Quilting on the Side
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.
Episodes
83 episodes
The Art of Quilt Design with Laureen Smith
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, host Andi and co-host Tori welcome Laureen Smith, a prolific quilt designer and former chemical engineer. Laureen shares her journey from the corporate world to quilting, detailing her early experiences ...
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Season 5
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Episode 10
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1:02:16
Creative Solutions for Quilt Samples
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori discuss the challenges quilt business owners face with accumulating sample quilts. They explore various options for managing these samples, including giving them away, repurposing them into...
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Season 5
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Episode 9
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34:01
From Hobby to Business: Our Chat with Tasha Haynes
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, host Andy welcomes Tasha Haynes, a passionate quilter who transitioned from a hobbyist to a business owner. Tasha shares her journey of starting quilting in 2015, the challenges of turning her passion in...
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Season 5
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Episode 8
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36:09
Lessons from 75 Episodes of Quilting on the Side
In this celebratory episode of the Quilting on the Side podcast, hosts Andi and Tori reflect on their journey through 75 episodes, sharing lessons learned, the importance of authenticity, and the value of community. They discuss the challenges ...
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Season 5
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Episode 7
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35:42
The Crossroads of AI and Quilting with Theresa
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori welcome Teresa, the AI Quilter, who shares her journey from the semiconductor industry to the world of quilting and artificial intelligence. Teresa discusses her passion for teaching ...
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Season 5
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Episode 6
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49:31
Navigating Black Friday: Holiday Sales Strategy
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori discuss effective holiday planning strategies for small businesses, particularly in the quilting industry. They explore the pros and cons of participating in Black Friday sales, emphasizing...
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Season 5
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Episode 5
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38:58
How to Handle Controversy, Difficult Conversations, & More with Dara Tomasson
In this powerful episode of Quilting on the Side, Tori and Andi welcome back their favorite coach for quilters, Dara Tomasson, for a timely conversation about mindset, controversy, and emotional resilience in business. Together, they e...
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Season 5
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Episode 4
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40:46
Put Your Expertise in Print: Self-Publishing for Creative Entrepreneurs
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori discuss the journey of self-publishing, particularly in the quilting community. They share their personal experiences, reflection questions for aspiring authors, and the realities of the pu...
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Season 5
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Episode 3
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52:33
All About Fabric Design with Riley Blake Designer Jennifer Long
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori chat with Jennifer Long of Sew a Story about her journey from a hobbyist quilter to a successful fabric designer and membership founder. Jennifer shares her early experiences with quilting,...
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Season 5
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Episode 2
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58:50
Market Research & Trends in the Quilting Industry
SummaryIn this episode, Andi and Tori celebrate the launch of Season Five, reflecting on their experiences at the H & H event and discussing the importance of recognizing trends in the quilting industry. They explore the concept ...
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Season 5
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Episode 1
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28:37
Season 4 Recap
In this episode, Andi and Tori celebrate the conclusion of Season Four of their podcast, reflecting on the incredible journey they've had with their guests and the insights shared throughout the season. 👉 Don’t miss this inspirin...
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Season 4
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Episode 15
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27:16
Get a Mindset Boost with a Life Coach
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori welcome back Dara Tomasson, a life coach for quilters. They discuss the importance of emotional regulation, the shift from weight loss to mindset coaching, and the challenges of balancing m...
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Season 4
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Episode 14
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27:34
Work Smarter With AI Tools
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and quilting. They discuss the basics of AI, its applications in the quilting community, and the limitations of AI-generated content...
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Season 4
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Episode 13
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37:16
My Summit Story
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi shares her experiences participating in the Quilted Summit, discussing the benefits of collaboration, presentation styles, and the importance of engaging with an audience. She highlights the lessons...
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Season 4
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Episode 12
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26:37
Stitching Success
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori interview Susan Smith, a quilter with a rich family history in quilting. Susan shares her journey from learning to quilt on a treadle machine in a log cabin to turning her passion int...
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Season 4
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Episode 11
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35:57
Step on Stage: Tips for Speaking to Quilt Guilds
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori discuss the ins and outs of presenting at quilt guilds. They cover the definition and purpose of quilt guilds, how to get started with presentations, the importance of networking, ...
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Season 4
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Episode 10
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29:54
Empowering Women in Business
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori chat with Devan Robinson, a versatile entrepreneur and podcast editor. Devan shares her journey, transitioning from life coaching to marketing strategist, while highlighting ...
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Season 4
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Episode 9
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40:00
Rapid Fire Interviews from QuiltCon 2025
In this exciting episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori bring the energy and excitement of QuiltCon 2025 straight to your earbuds! They hit the ground ...
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Season 4
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Episode 8
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23:55
QuiltCon 2025 Recap
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori discuss their experiences at QuiltCon 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. They share insights on the vibrant quilting community, the artistic expressions seen in the quilts, and the importance ...
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Season 4
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Episode 7
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20:51
From Self Doubt to Self Mastery
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Jennifer Parks from Jenny K Quilts shares her transformative journey in the quilting business, emphasizing the i...
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Season 4
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Episode 6
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42:57
Launch it Again!
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori dive deep into the world of relaunching older products and services in the quilting business. They discuss why revisiting and reintroducing products can be a game-chang...
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26:31
Creating Space for a Crafting Community
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi sits down with Mindy Lewis, the passionate owner of Cozy Craft Room in Mesa, Arizona. Mindy shares her inspiring journey from crafting as a personal hobby to launching a thriving creative space for ...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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29:01
Keep on Learning!
In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori dive into the essential role of professional development for creatives looking to turn their hobbies into successful businesses. They discuss the importance of continuous learning,...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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18:24