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. 3D AGO

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

    Send us 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 The conversation highlights the importance of using relevant keywords naturally in content, avoiding outdated practices like keyword stuffing, and ensuring that businesses are visible across various platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.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? 🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Tori’s 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.

    39 min

  2. JAN 20

    Podcaster Meet-up with Brandy Maslowski, The Quilter on Fire

    Send us a text In this engaging conversation, Brandy Maslowski, Tori McElwain, and Andi Stanfield explore their quilting journeys, the evolution of their businesses, and the impact of podcasting in the quilting community. They share personal stories about their first quilts, discuss the significance of color trends in quilting, and delve into the role of AI in their businesses. The episode also highlights their current projects, future plans, and the importance of community and creativity in the quilting world. Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Quilting and Podcasting Journeys 02:56 The Evolution of Quilting and Business Strategies 05:47 Personal Quilting Stories and Inspirations 08:58 Discussion on Pantone Color of the Year 11:46 Books and Resources in the Quilting Community 14:44 Podcasting Insights and Tips 20:37 AI in Quilting and Business 33:51 Current Projects and Future Plans 46:41 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts Connect with Brandy Quilter on Fire Podcast Quilter on Fire on YouTube Instagram Website - for classes and more! More about the Fiber Fix Fam 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 Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts Support the show If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

    1h 14m

  3. JAN 13

    Balancing Life and Business | Season 6 Kick-off!

    Send us a text In this episode, Tori and Andi kick off Season Six by discussing the challenges of work-life balance for entrepreneurs, particularly those in the quilting community. They explore the unrealistic expectations of balance, the importance of self-care, and the need to acknowledge tougher times. The conversation emphasizes the significance of structuring time for learning and creativity, utilizing time blocking for productivity, and the duality of being both a creative and a business owner. They also invite listeners to join Tori's upcoming book club and reflect on their own strategies for managing their time and responsibilities. Mentioned in the Episode (click to visit): Goal Planning Podcast Episode Our Interview with Karlee Porter Book Club for Workshops Unleashed Join Fiber Fix Fam with Brandy (the Quilter on Fire) and Mel Beach, along with Tori, for a monthly creative boost! Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights. Chapters 00:00 Kicking Off Season Six: Intentions and Planning 02:48 Navigating Work-Life Balance as Entrepreneurs 05:44 Understanding the Glass and Rubber Analogy 08:37 The Importance of Self-Care and Acknowledging Grief 11:42 Structuring Time for Learning and Creativity 14:36 Time Blocking for Productivity 17:30 Combining Marketing with Creative Time 20:42 The Batman and Bruce Wayne Analogy 23:32 Creating Accountability in Your Craft 26:31 Final Thoughts on Balancing Life and Business 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 Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts Support the show If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

    34 min

  4. 12/09/2025

    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

  5. 12/02/2025

    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

  6. 11/25/2025

    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

  7. 11/18/2025

    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

  8. 11/11/2025

    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
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Quilting on the Side
  • Show Website
    Quilting on the Side

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