The First Stitch: Every Quilter Has a Story

Lisa Donnelly
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Discover the shared experiences that connect all quilters. The First Stitch is the podcast dedicated to celebrating the journeys of the craft's most passionate members: YOU! Host Lisa Donnelly of Wild Plum Lane brings you short, impactful episodes that prove we are all more alike than we are different, no matter where or when we picked up our first set of needle and thread.Every week, you'll hear:-A Quilter’s Story: Hear the unique, personal accounts of how quilters began to quilt, overcome creative blocks, and found purpose in piecing. These are your stories, read aloud, emphasizing the universal themes of creativity, challenge, and community.-Finishing Focus: Practical, no-nonsense tips and actionable strategies for completing your quilt projects (WIPs/UFOs). It's gentle motivation to finish those beautiful quilts!-Quilting Tidbits: Essential, quick-hit information on tools, new fabric lines, techniques, and the latest happenings in the world of quilting.Join us to recognize your own journey in the stories of others, gain practical quilt project planning and organization skills, and feel more connected to the quilting community as a whole.New episodes are released every Wednesday morning.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    7: Judy's First Stitch Story + Are All Your WIPs Worth Finishing?

    First Stitch Story: Meet Judy In this episode, we meet Judy, whose quilting journey is a powerful story of finding purpose and joy after loss. From learning to sew in high school to making clothes for her children, and then rediscovering her love of sewing through quilting after her husband's passing, Judy's story reminds us that creativity can bring us back to life. Thirteen years and countless quilts later, she's still going strong! WIP-Finishing Tip: Are All Your WIPs Worth Finishing? Today's WIP-finishing tip is about giving yourself permission to let go. As we settle into the new year and take stock of our quilt WIPs, it's time to ask an important question: do you still want to complete all of them? If some projects just aren't speaking to you anymore, I share a quick way to clear your list and pass those projects on to someone who will love them! Today's Episode is Brought to You by Electric Quilt Company This episode is brought to you by Electric Quilt Company. One of my favorite ways to plan a quilt, especially when I'm writing patterns, is using EQ8 to test out colors, layouts, and fabric combinations before I ever cut into my fabric. Whether you're designing your own quilts or just want a better way to visualize a project before you start sewing, Electric Quilt is an incredibly powerful tool to have in your quilting toolbox. Check out EQ8!   Share Your First Stitch Story Your story might be next! Every quilter has a beginning to their story, and we'd love to hear yours. Plus, over the years you might have picked up tips or tricks you could share with others that might inspire another quilter! Share your personal quilting journey, your best project-finishing tip, or your "first stitch" moment. Your story may be read on an upcoming episode of The First Stitch. Email your story to: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com Submit your story using the Quick Submission Form

    4 min

  2. FEB 11

    6: Vickie's First Stitch Story + Taking a Bird's Eye View of Your WIPs

    First Stitch Story: Meet Vickie In this episode, we meet Vickie, whose quilting journey connects three generations through fabric and thread. Her story is a beautiful reminder of how quilting ties us to the people we love, and how a precious quilt from her grandmother changed everything. Now, 30 years and more than 40 quilts later, she's passing that love forward to her daughter! WIP-Finishing Tip: Take a Bird's Eye View Today's WIP-finishing tip is all about getting unstuck by stepping back and looking at what you actually need to move forward. Sometimes the smallest missing supply can keep us from making progress on a project we're excited about! I share a simple practice to help you identify what's missing and create a plan to get back to sewing. Today's Episode is Brought to You by Fat Quarter Shop This episode is brought to you by Fat Quarter Shop, one of my go-to places for pretty much everything quilting related. Fabric, notions, batting, wide backings, kits...they truly have it all! Plus, they've got 24-hour flash sales, precuts of the week, and discounts on their Basics of the Month, which are all great ways to stock up on staples without breaking the bank. Get the supplies you need to make progress at Fat Quarter Shop! Share Your First Stitch Story Your story might be next! Every quilter has a beginning to their story, and we'd love to hear yours. Plus, over the years you might have picked up tips or tricks you could share with others that might inspire another quilter! Share your personal quilting journey, your best project-finishing tip, or your "first stitch" moment. Your story may be read on an upcoming episode of The First Stitch. Email your story to: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com Quick Submission Form: Submit your story

    4 min

  3. FEB 4

    5: Lisa’s First Stitch Story + Making Quilting Fit Into Real Life

    First Stitch Story: Meet Lisa In this episode, we meet Lisa from Germany, whose love of quiltmaking has spanned decades…and is still evolving! Lisa shares how her creative interests developed over time, what continues to inspire her, and how she keeps learning new skills even as life grows full and busy. Her story is a thoughtful reminder that creativity doesn’t have an expiration date, and that making can adapt to every season of life. WIP-Finishing Tip: Keep Your Projects Within Reach Today’s WIP-finishing tip is all about making progress when time feels limited. Where your current quilt projects live can have a bigger impact than you might expect. I share a simple mindset shift that helps you take advantage of small pockets of time…without needing a long stretch in the sewing room. This approach works especially well for tasks like cutting, trimming, or prepping pieces ahead of time, so you can keep things moving forward even on busy days. A Peek Into My Studio I also share an update on a long-term quilting project I’m working on this year and how breaking it into small, weekly steps has made the process feel manageable and motivating. Taking things one piece at a time has helped me stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed. There’s also a meaningful story behind this project that connects quilt making across generations in a way that feels both grounding and inspiring. Email newsletter signup (to see project updates and photos) The Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt Book Share Your First Stitch Story Your story might be next! If you’d like to share how you got started sewing or making, and possibly be featured in a future episode, I’d love to hear from you! Send an email to: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com Or use the quick submission form

    3 min

  4. JAN 28

    4: Cynthia’s First Stitch Story + A Simple Step to Make Forward Progress on Your WIPs

    First Stitch Story: Meet Cynthia In this episode, we meet Cynthia, whose First Stitch story is rooted in generosity, tradition, and learning by doing. From being taught to quilt by hand, to creating deeply meaningful quilts for loved ones, Cynthia’s story highlights how quilting can carry history, love, and legacy forward in powerful ways. WIP-Finishing Tip: Make Progress in Minutes Today’s WIP-finishing tip is a simple one with big impact: set a timer. If starting feels hard or time feels tight, this small shift can help you get focused, build momentum, and move a project forward without needing a long sewing session. This episode includes a gentle challenge for this week to try it out and see what even a few minutes can do! From My Sewing Room: Cut-Resistant Work Gloves This week’s tool is all about quilting safely and protecting your hands. I’m sharing a tool I believe is essential to use alongside your rotary cutter (and important for kids who might be just learning!). It can help you avoid injuries that could keep you away from the sewing room longer than planned (no one wants that)!  My favorite cut-resistant work gloves: https://amzn.to/4aYkIf0  Share Your First Stitch Story Your story might be next! If you’d like to share how you got started sewing or quilting and be featured in a future episode, I’d love to hear it. Email: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com Submit Here: https://forms.gle/pVT851vkt32YwRVa8

    5 min

  5. JAN 21

    3: Mary’s First Stitch Story + A Simple Way to Prioritize Your WIPs

    First Stitch Story: Meet Mary In this episode, we meet Mary, a fellow Kansas City–area quilter whose creative path included early sewing lessons, a break for life, and then rediscovering sewing and quilting years later, Mary’s story touches on creativity, learning curves, and the joy of saying yes to something new. The Wind Blossom pattern that connected us: https://www.wildplumlane.com/shop/p/wind-blossom-pdf-quilt-pattern  WIP-Finishing Tip: Prioritize What Matters Today’s WIP-finishing tip is all about prioritizing your projects. When everything feels important, it’s easy to feel stuck. I walk through three-step process to narrow your focus so you can decide what to work on next…and then actually make progress! I also mention a couple of free tools that support this process, including one especially helpful for quilts that are headed out the door as gifts. Quilting Freebies All-Access Pass (Includes the Simple WIP Inventory and the Quilt Care Card): https://www.wildplumlane.com/quilting-freebies-sign-up From My Sewing Room: The Postcard Club This episode’s feature from my sewing room/studio is a little different…and all about connection! I’m sharing about my Postcard Club for Quilters, which is a low-effort, high-joy way to stay connected with the people you care about while celebrating quilting all year long. Postcard Club for Quilters: https://www.wildplumlane.com/postcard-club Share Your First Stitch Story We want to feature you on the show! Whether it’s your journey into quilting or a favorite project-finishing tip, your story might be read in an upcoming episode. Email: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com Submit Here: https://forms.gle/pVT851vkt32YwRVa8

    5 min

  6. JAN 14

    2: Dot’s First Stitch Story + Simple Organization Tips to Move Your Projects Forward

    First Stitch Story: Meet Dot! In this episode, we meet Dot, whose First Stitch story spans decades of making. From learning to sew as a child to a lifetime of creative work, Dot’s story is a beautiful reminder that creativity evolves…and that there’s no single path to becoming a quilter. WIP-Finishing Tip: A Simple Way to Get Unstuck If you’re feeling stalled on your works in progress, today’s WIP-finishing tip focuses on gentle organization…not perfection. I share a small, doable shift that can help you regain momentum without pulling everything out or overhauling your space. I also mention a free tool that helps you clarify what to work on next. You can access the free Simple WIP Inventory or read more about how to use it using the links below. Simple WIP Inventory: https://www.wildplumlane.com/quilting-freebies-sign-up  How to use it (Guest blog post): https://quilterscandy.com/tips-progress-on-quilt-projects/  From My Sewing Room This episode’s favorite tool is a surprisingly simple storage solution that’s become a go-to for managing my works in progress. It keeps projects visible, contained, and ready to pick back up when time allows. My favorite WIP storage containers: https://www.target.com/p/12-39-39-x-12-39-39-x-2-34-all-purpose-storage-tray-brightroom-8482/-/A-83279859#lnk=sametab Share Your First Stitch Story Your story might be next. If you’d like to share how you got started sewing or quilting, I’d love to hear it and feature YOU in a future episode! Email: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com Submit Here: https://forms.gle/pVT851vkt32YwRVa8

    3 min

  7. JAN 7

    Episode 1: My First Stitch Story + Tools to Help You Finish More Quilts

    In this episode, I’m sharing my own First Stitch story—from learning to sew with my mom and grandma, to returning to quilting (many!) years later and eventually founding Wild Plum Lane. It’s a little backstory on how quilting became such a meaningful part of my life. Free Resources to Help You Finish More Quilts To help you make progress on your works in progress, I’m sharing my free library of quilty planning and organization tools, including planners, WIP trackers, free patterns, and more.  Get your quilting freebies All Access Pass Favorite Tool of the Day I’m also highlighting one of my all-time favorite quilting tools: the Martelli ergonomic rotary cutter. I share why I switched to it, how it helped relieve my arthritis pain, and why it’s kept me quilting for years. Find the Martelli ergonomic rotary cutter  Share Your First Stitch Story I’d love to hear your First Stitch story! If you’d like to be featured in a future episode, you can submit your story here:  Send an email to: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com Or use our quick submission form

    4 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    Episode 0: Trailer

    Welcome to The First Stitch, where every quilter has a story. Join host Lisa Donnelly from Wild Plum Lane for a brand-new podcast celebrating the stories, tips, and connections that stitch our community together. What to Expect: -Short & Sweet: 5–10 minute episodes perfect for your morning coffee or a quick sewing break. -Weekly Inspiration: New episodes drop every Wednesday. -Practical Tips: Real-world advice on finishing your WIPs so you can start your next favorite project. -Community Stories: Authentic "first stitch" moments from quilters just like you. Share Your Story We want to feature you on the show! Whether it’s your journey into quilting or a favorite project-finishing tip, your story might be read in an upcoming episode. Email: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com Submit Here: https://forms.gle/pVT851vkt32YwRVa8    Go ahead and Subscribe/Follow to join us for our first full episode starting in January 2026! Website: https://www.wildplumlane.com/

    2 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Discover the shared experiences that connect all quilters. The First Stitch is the podcast dedicated to celebrating the journeys of the craft's most passionate members: YOU! Host Lisa Donnelly of Wild Plum Lane brings you short, impactful episodes that prove we are all more alike than we are different, no matter where or when we picked up our first set of needle and thread.Every week, you'll hear:-A Quilter’s Story: Hear the unique, personal accounts of how quilters began to quilt, overcome creative blocks, and found purpose in piecing. These are your stories, read aloud, emphasizing the universal themes of creativity, challenge, and community.-Finishing Focus: Practical, no-nonsense tips and actionable strategies for completing your quilt projects (WIPs/UFOs). It's gentle motivation to finish those beautiful quilts!-Quilting Tidbits: Essential, quick-hit information on tools, new fabric lines, techniques, and the latest happenings in the world of quilting.Join us to recognize your own journey in the stories of others, gain practical quilt project planning and organization skills, and feel more connected to the quilting community as a whole.New episodes are released every Wednesday morning.

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