Quilting on the Side

Andi Stanfield and Tori McElwain
  • 4.8 (22)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • 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. 9h ago

    Mid-Launch and Honest: Behind the Quilting on Video Launch with Andi Stanfield

    Send us Fan Mail  Andi Stanfield is two weeks into the launch of her new book, Quilting on Video, and she pulls back the curtain on what that actually looks like. She and Tori talk about why a YouTube coach wrote a book, why the printing and shipping phase took longer than she expected, and which channels she’s using: her True Blue Quilts audience, a Discord community, a new Instagram and YouTube channel, and a dedicated email list. They also get into the early delays, the early reader feedback, and the launch party on Zoom on Saturday, November 21, at 5 p.m. Mountain (7 p.m. Eastern). Book buyers get a giveaway entry.  Get Your Copy of Quilting on Video: https://truebluequilts.com/product/quilting-on-video-paperback/  Register for Andi's Quilting on Video Launch Party: https://truebluequilts.com/product/book-release-party/ Hear Andi's Book Story:   Mentioned her book for the first time: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220335/episodes/18693215-let-us-reintroduce-ourselves-meet-2026-andi-toriAndi and her book at h+h americas: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220335/episodes/19223641-was-it-worth-it-what-5-quilting-professionals-learned-at-h-h-americas Sharing about her book writing project: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220335/episodes/19273734-season-6-recap-our-longest-season-yetAndi's in the trenches of writing: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220335/episodes/19809514-we-re-back-for-season7-big-changes-fresh-start-and-industry-eventsKaitlyn Fritsch, who helped give feedback on Andi's bok shares about it: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220335/episodes/19838255-behind-the-scenes-with-kaitlyn-fritschAndi's book is almost ready to buy!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220335/episodes/19838740-getting-started-on-youtube-quilting-on-video Andi's book is ready!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220335/episodes/19948813-the-best-place-to-show-up-online-for-quilting-businesses Chapters 00:00 Andi’s *Quilting on Video* launch, still in progress 02:10 Why turn YouTube expertise into a book? 04:14 Nine months writing, three months preparing to publish 07:12 Using community, email, Discord, and new social channels 11:24 Advanced readers and the creator network behind the book 13:00 Early reader feedback and launch-day shipping delays 17:24 A practical reference book and a Zoom launch celebration 19:50 Workshop proposals and early sales 21:56 Why book marketing continues long after release 24:09 A preview of what comes after the launch party Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Andi’s book, Quilting on Video  🔗 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.

  2. Nov 3

    When Tech and Quilt Design Collide: A Look and Quiltler with Chris White

    Send us Fan Mail  Andi and Tori step outside the quilt-only lane this time and talk with Chris White, the developer behind Quiltler, a quilt design app that runs on iPhone, iPad, and in the browser.  Chris explains how it started eight years ago with a simple request from his brother’s wife: could she photograph a fabric and design with it before buying? The conversation covers how Quiltler compares to EQ8, the cloud sync and community marketplace, how the platform handles AI-generated images versus real quilts, and what it could mean for pattern designers working with fabric company samples.  Tori and Andi also get a live demo of building a block from scratch. Learn more at the Quiltler website: https://quiltler.com/ Listener discount details:  Email Chris: chris@quiltler.com   Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Quiltler and its origins 04:30 Community and fabric marketplace within Quiltler 09:50 Community sharing and AI considerations 12:02 Marketplace setup and selling tools 22:05 Authenticity of quilts and AI limitations 24:26 Demo of Quiltler platform 42:08 Rapid Fire questions 46:21 Where to find more about Quiltler Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Andi’s book, Quilting on Video  🔗 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.

  3. Oct 27

    What We Learned About Paying for Coaching

    Send us Fan Mail Coaching can be a real shortcut or an expensive detour, and the difference often comes down to what you bring to it. In this episode, Tori and Andi share lessons from years of coaching programs, masterminds, and courses, including the ones that paid off and the ones that didn’t.  They talk about why most business systems are the same idea in different words, why it matters to choose a coach who understands quilters, and why you need to be ready to do the work instead of jumping to the next program. They also get into the money side: how to think about what you can afford, how long it will take to earn back the investment, and why you need to tell your coach your real goal, because a coach can’t help you reach a goal you haven’t named. Plus, they look at masterminds as an affordable way to get peer support. If you’re considering a program, this episode will help you ask better questions before you buy.  Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Andi’s book, Quilting on Video  🔗 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.

  4. Oct 20

    Teaching Is the Business with Lynn Christiansen

    Send us Fan Mail Lynn Christiansen of Emerald Falls Quilts learned to quilt with a coworker, sewing a table runner in the school copy room. Years later, she left teaching behind to build a quilt business around what she loves most: teaching quilters. In this episode, Tori talks with Lynn about how a wool applique class at her local quilt shop turned into a pattern business, why guilds are a strong place to start, and how the Wanderlust Quilt Society turns real-world travel into a community block-of-the-month. They also cover the Woolly Flourishes wool critters, a product that didn’t sell the way Lynn hoped at QuiltCon, and what it took to move from a steady paycheck to full-time quilting. Lynn’s advice for anyone building a teaching-first business: pick a subject you can happily talk about for the 200th time, and start with your local shop before you stand in front of 100 guild members. Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 04:14 Transitioning from Hobby to Business 07:56 Exploring the Wanderlust Quilt Society 16:11 Innovative Crafting with Woolly Flourishes 25:54 Engaging with Guilds: Strategies and Successes 32:36 Time Management: Balancing Work and Creativity 39:16 Advice for Aspiring Teachers in Quilting 44:57 Inspiration and Rewards in Teaching Quilting Connect with Lynn: Website: https://emeraldfallsquilts.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC26JzAyrf5Bbh89J7TEw1GQ  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emerald_falls_quilts/ Mentioned in this episode: Emerald Falls Quilts - https://emeraldfallsquilts.com Wanderlust Quilt Society - https://emeraldfallsquilts.com/wanderlust Global Quilt Connection - https://globalquiltconnection.com Laura Heine Patterns - https://laurahine.com Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Andi’s book, Quilting on Video  🔗 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.

  5. Oct 13

    The Best Place to Show Up Online for Quilting Businesses

    Send us Fan Mail Video is one of the few places where your quilting business keeps working for you long after you hit publish. In this episode, Tori and Andi talk about why YouTube is such a strong fit for quilt pattern designers, teachers, longarm quilters, and shop owners, and why Andi wrote a book about it. Andi shares why video builds trust in a way flat photos can’t, how a well-made tutorial, like a classic nine patch, can keep driving views for years, and why quilters need advice from people in their own niche, not just generic marketing gurus. They also get into the practical side: how to start with nothing more than your phone, how to avoid getting overwhelmed by too many “experts,” and why your first videos will be a little cringe (and that’s okay). Andi’s new book, Quilting on Video, is launching now at truebluequilts.com/videobook. If you’ve been thinking about YouTube but weren’t sure where to start, this one’s for you. Mentioned in this episode:  Getting Started on YouTube: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220335/episodes/19838740-getting-started-on-youtube-quilting-on-video Shaun from The Guy Who Sews Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220335/episodes/15804602-start-your-youtube-channel-our-chat-with-the-guy-who-sews Jaime Bright's Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2220335/episodes/18722284-summit-prep-masterclass-with-jamie-bright-from-craft-a-dream  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Quilting on Video and Its Opportunities 01:07 Who Is This Book For and How Can It Help Quilters? 02:22 The Growing Importance of Video in Craft Industries 03:36 The Evergreen Power of YouTube Content 04:28 Using YouTube for Craft Inspiration and Longevity 06:27 Why Video Builds Trust and Community 08:08 The Value of a Physical Book as a Learning Resource 10:54 Resources for Learning About YouTube 13:55 Debunking Myths and Staying Focused on Your Niche 16:09 The Unique Needs of Craft Industry Creators 18:00 Finding and Connecting with Other Craft YouTubers 21:30 Content Formats and Video Ideas for Quilters 24:30 Putting Your Own Spin on Tutorials and Trends 27:40 Expanding to Other Platforms and Future Trends 30:22 Getting Started with Your First Video and Overcoming Fear Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Andi’s book, Quilting on Video (waitlist)  🔗 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.

  6. Oct 6

    Building a Quilting Empire: Meet Carolina Moore

    Send us Fan Mail Andi sits down with Carolina Moore — pattern designer, notion inventor, author, and newly minted YouTube Silver Button recipient — for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable quilting business over time. Carolina shares the story behind her ever-expanding product universe (including her brand-new laser cutting venture, Clear Cut Quilts), why she's stepping back from guild lectures, and how an MBA and a lot of spreadsheets helped her make smart, scary business leaps. She also breaks down the math of pattern sales in a way that's genuinely useful for beginners. Tori joins at the end to share her biggest takeaways from the episode. In this episode, Andi mentions a Revenue Planner. Click here to download it from this episode's Patreon Post.  Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction  01:15 – Carolina's business overview: patterns, notions, books & YouTube 03:30 – Adventures with Quilt Advent calendars  04:30 – Announcing Clear Cut Quilts: a print-on-demand template service 8:00 – Carolina's origin story: from Quilt in a Day at age 12 to quilt shop marketing 16:55 - How patterns and notions work together in Carolina's product ecosystem 20:48 Advice for beginning pattern designers: start slow, build a line, find your super fans 25:00 – Why Carolina stopped doing guild lectures (and why that's okay) 29:05 – Hitting 100K subscribers on YouTube 33:00 – Transitioning from side hustle to full-time business 38:11 – The math of pattern sales: revenue vs. profit explained simply 42:50 – Rapid fire questions 52:02 – Tori & Andi's biggest takeaways from the episode Find Carolina at: On Instagram @craftmoore Her website alwaysexpectmoore.com On YouTube @CarolinaMoore Support the show If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

  7. Sep 29

    Getting Started on YouTube: Quilting on Video

    Send us Fan Mail Andi has big news—she's releasing Quilting on Video: Your Guide to Grow and Monetize on YouTube, and Tori puts her in the hot seat to talk all things video content. After seven years and 18,000+ YouTube subscribers, Andi breaks down why YouTube isn't just another platform for quilters—it's one of the few places where your content actually keeps working years later. We talk about: Why video matters for quilting businesses (it's visual, it's searchable, it builds real community)Specific YouTube strategies for teachers, pattern designers, longarm quilters, and quilt shop ownersThe analytics side (and yes, YouTube's backend is actually friendly to business owners)Building an audience through live streams (Wednesday Sew & Chat, anyone?)Getting monetized (it's doable, but here's what changed in 2026)How Andi found a marketing channel that's actually fun (no more Instagram drag here)If you've been thinking about YouTube but weren't sure where to start—or if you tried it and let it drop—this episode walks you through the real-world path of someone doing it successfully in the quilting space. Grab Andi's book: https://truebluequilts.com/videobook/ Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Andi and her new book on YouTube for quilters 02:49 Why YouTube is ideal for visual crafts like quilting 05:14 Andi’s journey on YouTube since 2019 and her subscriber growth 10:02 Building a Quilting Community Online 11:50 The evolution of YouTube features and analytics for creators 15:02 Using analytics to replicate successful content 20:20 Consistency and monetization 23:25 Advice for different quilting creators on YouTube 29:38 Key tips for beginners to succeed on YouTube 34:48 Where to find Andi’s book  Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Andi’s book, Quilting on Video (waitlist)  🔗 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.

  8. Sep 22

    Behind the Scenes with Kaitlyn Fritsch

    Send us Fan Mail Join the free "Do You Have a Book in You?" Webinar here: https://selfpublishingincubator.com/bookclass  Meet Kaitlyn Fritsch, the technical editor behind dozens of published quilt patterns and books. In this episode, she walks through exactly what a tech editor does (and why your math is probably fine—it's the spelling that'll get you), how to know if your pattern should be a book, and how much it actually costs to have an expert review your work. Plus: why finding time to write doesn't require a cabin in the woods, which free software can replace Adobe, and why she's cautious about AI pattern writing. If you've designed a pattern or thought about writing a book, this episode has practical answers. Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Connect with Kaitlyn:  Get your free Style Sheet Guide: https://www.fritschinstitches.com/styleguide  Website: https://www.fritschinstitches.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fritschinstitches/ Substack, Creatively Correct: https://creativelycorrect.substack.com/  Chapters: 01:50 Kaitlyn's transition from pattern design to technical editing 04:01 The process of tech editing quilt patterns 07:09 Common questions and concerns of new pattern writers 09:57 Expanding pattern ideas into full-length books 13:07 Tools and software for pattern design and editing 18:59 The importance of mindset and flexibility 23:53 Personal stories of fitting writing into a busy life 30:06 Final advice for pattern designers and authors 37:08 Understanding Pricing and Services 40:46 The Role of AI in Quilting Patterns 46:44 Creative Inspirations and Personal Growth 53:25 The Joy of Quilting and Community Engagement 58:00 The Importance of Support in Creative Industries Want More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Andi’s book, Quilting on Video (waitlist)  🔗 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.

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4.8
out of 5
22 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    120
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Quilting on the Side
  • Show Website
    Quilting on the Side

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