A Quilting Life Podcast
Arts
About
Discussions on quilting, fabric, inspiration, creativity and more. Hosted by mother and daughter Moda fabric designers Sherri McConnell and Chelsi Stratton, A Quilting Life Podcast with Sherri & Chelsi is a series of light-hearted and informative conversations that provide the listener with quilting industry news, quilting tips, and creative inspiration.
Episodes
- Author Laura Vanderkam | Helping Quilters Find More Time to Sew and Quilt
Sherri interviews author Laura Vanderkam about her new book "Big Time." Vanderkam shares advice to help quilters manage their time and find more opportunities for sewing and quilting.
- Camille Roskelley of Thimble Blossoms
Camille Roskelley of Thimble Blossoms joins Sherri and Chelsi to discuss her introduction to quilting, business development, creative routines, and new fabric collections.
- Quilting Day Habits, Pressing vs Ironing, and Preventing Puckering & Wavy Borders
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, hosts Sherri and Chelsi explore their personal quilting habits. They also differentiate between the techniques of pressing and ironing fabric and provide guidance on how to avoid common issues li…
- Selecting the Right Batting, Altering Quilt Patterns, & Naming a Quilt Shop
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi address listener questions covering topics such as selecting appropriate quilt batting, altering existing quilt patterns, and the process of naming a quilt shop. They also touch on inspiring younger gener…
- Choosing a Spring Color Palette, Spring Cleaning, and Spring Sewing
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss the importance of spring cleaning in sewing spaces to start the spring sewing season. They also share favorite spring colors and create individual color palettes.
- The Quilting Process and Photographing Quilts
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi of A Quilting Life Podcast define the stages of the quilting process, including fabric selection, cutting, piecing, and binding. They also share advice on how to best photograph finished quilts and projec…
- Fabric Trends, Vintage Fabric Uses, & Revisit Desert Bloom Fabric Collection
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi talk about current fabric trends and their relevance to designers. They also cover how to use vintage fabrics and unfinished projects, and revisit their Desert Bloom fabric collection, discussing its sign…
- Sewing with Small Pieces and Valentine's Day Fun & Surprises
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, Sheri and Chelsi offer advice for sewing with small pieces, discussing helpful tools and notions. They also play a Valentine's Day themed round of Start, Bench, Cut and reveal a surprise.
- 2025 A Quilting Life Awards Show
In the 2025 A Quilting Life Awards Show episode, hosts Sherri and Chelsi reveal the winners of the awards, discuss their favorite quilts, patterns, and fabric lines from the year, and Billy shares the most popular podcast and video content…
- 2026 Quilting Goals and Looking at the Year Ahead
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss their quilting goals for 2026 and tease upcoming events.
- Managing Fabric During a Mystery Sew Along, Favorite Pre-Cut Quilts, and h+h Show
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, hosts Sherri and Chelsi answer listener questions about fabric management during mystery sew alongs and discuss their preferred pre-cut fabrics for quilt making. They also touch upon the cancella…
- Designing the Birch & Willow Fabric Collection and Making the 2025 Quilting "Nice List"
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, hosts Sherri and Chelsi discuss the development of their new fabric collection, Birch & Willow, detailing its design and potential use in upcoming quilt patterns. They also share their personal "…
- New Fabric Announcement, Christmas Sewing, and Favorite Christmas Things
In this episode, hosts Sherri and Chelsi discuss their plans for Christmas sewing in 2025 and share some of their favorite Christmas things. They also announce the share date for a new fabric collection, with the reveal set for Friday, Dec…
- Hawaiian Quilt Retreat and Giving Thanks in 2025
Sherri reviews a recent Hawaiian quilt retreat on Kauai, detailing attendee projects and other activities. Hosts Sherri, Chelsi, and Billy discuss their 2025 Thanksgiving gratitude and anticipated holiday dishes.
- Kaitlyn Howell of Knot & Thread
Kaitlyn Howell of Knot and Thread Designs shares her experience transitioning from long arm quilting to becoming a pattern designer and business owner. She covers her business growth, creative methods, current trends in quilting and bag ma…
- Sizing Considerations in Quilts and Start, Bench, Cut Halloween Edition
Sherri and Chelsi discuss quilt sizing considerations such as block size, overall quilt dimensions, and print scale. They also play a Halloween edition of
- 2025 Quilt Market Recap, Moda 50 Year Anniversary, and Exciting New Collaborations
Sherri and Chelsi recap the 2025 International Quilt Market in Houston, Texas. The episode covers the 50th anniversary of Moda Fabrics, new collaborations with Moda and Shannon Fabrics, and features new fabric lines from Moda designers.
- Introducing the Poinsettia & Pear Fabric Collection
In this episode, hosts Sherri and Chelsi introduce their new Poinsettia & Pear fabric collection. They discuss the inspiration behind the Christmas-themed fabrics and how they can be used for various projects, not just holiday ones. Sherri…
- Coloring Quilt Patterns, Attending Quilt Shows and Why Square Quilts?
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, hosts Sherri and Chelsi address listener inquiries covering topics such as coloring quilt patterns, appropriate stitch lengths for various projects, quilt batting, long arm quilting costs, and gu…
- Fantasy Fabric Draft and Favorite Fall Fabrics and Decor
In this episode, hosts Sherri and Chelsi take part in a fantasy fabric draft, choosing Moda Solids for a potential Fall fabric collection. They also talk about their preferred fabrics and decor for the autumn season.
- Sewing with Unreleased Fabric and our Top "Go-To" Quilts
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share their methods for sewing with unreleased fabric collections and discuss their favorite "go-to" quilt patterns that are suitable for quick completion.
- New Sewing Studio and Back to School Memories
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, host Sherri introduces her new sewing studio, offering advice for setting up new creative spaces. She is joined by Chelsi and Billy to share personal memories related to returning to school.
- Jenelle Kent of Pieces to Treasure
Sherri welcomes Jenelle Kent, a quilter and fabric designer from Australia, to the A Quilting Life Podcast. Jenelle shares her experiences as a quilter, fabric designer, and shop owner, and discusses her new fabric line, Summer Solstice.
- Struggles Quilters Face and Keeping a Positive Mindset
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss their early quilting challenges and how they were overcome. They also emphasize the significance of maintaining a positive attitude while quilting.
- The Right Amount of Projects, Sample Sewing, and Displaying a Quilt on Your Bed
In this episode, hosts Sherri and Chelsi address listener questions. Topics include the comfortable number of projects to work on simultaneously, how Sherri became involved in sample sewing, and advice on displaying a quilt on a bed.
- Modavation Recap, Trimming Quilt Blocks Down, and Placing Low Volume Fabrics in Quilts
In this episode, Sherri discusses her experience at the Modavation retreat in Dallas, sharing insights and news. She and Chelsi also address listener questions about trimming quilt blocks and the placement of low volume fabrics in quilts.
- St. George Retreat Wrap-Up, New Quilt Retreat Tips, and Simple Quilted Gift Ideas
Sherri and Chelsi discuss their St. George quilt retreat with Camille Roskelley, covering retreat activities and offering advice for future attendees. They also highlight gifted items, many suitable as presents for quilting enthusiasts.
- Vanessa Christenson of V and Co.
Sherri interviews Vanessa Christenson, a Moda fabric designer and quilter known for her ombre fabrics. Vanessa shares her experiences in quilting, blogging, and connecting with Moda, along with insights on using ombre fabrics. Listeners ca…
- Quilt Block Construction from Idea to Finished Block and Writing Quality Quilt Patterns
Sherri and Chelsi discuss their method for creating quilt blocks, from initial concept to sewing completion. They also cover the elements of effective quilt patterns and the importance of pattern proofreading before publication.
- 2025 Quilter's Tool Buyer Guide and Traditional Piecing vs Specialty Rulers
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, hosts Sherri and Chelsi provide their 2025 Quilter's Tool buyer guide, highlighting beneficial tools and notions for quilters. They also compare traditional piecing methods with the use of specia…
- Saving Scraps and Planning out Scrap Quilts
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share their methods for saving and organizing fabric scraps. They also explain their approach to designing and constructing scrap quilts.
- Deep Dive into Designing a New Fabric Collection and Making Crisp Quilt Blocks
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi of A Quilting Life Podcast answer listener questions about the process of designing a new fabric collection. They also share techniques and tools, including sprays, for creating crisp and flat quilt block…
- Quilt Making Process | Starting a New Project & Sewing Efficiently and Accurately
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share their quilting processes, detailing how they approach starting new original projects compared to those created by others. They also provide advice and tips on sewing more efficiently and accurately.
- Delightfully Yours Fabric Collection
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, hosts Sherri and Chelsi introduce their new fabric collection, "Delightfully Yours." They talk about the inspiration behind the line, highlight favorite floral and basic prints, and mention that…
- Building a Quilting Bucket List
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, hosts Sherri and Chelsi share items on their personal quilting bucket lists. They also provide details about an upcoming fabric collection launching on February 28th, 2025, and engage in a series…
- An In Depth Look at Thread and Favorite Valentine's Day Quilts & Decor
Sherri and Chelsi of A Quilting Life Podcast discuss thread for piecing, quilting, and binding, including unexpected information about thread count in wide backings. They also share their favorite Valentine's Day quilts and home decor.
- 2025 Goals, AI in Quilting and Advancements in Quilting over the last 25 years
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, hosts Sherri and Chelsi outline their quilting aspirations for 2025. They reflect on the evolution of quilting over the last quarter-century and speculate about its future in 2050, including a di…
- 1st Annual A Quilting Life Awards and Favorite Bella Solid Fabrics
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, hosts Sherri and Chelsi cover upcoming sew-alongs and their preferred Bella Solid fabrics. They also introduce the inaugural A Quilting Life Awards for 2024, detailing their chosen fabric colors…
- How Much Fabric Should I Buy, Masculine Fabric Lines & Paper Patterns vs PDF
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, Sherri and Chelsi address listener questions about the advantages and disadvantages of paper versus PDF sewing patterns, beginner quilt retreats, how to determine fabric quantities, and the avail…
- Moda Fabric Designer Janet Clare
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, host Sherri speaks with Moda fabric designer Janet Clare from England. Janet shares her experiences as a quilter and fabric designer, provides quilting advice, and discusses the creation of her A…
- Sherri & Chelsi Quilt Retreat Info, 2024 Christmas Sewing and Recapping a Busy Year
In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi provide details about their May 2025 Quilt retreat with Camille Roskelley. They also discuss their holiday sewing projects and reflect on their accomplishments in 2024.
- Last Minute Quilting Gifts, Giving Thanks and Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Debate
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, hosts Sherri and Chelsi share ideas for last-minute quilting gifts and express thanks for listener support. They also engage in a fun debate about Thanksgiving dinner menu choices and tease some…
- Another Terrific Quilt Market! | 2024 International Quilt Market Recap
Sherri, Chelsi, and Billy discuss their experiences at the 2024 International Quilt Market in Houston. Billy, attending for the first time, shares his impressions, while Sherri and Chelsi highlight the event's key moments. The episode also…
- Prolific Quilter Nancy Lane
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, host Sherri interviews quilter Nancy Lane. Nancy shares her background as a professional seamstress and costume designer at Disney for nearly 20 years before becoming a prolific quilter. She disc…
- Preparing for Quilt Market and Finding a Long-Arm Quilter
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, hosts Sherri and Chelsi cover preparations for the International Quilt Market, including advice for newcomers. They also discuss starting a long-arm quilting business and how to locate a long-arm…
- Selecting the Right Stitch Length, Hanging Quilts on Walls, and Cutting Mat Lifespans
In this episode of A Quilting Life Podcast, Sherri and Chelsi answer listener questions on topics including stitch length for piecing, creating napkins and placemats, hanging mini quilts, and maintaining cutting mats and rotary blades.
- Garden of Quilts Recap, Family Favorites Sew-Along, and Quilting History Resources
Sherri and Chelsi announce a new sew-along for Chelsi's Brightly quilt. Sherri recaps her experience teaching at the Garden of Quilts festival. Billy shares quilting history resources, including documentaries and an interview with Ken Burn…
- Electric Quilt 8 Software and Designing Quilt Patterns
In this episode, hosts Sherri and Chelsi explore the Electric Quilt 8 software, which they use for designing quilt patterns. They cover recently released features and discuss how the software has aided their design process over the years.
- Lissa Alexander from Moda Fabrics
Lissa Alexander, head of marketing for Moda Fabrics and author, joins A Quilting Life Podcast. She shares her journey from quilt shop employee to marketing executive, her experience designing scrappy quilts, and methods for teaching childr…
- Back to School Means Back to Sewing and Quilting in Literature, Film, and Television
Sherri and Chelsi share their summer quilting accomplishments and future plans. They also explore the presence of quilting in popular culture, including literature, film, and television.