Quilting on the Side

Andi Stanfield and Tori McElwain
  • 4.8 (19)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. DEC 9

    Season 5 Recap

    Send us a text In this episode, Andi and Tori reflect on their journey through five seasons of the Quilting on the Side podcast. They discuss the importance of community engagement, key business insights shared throughout the season, and highlight memorable guests who brought unique perspectives to the quilting industry. The conversation also touches on industry trends, the impact of AI, and preparations for the upcoming year, emphasizing the need for collaboration and support within the quilting community. Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on Five Seasons of Podcasting 05:02 Engaging with the Community 10:50 Key Business Insights from Season Five 16:56 Guest Highlights and Unique Perspectives 24:20 Industry Trends and Future Directions 30:20 Planning for the Holidays and Beyond 39:04 Looking Ahead to Season Six Mentioned in this Episode: Craft to Career Podcast with h+h Americas’ Darrin Stern https://quilterscandy.com/hh Season 5 Guests: Jennifer Long @sewastory_jenniferlong Dara Tomasson @dara_tomasson Tasha Hayes @tashaquilts Theresa Benson @theaiquilter Laureen Smith @ttquilts Meredith Marsh @meredithmarsh.co Jessica Steele @jessicasteeledesign and Karlee Porter @karleeporterdesign Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Tori’s new book, Workshops Unleashed 📌 Follow us on Instagram Co-Hosts: Tori McElwain @heytori.tech Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts Support the show If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

    41 min

  2. DEC 2

    Unraveling the Art of Graffiti Quilting with Karlee Porter

    Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Tori and Karlee Porter discuss the evolution of quilting, particularly focusing on graffiti quilting. Karlee shares her journey from working with long arm machines to developing her unique artistic style. The conversation explores the importance of community, the impact of self-publishing, and the accessibility of quilting machines. Karlee emphasizes the need for open-mindedness in the quilting world and the significance of balancing business with creativity. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Karlee's personal preferences and inspirations. Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Quilting and Artistic Journey 03:11 Transitioning from Long Arm Testing to Artistic Quilting 05:52 The Evolution of Graffiti Quilting 08:55 Reactions to Graffiti Quilting and Breaking Norms 11:47 The Impact of Graffiti Quilting on the Quilting Community 15:02 Self-Publishing and Building a Brand 17:51 Expanding the Product Suite and Online Teaching 21:00 The New Graffiti Quilting Book and Its Features 23:47 Creating a Community Through Quilting 26:45 Conclusion and Future Directions 33:33 The Evolution of Graffiti Quilting 39:11 Balancing Business and Creativity 44:15 Open-Mindedness in Quilting 52:31 Finding Inspiration and Community 59:28 The Bruce Wayne and Batman of Quilting Also mentioned in this episode:  Podcast Episode Where Tori yelled: Collaboration Over Competition Sam Hunter's Podcast interview with Karlee Porter: https://www.revcraftbiz.com/p/navigating-the-gatekeeping-with-karlee?r=rkjue&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false  Karlee Porter Inspiration: Jeff Soto: https://jeffsoto.com/ Jessica Hische: https://jessicahische.is/ James Jean: https://www.jamesjean.com/  Alphonse Mucha: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphonse_Mucha  Qveen Herby: https://qveenherby.com/ NF: https://www.nfrealmusic.com/ Charlie Puth: https://www.youtube.com/@charlieputh  Connect with Karlee Porter On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karleeporterdesign/ On her website: https://www.karleeporter.com/  Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Tori’s new book, Workshops Unleashed 📌 Follow us on Instagram Co-Hosts: Tori McElwain Support the show If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

    1h 10m

  3. NOV 25

    How to Prep Your Quilt Business for the Holidays (and Survive the Slow Seasons)

    Send us a text  In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Tori and Andi break down how quilt pattern designers, quilting teachers, and longarm quilters can prep their businesses for the busy holiday season - without being glued to their laptops. They walk through what really needs to stay consistent (like newsletters and YouTube), how to set up simple holiday sales systems on your website, and why December and summer slowdowns are normal in the quilting industry. You’ll leave with practical steps, data-driven ideas, and a mindset boost to help you ride the ups and downs of your quilt business with more confidence.  Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Listen to the Black Friday/ Holiday Sale episode here! Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Tori’s new book, Workshops Unleashed 📌 Follow us on Instagram Co-Hosts: Tori McElwain @heytori.tech Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts Support the show If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

    36 min

  4. NOV 18

    Jessica Steele: The Intersection of Sports and Quilting

    Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, host Andi introduces Jessica Steele, a quilt pattern designer known for her sports-themed quilts. Jessica shares her journey from a hobbyist to a full-time business owner, discussing the inspiration behind her designs, the challenges of balancing family life with her quilting business, and her approach to marketing and social media. She also talks about her collaborations with other designers and her future projects, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the joy of quilting amidst the business aspects. Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jessica Steele and Her Designs 01:28 The Journey from Hobby to Business 02:58 Inspiration Behind Sports-Themed Quilts 04:57 Designing for a Modern Aesthetic 10:06 Balancing Family Life and Business 12:30 Navigating Social Media and Marketing 16:58 Collaborations and Community Engagement 20:56 Future Projects and Aspirations 21:52 Maintaining the Joy of Quilting 26:18 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Insights Connect with Jessica: On her Website: https://www.jessicasteeledesign.com/  On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicasteeledesign/ Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Tori’s new book, Workshops Unleashed 📌 Follow us on Instagram Co-Hosts: Tori McElwain @heytori.tech Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts Support the show If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

    37 min

  5. NOV 11

    Virtual Quilting Summits: Andi in the Hot Seat!

    Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Tori interviews her co-host Andi about her experiences participating in four virtual quilting summits this year (2025). They discuss the rise of virtual summits in the quilting community, the benefits of collaboration, and the importance of audience engagement. Andi shares insights on preparing for a summit, the importance of follow-up strategies, and the role of lead magnets in building an email list. The conversation emphasizes the value of data collection and marketing strategies to maximize the impact of summits on business growth. Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Virtual Summits in Quilting 04:15 The Benefits of Collaboration and Community 07:03 Choosing to Participate in Summits 10:01 Testing Ideas Through Summits 12:48 Engagement and Audience Building 15:38 Impact on Business and Sales 18:20 Follow-Up Strategies After Summits 21:24 Preparing for a Summit 24:10 Marketing and Promotion Strategies 27:02 Interacting with Summit Organizers 30:16 Final Thoughts on Summit Participation See previous Episodes on summits: "My Summit Story"  Listen to Tabatha's Interview Here! (Mentioned in this podcast) Subscribe to Andi's YouTube! CLICK HERE Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Tori’s new book, Workshops Unleashed 📌 Follow us on Instagram Co-Hosts: Tori McElwain @heytori.tech Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts Support the show If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

    41 min

  6. NOV 4

    Unlocking YouTube Success with Meredith Marsh

    Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori interview Meredith Marsh, a YouTube expert, who shares her entrepreneurial journey, insights on content creation, and the evolving landscape of video marketing.  Meredith discusses the importance of community building through memberships, the relevance of blogging alongside video content, and the impact of AI on content creation. She also provides practical advice for new YouTubers, strategies for working with brands, and guidance on choosing the right tools for online courses. The conversation wraps up with rapid-fire questions that reveal Meredith's personal preferences and insights into her creative process. Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to YouTube Expertise 00:30 Meredith's Entrepreneurial Journey 04:18 Navigating Content Evolution and Rebranding 06:31 Starting a New YouTube Channel 08:34 The Relevance of Blogging in the Video Era 10:29 AI's Impact on Content Discovery 13:19 Building a Community through Membership 13:52 Choosing the Right Platform for Courses 18:14 The Importance of Taking Action 25:13 Working with Brands and Sponsorships 27:16 Navigating Brand Collaborations 29:41 Aligning Content with Audience Interests 34:07 Essential Tools for Video Creation 38:25 The Rewards of Content Creation 42:30 Finding Inspiration in Unconventional Places Guest Links Meredith Marsh on YouTube Crush it on Camera Playlist: CLICK HERE Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Tori’s new book, Workshops Unleashed 📌 Follow us on Instagram Co-Hosts: Tori McElwain @heytori.tech Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts Support the show If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

    50 min

  7. OCT 28

    Collaboration Over Competition: Actions to help grow the quilting industry as a solopreneur

    Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori discuss the importance of building a community within the quilting industry. They explore mindset shifts necessary for collaboration, overcoming self-doubt, and creating a welcoming environment for all quilters. The conversation emphasizes the value of featuring each other's work, forming symbiotic relationships, and engaging in local business collaborations. They also touch on the significance of sharing platforms and personal stories, networking, and the need for fair pricing strategies. The episode concludes with a call to celebrate wins together and support one another in the quilting journey. Additional Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:  Click here to listen to the Collaboration Episode Click here to listen to the Price to Thrive Episode Rachel Rodgers We Should All Be Millionaires Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Building Community in Quilting 03:38 Mindset Shifts for Collaboration 07:31 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Business 10:22 Creating a Welcoming Environment 12:29 Featuring Each Other's Work 14:50 Symbiotic Relationships in Quilting 18:32 The Power of Local Meetups 21:53 Sharing Stories to Connect 25:58 Pricing Strategies for Success 31:39 Celebrating Wins Together Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Tori’s new book, Workshops Unleashed 📌 Follow us on Instagram Co-Hosts: Tori McElwain @heytori.tech Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts Support the show If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

    41 min

  8. OCT 21

    The Art of Quilt Design with Laureen Smith

    Send us a text In this episode of Quilting on the Side, host Andi and co-host Tori welcome Laureen Smith, a prolific quilt designer and former chemical engineer. Laureen shares her journey from the corporate world to quilting, detailing her early experiences with needlework and how they shaped her passion for quilting. She discusses her transition into quilt design, the challenges of working with fabric manufacturers, and her innovative approach to three-dimensional fusible applique.  The conversation also touches on the business side of quilting, including pattern writing and the importance of community engagement. Laureen's insights into the creative process and her rapid-fire responses provide a comprehensive look at her quilting journey and the industry. Chapters 05:48 Laureen's Journey into Quilting 11:23 The Business of Quilt Design 18:12 Navigating Fabric Manufacturer Relationships 23:53 The Art of Pattern Writing 33:18 Exploring Three-Dimensional Fusible Appliqué 34:14 The Art of Fusible Applique 39:27 Innovative Techniques in Quilting 43:13 Building a Quilting Business 49:43 Inspiration and Creative Process 54:24 Connecting with the Quilting Community Connect with Laureen Smith www.TourmalineThymeqQuilts.com  IG @ttquilts FB @tandtquilts YouTube @tourmalinethymequilts3628 Want More Quilting Content? 🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Tori’s new book, Workshops Unleashed 📌 Follow us on Instagram Co-Hosts: Tori McElwain @heytori.tech Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts Support the show If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

    1h 2m
See All (90)

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
19 Ratings

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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Quilting on the Side
  • Show Website
    Quilting on the Side

You Might Also Like