to their past selves. Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Business Evolution 03:46 Tori's Transition to Full-Time Business 11:05 Andi's Journey and YouTube Success 17:00 Tori's Rebranding and New Identity 24:12 The Reality of Quilting as a Business 29:43 Work-Life Balance and Daily Routines 36:31 Reflections on Pattern Design 42:32 Advice to Our Past Selves Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Support 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.

    49 min

  6. 10 FEB

    Digital Marketing Basics for Quilting Businesses

    Send a text In this conversation, Andi and Tori McElwain delve into the essentials of digital marketing for business owners, focusing on how to effectively show up online. Tori shares her insights on the importance of building an email list, nurturing leads through content, and the critical role of launching products. They discuss strategies for managing multiple projects and the significance of documenting the creative process to engage audiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for a structured approach to digital marketing, making it easier for entrepreneurs to connect with their audience and drive sales. If you need a community to bounce ideas off of, join our on Patreon! If you are looking for Digital Marketing help, join Tori's Digital Marketing Coaching Program.  Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Digital Marketing for Quilters 03:44 Understanding the Lead Strategy 08:42 Content Strategy: Building Trust and Authority 12:11 The Launch Strategy: Converting Leads to Sales 18:45 Adjusting Launch Strategies for Different Products 23:33 Creating Content While Staying Inspired Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed 📌 Follow us on Instagram Co-Hosts: 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.

    29 min

  7. 3 FEB

    Navigating Conflict in a Chaotic World with Dara Tomasson

    Send a text In this engaging conversation, Andi and our guest Dara Tomasson explore the complexities of navigating conflict, overcoming self-sabotage, and finding joy in business. They discuss the importance of emotional resilience, the impact of imposter syndrome, and the necessity of taking control of one's reactions in a chaotic world. Dara shares her insights on personal growth, the creative process, and the significance of community support in achieving success. The discussion emphasizes the need for continuous evolution and the power of choice in shaping one's path. Passed Episode mentioned on this episode: How to Handle Controversy, Difficult Conversations, & More with Dara Tomasson Descript mentioned by Dara and Andi Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Conflict and Emotional Resilience 14:41 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Sabotage 26:14 Finding Joy and Purpose in Business 36:06 Embracing Growth and Learning from Setbacks Connect with Dara Tomasson: On Instagram On her website: https://daratomasson.com/On YouTube 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.

    38 min

  8. 27 JAN

    Get Found Online: Keywords and easy ways to use them!

    Send a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori McElwain delve into the evolving landscape of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and its implications for quilting businesses. Tori shares her insights gained from extensive research, particularly focusing on the integration of AI search bots into SEO strategies. The conversation highlights the importance of using relevant keywords naturally in content, avoiding outdated practices like keyword stuffing, and ensuring that businesses are visible across various platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Tori emphasizes that while AI search is becoming more prevalent, the foundational principles of SEO remain crucial for improving online visibility and engagement. The discussion also covers practical tips for optimizing social media presence, including the significance of business accounts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and the necessity of including keywords in titles, descriptions, and even image alt texts. Tori encourages listeners to conduct self-audits of their online content to identify missed opportunities for keyword integration. The episode wraps up with actionable advice on how to research trending keywords and the importance of maintaining a consistent online presence to enhance search rankings. Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to SEO in Quilting 00:48 Understanding AI Search and Its Impact 02:20 Best Practices for Keyword Usage 04:43 Platforms to Focus On for SEO 09:44 The Role of Social Media in SEO 14:49 Engagement vs. Hashtags in Social Media 19:54 Practical Tips for Keyword Optimization 24:38 Real-World Examples of SEO Mistakes 29:23 Tools and Resources for Keyword Research 34:40 Final Thoughts on SEO for Quilters Mentioned inthe Podcast Episode: Keywords Blog Post H+H Americas Fiber Arts Trade Show in May 2026 Pinterest Post: Gifts for Quilters - example Digital Marketing Magic Program with Tori:  Want to see how well your SEO is doing? See the Creative's SEO Clarity Report 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.

    39 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Andi Stanfield and Tori McElwain
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Quilting on the Side
  • Show Website
    Quilting on the Side

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