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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.

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Quilting on the Side

Market Research & Trends in the Quilting Industry

August 19, 2025 • Andi Stanfield and Tori McElwain • Season 5 • Episode 1

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Summary
In 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 of 'bed rotting' and its connection to sleep trends, as well as Tori's transition to full-time entrepreneurship. The conversation delves into market research strategies, emphasizing the significance of understanding one's ideal customer and engaging with the community. They wrap up by inviting listeners to join their Patreon for deeper engagement and support.

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Takeaways

Season five marks a significant milestone for the podcast.
Tori's experience at H & H was more focused and goal-oriented this year.
Learning to notice trends can enhance marketing strategies.
The concept of 'bed rotting' reflects a shift in lifestyle and relaxation.
Tori has transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship, focusing on course design and digital marketing coaching.
Understanding your ideal customer is crucial for effective marketing.
Market research can be simple and quick to conduct.
Engaging with your audience helps identify trends and needs.
We offer a community on Patreon that offers deeper engagement and support.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Season Five
02:56 Reflections on H & H Event
04:16 Exploring Trends in Quilting
11:30 The Shift Towards Smaller Projects
13:19 Tori's Leap into Full-Time Business
18:27 Understanding Market Research
25:50 Wrapping Up and Community Engagement

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