The First Stitch: Every Quilter Has a Story

Lisa Donnelly
  • 5.0 (2)
  • HOBBIES

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. 16H AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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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