Not Your Granny's Quilt Show

Amanda Oros
  • 3.8 (71)
  • Crafts
  • Updated Weekly

A slightly chaotic podcast about all things quilting. Join Amanda as she discusses the ups and downs of quilting, interviews famous and not-so-famous quilters, and navigates life as a modern millennial maker. Trust us, this is not your granny’s quilt show. Follow Amanda on Instagram at @notyourgrannysquiltshow

  1. 6d ago

    Mindy Brown on Art Quilts, Hand-Dyed Fabric & Making Time for Creativity - Ep. 220

    On this episode of Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show, I’m chatting with contemporary fiber artist Mindy Brown about her large-scale art quilts, her creative process, and the questions that keep her work evolving. Mindy builds her practice around sustained inquiry, returning to ideas and visual elements to discover what else they might become. Her work combines improvisation, bold color, and thoughtful experimentation, including the smaller “snapshots” she creates from her larger pieces. We also talk about hand-dyed fabric and color gradients, including how Mindy’s search for just the right colors led her to create Saturation Point, her own hand-dyed fabric business. Plus, we get into the realities of balancing art with a full-time job, making dedicated studio time, and finding fulfillment in the work itself. And because no conversation about contemporary quilting would be complete without a little quilt-show talk, we share some thoughts on exhibiting, judging, and why getting into a show should never determine the value of your art. Mindy brings plenty of honesty, strong opinions, and thoughtful perspective to this conversation. Whether you make traditional quilts, art quilts, or something that doesn’t fit neatly into either category, there’s inspiration here to help you keep experimenting and make time for the creative work that matters to you. In this episode: Mindy Brown’s journey into contemporary fiber artLarge-scale art quilts and sustained inquiryImprovisation, experimentation, and knowing when a piece is finishedHand-dyed fabrics, color theory, and Saturation PointBalancing a full-time career with a dedicated art practiceQuilt shows, judging, and separating artistic worth from outside validationMaking time for creativity and following through on your ideasFind Mindy Brown and her hand-dyed fabrics through Saturation Point, and explore more of her work online. Thanks for watching Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show! If you enjoyed this conversation, like the video, subscribe, and share it with a fellow quilter who could use a little creative inspiration. Episodes are recorded, edited and produced by Amanda Oros. Logo art by Myranda Mondry. Want to see more? You can find it here: Find Podcast Merch here! nygqs.printify.meFollow along on Instagram: Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Long-arming - https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompanySubscribe to YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshowSupport the show on Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshowWant to be on the show? Send us a message

    Mindy Brown on Art Quilts, Hand-Dyed Fabric & Making Time for Creativity - Ep. 220

  2. Oct 12

    How to Find Your Creative Voice Through Art Quilting with Deborah Boschert - Ep. 219

    What if quilting could be more than patterns and precise piecing? What if fabric, paint, and stitch could help you discover your own artistic voice? 🎨🧵 This week on Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show, Amanda sits down with textile artist, author, and educator Deborah Boschert to talk about art quilt collage, creative exploration, and the updated 10th anniversary edition of her book, Art Quilt Collage: A Creative Journey in Fabric, Paint, and Stitch. Deborah shares how she moved from traditional pieced quilts to the colorful, mixed-media art quilts she’s known for today. We talk about making art more approachable, finding inspiration in everyday images, experimenting with surface design, and using her eight design guides to move past the dreaded blank page. We also get into the importance of finding your creative voice, why you don’t need an art degree to be an artist, and how recognizing your strengths can help you make work that feels uniquely yours. Plus, Deborah shares her perspective on entering quilt shows, judging and exhibiting artwork, teaching creative workshops, and learning to appreciate quilts beyond whether they match your personal taste. And don't miss Deborah’s two practical tips for your own creative practice: give yourself permission to clear out what no longer serves you, and make visual decisions visually. Sometimes you just have to put the fabric on the design wall and see what happens! Whether you're curious about art quilting, ready to experiment beyond traditional quilt patterns, or simply looking for a little creative inspiration, this conversation will encourage you to explore what's possible with the materials and skills you already have. IN THIS EPISODE: Deborah’s quilting journey and the discovery of raw-edge fused appliquéArt quilt collage using fabric, paint, and stitchWhat’s new in the updated 10th anniversary edition of Art Quilt CollageEight design guides to help you get started with compositionFinding inspiration and developing your own creative voiceWhy you don’t need a formal art education to make original artworkQuilt shows, judging, exhibiting, and sharing your workThe benefits of in-person and virtual creative workshopsMaking space for new ideas and experimenting with your materialsCONNECT WITH DEBORAH BOSCHERTFind Deborah’s artwork, books, workshops, and more through her website https://www.deborahsstudio.com/publications and social media https://www.instagram.com/deborahboschert/  📚 Art Quilt Collage: A Creative Journey in Fabric, Paint, and Stitch is getting an updated second edition, with new images, examples, and insights from Deborah’s years of making and teaching. If you enjoy this episode, subscribe to Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show, leave a review, and share it with a creative friend who could use a little inspiration! #ArtQuilting #ArtQuiltCollage #QuiltingPodcast #QuiltArtist #ModernQuilting #TextileArt #CreativeProcess Episodes are recorded, edited and produced by Amanda Oros. Logo art by Myranda Mondry. Want to see more? You can find it here: Find Podcast Merch here! nygqs.printify.meFollow along on Instagram: Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Long-arming - https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompanySubscribe to YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshowSupport the show on Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshowWant to be on the show? Send us a message

    How to Find Your Creative Voice Through Art Quilting with Deborah Boschert - Ep. 219

  3. Oct 5

    Sara Washington Goggin: Quilts, Community & Reproductive Justice - Ep, 218

    This week on Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show, I’m talking with quilter and textile artist Sara Washington Goggin, the 2026/2027 Create Change resident at The Laundromat Project in Brooklyn, New York. Sara is a video producer by day, but during the COVID shutdowns, quilting became a creative outlet and a way to stay connected with the people she loved. She began sharing pieces of her life on Instagram, and eventually her quilts started making their way into the feed. Somewhere along the way, people started calling what she was making “art.” But Sara doesn't approach her creative practice as a productivity metric. She creates for pleasure, for connection, and for activism. Through her residency, Sara is building a community of quilters and non-quilters who are looking for something many of us crave: a sense of belonging and safety. Her work has also become a way to respond to her own experiences and advocate for others. After experiencing a traumatic birth, Sara knew she needed to do something. That realization led to Quilts for Reproductive Justice, a project bringing people together through sewing groups to create quilts that will be raffled to raise money in support of reproductive justice. In this conversation, Sara and I talk about finding creativity during isolation, the difference between creating for pleasure and creating for productivity, building community through making, and what can happen when our creative practices become a way to support the causes and people we care about. Sara is also accepting donations of clean, good-quality quilting supplies and sewing machines to support her work. I hope this conversation encourages you to think about what creativity means in your own life. Maybe it's art. Maybe it's activism. Maybe it's community. Maybe it's simply something that makes you happy. Maybe it can be all of those things at once. Please enjoy this conversation with Sara Washington Goggin. In this episode:• Sara's journey from video producer to quilter and textile artist• Discovering quilting during the COVID shutdowns• Creating for pleasure instead of productivity• The role of Instagram in building creative connection• Sara's Create Change residency with The Laundromat Project• Building community through sewing and quilting• Creativity, belonging, and creating spaces for safety• Quilts for Reproductive Justice• Using quilting and community to support reproductive justice Support Sara's work:Visit quiltsforreprojustice.org to learn more about the project, donate, or find out how you can contribute supplies and sewing machines. Please enjoy Sara Washington Goggin! Episodes are recorded, edited and produced by Amanda Oros. Logo art by Myranda Mondry. Want to see more? You can find it here: Find Podcast Merch here! nygqs.printify.meFollow along on Instagram: Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Long-arming - https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompanySubscribe to YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshowSupport the show on Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshowWant to be on the show? Send us a message

    Sara Washington Goggin: Quilts, Community & Reproductive Justice - Ep, 218

  4. Sep 28

    Jenn Marks of Sewistry NC: From Handmade Business to Modern Quilt Artist - Ep. 217

    What if the thing that completely changed your creative direction started with a pile of leftover triangles? Jenn Marks of Sewistry NC shares how a handmade sewing business, a pandemic, an improv quilting workshop, and some pre-cut triangles eventually led her to modern quilting and textile art. This week on Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show, I’m talking with modern quilter, pattern designer, and sewing artist Jenn Marks of Sewistry NC. Jenn has a PhD in Sociology , a background in handmade business, and a creative journey that eventually led her to the world of modern quilting and textile art. Jenn grew up watching her mother sew clothes, curtains, and dolls, but quilts weren't really part of her family's sewing story. After leaving home following high school, Jenn's mom gifted her her first personal sewing machine and Jenn kept sewing in small ways while working her way through school and raising a toddler. She ultimately earned her PhD while 8.5 months pregnant, then spent time in the workforce before making the decision to stay home with her children. That change opened up more space for creativity. Jenn became a yoga instructor, started sewing more, and in 2013 launched a handmade business creating bags, pouches, and other sewn goods. She spent years in heavy rotation on the handmade market circuit, and by 2019, she had her most profitable year yet. Then COVID changed everything. During that time, Jenn took a whole cloth quilting workshop, learned improv quilting through Sherri Lynn Wood, and began exploring quilting in a much deeper way. After making masks during the pandemic, she found herself with a pile of pre-cut triangles. Those triangles eventually became her first quilt, and from there, Jenn dove headfirst into learning everything she could about quilts, quilting, and the broader world of textile art. Since then, Jenn has continued to develop her voice as an artist. She's an alum of the Alderwood Studio Pattern Writing Academy, has exhibited her work in multiple places, and has built a strong community of fellow quilt artists who continue to challenge, encourage, and inspire her. I love Jenn's story because it is such a great reminder that creative paths aren't always linear. Sometimes the thing you think is a side project becomes the thing that changes everything. Come hear how Jenn went from sewing handmade goods to discovering modern quilting, developing her artistic practice, and finding a creative community that keeps her moving forward. Please enjoy this conversation with Jenn Marks of Sewistry NC! In this episode: • Jenn's journey from sociology PhD to textile artist • Growing up around sewing without quilts • Building a successful handmade sewing business • How COVID changed the direction of her creative practice • Discovering whole cloth and improv quilting • The unexpected origin of Jenn's first quilt • Learning to design quilt patterns • Building community with other quilt artists • Finding your creative voice and allowing your path to evolve Explore Jenn's work and Sewistry NC at her website: https://www.sewistrync.com/ Episodes are recorded, edited and produced by Amanda Oros. Logo art by Myranda Mondry. Want to see more? You can find it here: Find Podcast Merch here! nygqs.printify.meFollow along on Instagram: Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Long-arming - https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompanySubscribe to YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshowSupport the show on Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshowWant to be on the show? Send us a message

    Jenn Marks of Sewistry NC: From Handmade Business to Modern Quilt Artist - Ep. 217

  5. Sep 21

    Ben Venom: Where Punk Rock, Quilting & Fine Art Collide - Ep. 216

    This week on Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show, I’m talking with San Francisco-based textile artist Ben Venom, whose work brings together the worlds of counterculture, music, repurposed materials, and traditional textile techniques in a way that is completely his own. Ben grew up in the Atlanta punk rock scene of the 1990s, and while earning his MFA at the San Francisco Art Institute, he began making flags. In 2006, he saw the landmark Gee’s Bend quilt exhibition at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, an experience that changed the way he thought about textiles and opened the door to incorporating quilting into his artistic practice. In 2008, Ben created his first quilted piece for a group exhibition in Berlin, using old punk T-shirts collected from years of seeing punk and heavy metal bands. That piece became the beginning of an ongoing exploration of what happens when materials, imagery, and histories from very different worlds are brought together. I first discovered Ben’s work through an issue of QuiltFolk magazine, and I was immediately drawn to the juxtaposition of punk and metal imagery with silks, soft cottons, and traditional quilting techniques. There is something unexpected about seeing these materials together, and that tension is a huge part of what makes Ben’s work so compelling. We talk about his path from the punk scene to textile art, the influence of Gee’s Bend, working with repurposed materials, and how the stories and histories held by those materials become part of the artwork itself. Ben also shared a quote from Patti Smith that has become an important philosophy for how he approaches his life and work: build a good name, protect your work, don't compromise your values, and focus on doing good work. That idea really stuck with me. Ben’s work is available through his website, and he is currently teaching as an Artist in Residence at The Space Program in San Francisco. He is also creating a new body of work for a solo exhibition coming in February 2027, so definitely stay tuned for that. In the meantime, go check out Ben’s work and prepare to see textiles, quilting, and repurposed materials from a very different perspective.https://www.benvenom.com/ Please enjoy this conversation with Ben Venom! In this episode:• Ben’s Atlanta punk rock roots• Discovering the Gee’s Bend quilts and the impact they had on his work• His first quilted piece in 2008• Turning punk and heavy metal T-shirts into art• The stories and histories carried by repurposed materials• The relationship between quilting, fine art, music, and counterculture• Why doing good work and building a good name matter• Ben’s upcoming solo exhibition in February 2027 Episodes are recorded, edited and produced by Amanda Oros. Logo art by Myranda Mondry. Want to see more? You can find it here: Find Podcast Merch here! nygqs.printify.meFollow along on Instagram: Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Long-arming - https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompanySubscribe to YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshowSupport the show on Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshowWant to be on the show? Send us a message

    Ben Venom: Where Punk Rock, Quilting & Fine Art Collide - Ep. 216

  6. Sep 14

    The Grimoire Dark Magic Sampler: Eva Saunders on Collaboration & Creativity - Ep. 215

    What happens when a quilter has an idea, realizes she has talented friends, and lets everyone work their magic? Eva Saunders of Gingerly Quilt Co. joins me to reveal the story behind The Grimoire Dark Magic Sampler, a fantasy-inspired collaborative quilt where every designer gets to shine. My friend and returning guest Eva Saunders of Gingerly Quilt Co. is back on Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show to share the story behind her latest quilt pattern, a collaborative sampler inspired by fantasy, dark academia, and a little bit of magic. The idea for The Grimoire came to Eva while she was recovering from her “QuiltCon Cold” and spending a lot of time immersed in the art deco-inspired world of her recent quilt patterns. She had designed a beautiful frame, but something was missing. She didn't know exactly what belonged in the middle. Then Eva remembered something very important: she has friends. And those friends happen to be incredibly talented quilt designers. What began with Eva’s frame grew into a collaborative sampler featuring a collection of beautifully designed blocks, each with its own personality, that come together to create one cohesive, moody, magical quilt. In our conversation, we talk about the creative challenge of collaboration and the fine balance between creating a cohesive whole while still allowing each individual artist’s work to shine. And yes, Eva gave me a sneak peek at the final layout MONTHS ago, so I am extremely relieved that I can finally talk about this quilt. Keeping that secret has been torture! Get ready for the *Grimoire Dark Magic Sampler Sew-Along, October 1–31, 2026! Patterns are available at the link below, and kits will be available through several retailers. When you purchase the pattern, you’ll also get the opportunity to unlock a bonus block by solving a riddle. Because obviously, a magical sampler needs a little mystery. And there’s more! When you finish your own Grimoire Sampler, I’ll be offering a special discount for sending your quilt to Sweet Pea Design Company for edge-to-edge quilting. Stay tuned for all the details! Whether you love quilting, fantasy, dark academia, Art Deco design, or just the magic that happens when creative people work together, I hope you enjoy this conversation with Eva. Please enjoy Eva Saunders of Gingerly Quilt Co.! The Grimoire Dark Magic Sampler* Sew-Along: October 1–31, 2026 🔮 Pattern: https://gingerlyquiltco.com/GRANNYSKits: Available through participating retailers (like Sewfinity.com)Bonus block: Solve the riddle included with your patternFinished quilt: Stay tuned for a special Sweet Pea Design Company quilting discount   *Collaborators:* Block 1 – Quill of Wisdom – Eva Saunders @gingerlyquiltco Block 2 – Edge of Light – Lauren Metang @palm__creations Block 3 – Fairy Lights – Erin Nichole @mija.handmade Block 4 – Bookbound Demon – Jennifer Larimore @nerdynquilty Block 5 – Enchanted Rose – Amber Elliot @alderwoodstudio Block 6 – Drink of Destiny – Kelsey Swatske @white_rosedesigns Block 7 – Dragon’s Flight – Rebecca Halvorsen @quiltbynight Block 8 – Fractured Crystal – Chris Marchini @rosecityoriginals Block 9 – Enchanted Elixirs – Adrianna Jaffrani @gettingjazzywithitig Block 10 – Raven Skull – Glynis Thompson @quiltcorepatterns Block 11 – Gilded Serpent – Sofia Natty @sofianatty.nyc Block 12 – Midnight Flame – Sarah Pitcher @quiltnsew / Pitcher’s Boutique Block 13- Creature of the Night – Cole Whitaker @colesquilts Bonus Block Love Interest – Glynis Thompson @quiltcorepatterns SponsorsArt Gallery Fabrics -- https://www.artgalleryfabrics.com/Aurifil -- https://www.aurifil.com/ Episodes are recorded, edited and produced by Amanda Oros. Logo art by Myranda Mondry. Want to see more? You can find it here: Find Podcast Merch here! nygqs.printify.meFollow along on Instagram: Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Long-arming - https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompanySubscribe to YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshowSupport the show on Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshowWant to be on the show? Send us a message

    The Grimoire Dark Magic Sampler: Eva Saunders on Collaboration & Creativity - Ep. 215

  7. Sep 7

    Quilt Historian Tara Miller on the Stories Hidden in Quilts - Ep. 214

    What if the quilts we make today become the history someone studies 100 years from now? Quilt historian Tara Miller joins me to talk about the stories, people, women’s history, and cultural context hidden inside the quilts we’ve inherited. From her work curating The American Quilt: Cloth and Commerce to her journey from technical writing to studying quilt history, this conversation might make you look at quilts a little differently. Before dedicating herself to quilt history, Tara spent 22 years in the corporate world as a technical writer in the software industry. Along the way, she discovered a deeper passion for understanding quilts not just as objects, but as a way to explore women’s history, culture, creativity, commerce, and everyday life. Tara first began developing her appreciation for the historical side of quilting through books. In 2018, she joined the American Quilt Study Group, diving even deeper into the study and preservation of quilt history. She also credits a long list of incredible mentors who helped her develop a deep appreciation for textiles and their significance in our past, present, and future. We talk about what drew Tara to quilt history, what we can learn by looking closely at the textiles that came before us, the importance of preserving these stories, and why understanding the past can change the way we look at the quilts being made today. Whether you're a quilter, textile lover, history nerd, or simply curious about the stories hidden in the things people make, I hope this conversation inspires you to take a closer look at the quilts around you. Because every quilt has a story. And sometimes, the history is just as fascinating as the quilt itself. *In this episode:• Tara’s journey from technical writer to quilt historian• Curating The American Quilt: Cloth and Commerce* at the Bowers Museum • How books opened the door to quilt history • The American Quilt Study Group and the study of quilt history • The importance of mentors and preserving textile knowledge • Quilts, women’s history, and the stories held in textiles • Why understanding quilt history can deepen our creative practice today Episodes are recorded, edited and produced by Amanda Oros. Logo art by Myranda Mondry. Want to see more? You can find it here: Find Podcast Merch here! nygqs.printify.meFollow along on Instagram: Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Long-arming - https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompanySubscribe to YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshowSupport the show on Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshowWant to be on the show? Send us a message

    Quilt Historian Tara Miller on the Stories Hidden in Quilts - Ep. 214

  8. Aug 24

    Meagan Guite on Sewing, Community, Creativity & Finding Your Way Forward - Ep. 213

    This week on Not Your Granny's Quilt Show, I'm welcoming back a returning friend, Meagan Guite! Meagan is the Project Coordinator at Ruby Star Society, where she gets a behind-the-scenes look at how fabric collections come to life. From the early conversations and collaborations to the conception of new fabric lines and the final launch, Meagan gets to be part of the process that brings some of our favorite fabrics into the world. She also plays a hands-on role in deciding how new collections are presented and showcased when they launch, giving her a unique perspective on the business, creativity, and relationships behind the fabric we love. But Meagan's story has changed since we last talked. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Meagan stepped back from sharing parts of her creative process. In some ways, sharing more would have meant acknowledging something she wasn't quite ready to accept: that she had cancer. Thankfully, early detection meant that her treatment was successful. Now, Meagan is on the road to healing and looking toward the future with a renewed passion for sewing, quilting, and the community that surrounds them. Being changed by the experience has given Meagan a new perspective on what she wants from her creative life. She's brimming with ideas and excitement about building meaningful relationships within the quilting industry, starting with local quilt shops and the people who make those communities so special. This year, Meagan is holding onto one word: peace. We talk about what it means to find peace in creativity, to reconnect with sewing after a difficult season, and to embrace the humanness of making things with our hands. In this episode, we talk about: The behind-the-scenes process of creating fabric collections Meagan's role at Ruby Star Society The collaboration and relationships behind fabric design Returning to sewing with a renewed sense of excitement Finding your way back to creativity after a difficult season Building meaningful relationships within the quilting community Supporting local quilt shops The importance of giving yourself space to heal and change Finding peace through sewing and quilting I'm so happy to welcome Meagan back to the show and to hear her talk about where she's been, where she's going, and what she's excited about next. Please enjoy the return of my friend, Meagan Guite! Episodes are recorded, edited and produced by Amanda Oros. Logo art by Myranda Mondry. Want to see more? You can find it here: Find Podcast Merch here! nygqs.printify.meFollow along on Instagram: Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Long-arming - https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompanySubscribe to YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshowSupport the show on Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshowWant to be on the show? Send us a message

    Meagan Guite on Sewing, Community, Creativity & Finding Your Way Forward - Ep. 213
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3.8
out of 5
71 Ratings

About

A slightly chaotic podcast about all things quilting. Join Amanda as she discusses the ups and downs of quilting, interviews famous and not-so-famous quilters, and navigates life as a modern millennial maker. Trust us, this is not your granny’s quilt show. Follow Amanda on Instagram at @notyourgrannysquiltshow

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda Oros
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    222
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Not Your Granny's Quilt Show
  • Show Website
    Not Your Granny's Quilt Show

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