Quilting on the Side

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

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Sep 15

    We're Back for Season7! Big Changes, Fresh Start, and Industry Events

    Send us Fan Mail Season 7 Premiere: Big Changes, Fresh Start, and Industry Events You Can't Miss Tori and Andi kick off Season 7 celebrating seven years of real talk about running a quilting business alongside everything else. But this is no ordinary season opener—both hosts are navigating major shifts in their businesses. Tori's hitting a pivotal moment: her husband just retired from the military after 13 years of moving around. For the first time, she's thinking long-term about staying put, exploring local networking opportunities, and rethinking what staying in one location means for her digital marketing coaching and self-publishing programs. She's also consolidating her entire tech stack onto one platform—a bigger undertaking that might help you reconsider your own setup. Andi's deep in the trenches finishing her book, Quilting on Video, and shares what that editing process actually feels like (spoiler: it's a lot like seam ripping). If you teach or sell quilting products, pay attention. QuiltCon 2028 (Phoenix) and FFF Fiber Fabric Festival applications are open through October 1st. Tori and Andi break down the quilting industry shows on the horizon—Crossroads, Road to California, and H+H's shifting footprint—so you can plan your 2024–2025 event strategy. Whether you're a pattern designer, teacher, longarm quilter, or shop owner, this episode reminds you why the fundamentals of staying connected to your local quilting community still matter—even as your business grows online. 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 (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.

  7. Jun 2

    Season 6 Recap - Our Longest Season yet!

    Send us Fan Mail Six seasons. Over a hundred episodes. Three years of real talk about building a quilting business on the side — and Tori and Andi are not done yet. In this Season 6 finale, the co-hosts take a walk down memory lane through what turned out to be their longest season yet — 21 episodes packed with guests, trade show adventures, solo experiments, and more than a few lessons learned the hard way. They recap the full guest lineup from Season 6: a cross-promotion episode with Brandy Maslowski of Quilter on Fire, mindset and weight loss coaching with Dara Tomasson, a masterclass on summits and email marketing from Jamie Bright, a return visit with Theresa Benson (The AI Quilter) on navigating AI ethically in 2026, self-publishing powerhouse Kathryn LeBlanc, Monika and her Canadian subscription box business Quilt the North, mosaic appliqué artist Cindy of Patterns on the Prairie, and pattern designer Brooke Stambersky of Brooke's Bitchin' Stitches. They also revisit their h+h Americas thread — from booth planning and brochures to the show floor rapid fire episode to the full panel debrief — and reflect on the solo episode format they experimented with this season. Andi shares a sneak peek at her upcoming book, Quilting on Video, and the hosts close out with honest thoughts on a "Top 40 Quilting Podcasts" nod — and why they're taking it with a grain of salt.  Need some more help starting a YouTube channel? Grab Andi's No-Fear Filming Checklist here. Season 7 is coming in August or September. Until then, there are over 100 episodes waiting for you. Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Three Years of Quilting on the Side 03:04 Highlights from Season Six Guests 06:31 Exploring AI in Quilting with Teresa 08:01 Kathryn LeBlanc: The Multi-Passionate Quilter 09:47 Navigating the Canadian Quilting Business with Monica 10:58 Building a Business Without Social Media: Joyce's Story 12:33 Andi's Journey into YouTube and Book Writing 13:19 Brooke's Bitchin' Stitches: Balancing Business and Life 14:49 H and H Rapid Fire: Insights from the Trade Show 17:37 Diverse Perspectives from the H and H Panel Discussion 20:01 Recapping Season Six and Looking Ahead to Season Seven 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.

  8. May 26

    Was it Worth it? What 5 Quilting Professionals Learned at h+h Americas

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when a tech editor, a marketing coach, and three quilt pattern designers and teachers walk into the h+h americas Trade show? These are five quilting business owners with wildly different game plans — and a lot of honest hindsight. In this special panel episode, Tori and Andi sit down with three of the friends they spent the week with at h+h Americas in Chicago — Kaitlyn Fritsch of Fritsch in Stitches, Laureen Smith of Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts, and Brooke Stambersky of Brooke's Bitchin' Stitches — to recap what the show was actually like, mistakes and all. The prep stories alone run the full spectrum: Tori planned a full year out for a $2,500 booth, while Kaitlyn decided to go just two weeks before and scrambled through business-card drama to make it happen. From there, the group digs into what they did on the floor, how they're handling follow-up now that they're home (spoiler: a marketing coach admits she forgot to collect contact info), and the moments that made it all worth it - from Laureen getting stopped by a quilting-world celebrity to Brooke's big fangirl moment. They don't sugarcoat the hard parts either: the overwhelm, the exhaustion, an unkind vendor, and the honest question every side-hustler eventually has to ask — is this a business investment, or just a really expensive hobby? If you've ever wondered whether a show like h+h is worth your time and money, this conversation will help you decide. Guests: Kaitlyn from Fritsch in Stitches  Laureen from Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts  Brooke from Brooke's Bitchin' Stitches  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Panelist Introductions 02:31 Preparation for H & H: Different Approaches 09:16 Experiences at H & H: Strategies and Insights 28:50 The Importance of Follow-Up and Networking 32:40 Navigating Post-Event Overwhelm 41:17 Strategies for Effective Follow-Up 44:39 Lessons Learned from Mistakes 45:40 Highs and Lows of the Experience 01:01:21 Reflections on Value and Future Plans 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.

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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
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Quilting on the Side
  • Show Website
    Quilting on the Side

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