The First Stitch: Every Quilter Has a Story
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.
The First Stitch: Every Quilter Has a Story
11: Lana's First Stitch Story + Why Labeling Your Quilts Matters
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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!
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
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