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.

  1. APR 1

    We're Taking a Spring Break + Exciting News!

    Today’s episode is a super-quick update about The First Stitch that I wanted to share with you directly. (And no, it's not an April Fool's Day joke!) We're taking a spring break for the months of April and May, and new episodes will return this summer on Wednesday, June 10th! Life is full right now in the best possible ways (a few more details are included in the episode!), and I LOVE creating this podcast for you…so I'm making a few adjustments. Starting in June, new episodes will drop every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Twice a month, every month. It's a slight change that is going to make a big difference in keeping this show going strong for the long haul! Make sure you're subscribed to my newsletter so you don't miss the June 10th return (plus keep up on behind-the-scenes fun and snag a first-look at what I hope will be my new quilting studio!), and I'll see you then. Thanks for being here. It means more than you know! Subscribe and get quilting freebies! And speaking of stories... have you been thinking about sharing yours? I would love to hear it! I’m still collecting stories over the break, and your First Stitch story could be featured in an upcoming episode!  Email: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com Submit your story Wild Plum Lane Shop Wild Plum Lane's Amazon Storefront

    2 min

  2. MAR 25

    12: Marissa's First Stitch Story + Sewing in Small Bites of Time

    First Stitch Story: Meet Marissa In this episode I share Marissa's story. She's 31, finished her very first quilt last year, and her journey into quilting is one of the most honest and heartwarming stories featured on the show yet. From years of putting creativity aside to making quilts for her son, her mom, and her aunt, I love everything about this story. Hear it in Marissa's own words in this episode. WIP-Finishing Tip: Sew in Small Bites of Time Marissa sews when she can, around a very busy 2-year-old. And honestly? That's how most of us are quilting…around the rest of life! So today's tip is all about making those small pockets of time count. I share a simple strategy for breaking your current WIP down into tiny next steps so you can make real progress even in 10 to 15 minutes. No more sitting down and losing half your sewing time just figuring out where you left off! This one is quick, actionable, and a tip you can start using today. From My Sewing Room: Precut Fabric Bundles Today's recommendation is for anyone who has ever lost a whole sewing session to fabric auditions and second-guessing. Been there. Done that!  I'm talking about precut fabric bundles, specifically charm packs and fat quarter bundles. These are a total game-changer for newer quilters and for anyone who wants to sit down and start sewing immediately without the decision fatigue. I share my favorites and where to find them in the episode. Shop Fabric Bundles at Wild Plum Lane Shop Fat Quarter Shop precut bundles    Share Your First Stitch Story! Your story might be next! If you'd like to share how you got started sewing or quilting and possibly be featured in a future episode, I'd love to hear from you. Email your story: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com Quick story submission form

    5 min

  3. MAR 18

    11: Lana's First Stitch Story + Why Labeling Your Quilts Matters

    First Stitch Story: Meet Lana In this episode, we meet Lana from Oklahoma, whose love of quilting has carried her through decades, dozens of moves, and a life full of beautiful, meaningful moments. Lana's story is one I know you're going to love... especially her Christmas finish that was 30 years in the making! You'll hear about a very special hand-embroidered label, what it said, and why it was so meaningful. It's the kind of finish story that makes you want to go dig through your own WIP pile right now. WIP-Finishing Tip: Label Your Quilts Every Time Lana's story is the perfect lead-in to today's tip, because she mentioned something that so many of us can relate to. Her early quilts don't have dates on them, and now she has no idea when she made them. Today's tip is simple: before you consider a project truly done, add a label with the date. I share a few easy ways to make this happen without it feeling like one more big task at the end of your project. Because the truth is, future you (and the people who receive your quilts!) will be so glad you did. From My Sewing Room: Ever Emblem Labels Speaking of labels... this episode wouldn't be complete without sharing one of my favorite ways to make labeling quick and easy. I'm talking about Ever Emblem labels on Amazon. They're iron-on, customizable, and they look beautiful on any finished quilt. Whether you're finishing a 30-year WIP like Lana or wrapping up a weekend project, a label is what gives your quilt its story. I'll share a bit more about why I love them and how they work in the episode! Browse Ever Emblem labels  My favorite 2" x 3" (sew on or iron on) labels 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 from you! Send an email to: firststitch@wildplumlane.com Or use the quick submission form Get 10% off your first order at wildplumlane.com!

    5 min

  4. MAR 11

    10: Janet's First Stitch Story + Tips for Visualizing Your Quilt Project

    First Stitch Story: Meet Janet In this episode, we meet Janet, a self-described beginner quilter whose story is quietly extraordinary. She learned alongside her mom, worked together on quilts for her twin granddaughters, and then faced the moment so many of us dread: having to carry on alone after losing the person who quilted beside her. What she did next is something I think every quilter needs to hear. And the fact that she's now passing the whole beautiful tradition down to her own granddaughters? The best! WIP-Finishing Tip: Test Before You Commit Today's WIP-finishing tip is one of the simplest things you can do to save yourself time, money, and a lot of frustration. If you've ever sewn a block together and realized the fabrics aren't doing what you pictured in your head, this tip is for you! I share a few quick tricks that let you see how your fabrics will actually read together before you're committed to a full project. What to do with leftover quilt blocks Free Quilt Coloring Pages  Want to try out fabric combinations before you ever pick up a rotary cutter? Grab my free quilt coloring pages through my Quilting Freebies All Access Pass! It's a simple, low-commitment way to play with color and value before you commit to a single cut. Share Your First Stitch Story Your story might be next! Every quilter has a beginning, and we would love to hear yours. 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: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com Submit your story

    7 min

  5. MAR 4

    9: Debbie's First Stitch Story + Binding Tips to Finish Your Quilts

    First Stitch Story: Meet Debbie In this episode, we meet Debbie, whose quilting journey took her from a childhood filled with stunning handmade clothes sewn by her talented mom, to walking away from sewing entirely after a difficult experience, to finally finding her way back to the craft in retirement. Debbie's story is a reminder that the creative things we are meant for have a way of finding us again. Four years in and nearly a dozen quilts later, she is still learning, still sewing, and still showing up! WIP-Finishing Tip: The Secret to Finally Finishing Your Quilt Binding Binding is actually my favorite step in the quilting process. It’s that final touch that takes a quilt from "almost done" to ready to snuggle! But I know it can feel like a stumbling block for a lot of quilters. Today’s episode shares several options for getting binding done that you may not have considered...including one that makes it a social occasion and another that gets the job done without a single hand stitch. There's a finishing path here for everyone! Tool of the Day: Clover Wonder Clips If you have ever held your binding down with one hand and stitched with the other until your hand was completely exhausted, you need Wonder Clips in your life. I’m sharing the story of how I discovered Wonder Clips at a lunchtime quilt group, and why I immediately went home and ordered a pack. They hold your binding perfectly in place while you stitch…they’re a small tool with a big impact! Shop Wonder Clips Get Mini Wonder Clips 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

    6 min

  6. FEB 25

    8: Beth's First Stitch Story + Creating Your Own Quilt Retreat Day

    First Stitch Story: Meet Beth In this episode, we meet Beth, whose sewing journey spans decades...from her first White sewing machine purchased in 1982 to rediscovering quilting after retirement. After years of raising three daughters and running a business, Beth came back to quilting in a big way. Her story is a wonderful reminder that it's never too late to pick up where you left off and make up for lost time! WIP-Finishing Tip: Create Your Own Quilt Retreat Day Today's WIP-finishing tip is all about carving out dedicated time to actually make progress. If you have trouble squeezing in time to quilt, I share how to create your very own at-home quilt retreat day...complete with permission to let the laundry wait! It's a game-changer for making real progress on your quilt WIPs. Get All the Essentials for Your Quilt Retreat Day If you're getting ready for a quilting retreat day and need supplies, be sure to check out my Amazon storefront. I've gathered links to many of my favorite quilting tools and notions — the things I personally use to stay organized, sew efficiently, and actually make forward progress on my projects. I hope they will be helpful for you, too! Shop my Amazon Storefront for Quilting Supplies 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: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com Submit your story: Quick Submission Form

    3 min

  7. FEB 18

    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

  8. 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
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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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