A Quilting Life Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this engaging conversation, Kaitlyn Howell of Knot and Thread Designs shares her journey from a long arm quilter to a successful pattern designer and business owner. She discusses her early influences, the evolution of her business, and the importance of community support in the quilting world. Caitlin also delves into her creative process, the trends she observes in quilting and bag making, and how she balances her family life with her entrepreneurial endeavors. The conversation concludes with Caitlin offering a discount code for her patterns, encouraging listeners to explore her designs. Thank you Kaitlyn for sharing your quilting life with us today!

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1118069/support

Show Notes Blog Post:https://www.aquiltinglife.com/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-153-show-notes/

Cozy Earth 40% off with our code AQUILTINGLIFE: https://cozyearth.com/pages/quiltinglife

Kaitlyn’s Shop: https://knotandthread.com/discount/AQUILTINGLIFE20

Coupon Code AQUILTINGLIFE20 for 20% off all patterns.

Knot & Thread YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@knotandthread

Longarm League Link: https://www.longarmleague.com/?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.longarmleague.com%2Fa%2F20609%2FrMxmtCvq

Quilt Organization List:

https://makervalleybrand.com/products/quilting-organizer-pdf-pack

https://www.byannie.com/

https://toukrainewithlove.org/

Stay in the know for all things A Quilting Life--sign up for our weekly newsletter here: https://aquiltinglife.kit.com/42c3a81ccd

NOTE: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links.

Where to Find Us:

Facebook: A Quilting Life with Sherri & Chelsi: https://www.facebook.com/groups/459389991531728/

A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com

Chelsi Stratton Blog: https://chelsistratton.wordpress.com/

A Quilting Life Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aquiltinglife

A Quilting Life Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aquiltinglife/

Chelsi Stratton Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelsistratton/

A Quilting Life Pattern Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SherriQuilts

Chelsi Stratton Pattern Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/StrattonHandmade 

Visit the A Quilting Life YouTube channel for more great video content: https://www.youtube.com/aquiltinglife

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and your review could be read on the show

Support the show

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss all the different aspects of sizing that is considered when designing and piecing a quilt. They discuss block sizing, overall quilt size, and what size prints to use throughout a quilt. The crew then shifts their focus to the upcoming Halloween weekend and play a fun Halloween version of Star, Bench, Cut. We hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween weekend!

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1118069/support

Show Notes Blog Post: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/?p=32405

Cozy Earth 20% off with our code AQUILTINGLIFE https://cozyearth.com/pages/quiltinglife

Stay in the know for all things A Quilting Life--sign up for our weekly newsletter here: https://aquiltinglife.kit.com/42c3a81ccd

Patchwork Moments (Quilt on the Wall & Table): https://tidd.ly/3W8aNut

Get Notified for BOM Kits from Fat Quarter Shop: https://www.fatquartershop.com/poinsettia-stars-bom-quilt-kit-poinsettia-pear

NOTE: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links.

Where to Find Us:

Facebook: A Quilting Life with Sherri & Chelsi: https://www.facebook.com/groups/459389991531728/

A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com

Chelsi Stratton Blog: https://chelsistratton.wordpress.com/

A Quilting Life Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aquiltinglife

A Quilting Life Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aquiltinglife/

Chelsi Stratton Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelsistratton/

A Quilting Life Pattern Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SherriQuilts

Chelsi Stratton Pattern Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/StrattonHandmade

Visit the A Quilting Life YouTube channel for more great video content: https://www.youtube.com/aquiltinglife

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and your review could be read on the show

Support the show

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi answer some new listener questions. They discuss how many projects they are comfortable working on at a time, how Sherri got involved in sample sewing, how to display a quilt on a bed, how to arrange fabrics in a scrap quilt, and more!

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1118069/support

Show Notes Blog Post:https://www.aquiltinglife.com/?p=31903

Podast Email: aquiltinglifepodcast@gmail.com

Stay in the know for all things A Quilting Life--sign up for our weekly newsletter here: https://aquiltinglife.kit.com/42c3a81ccd

Cozy Earth 40% off with our link (or code AQUILTINGLIFE): https://cozyearth.com/pages/quiltinglife

Starry Eyed (Quilt on the table): https://tidd.ly/49V0HSq

Quilting Life Academy Sign Ups (Course begins July 14, 2025): https://sherri-mcconnell.mykajabi.com/pl/2148036381

NOTE: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links.

Where to Find Us:

Facebook: A Quilting Life with Sherri & Chelsi: https://www.facebook.com/groups/459389991531728/

A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com

Chelsi Stratton Blog: https://chelsistratton.wordpress.com/

A Quilting Life Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aquiltinglife

A Quilting Life Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aquiltinglife/

Chelsi Stratton Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelsistratton/

A Quilting Life Pattern Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SherriQuilts

Chelsi Stratton Pattern Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/StrattonHandmade

Visit the A Quilting Life YouTube channel for more great video content: https://www.youtube.com/aquiltinglife

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and your review could be read on the show

Support the show

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss ways to find, or host, a quality quilt retreat, the benefits of using precut fabric when piecing a quilt, and how they distinguish what constitutes Spring and Summer fabric. They, along with Billy, then discuss some things that are currently saving their lives at this time.

For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-54-show-notes/

United (Quilt on the Wall): https://tidd.ly/37yHVG1

Joyful (Quilt on the Table): https://tidd.ly/3JYEBRU

10 Things Saving My Life Right Now blog post from the Modern Mrs. Darcy:
https://modernmrsdarcy.com/saving-my-life-2022/

Get to Work Book 3 Things Notepad: https://www.gettoworkbook.com/products

One List a Day 3-Year Journal: https://amzn.to/3ExsZEb

Five Minute Gratitude Journal: https://amzn.to/3uWy0Tz

I Didn't Do the Thing Today: https://amzn.to/3kbvp2d

Moda Blockheads 4: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/category/moda-block-heads-4/

NOTE: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links.

Visit the A Quilting Life YouTube channel for more great video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmSR-jDR956ATQe30JHX87w

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and your review could be read on the show!

Support the show

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi look back at the early days of their quilting lives, prior to starting their quilting businesses. They then try to envision what their future quilting lives will hold in-store when they decide to step away from the business side of quilting. 

For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-53-show-notes/ 

Emma's Garden (Quilt on the Wall): https://www.etsy.com/shop/SherriQuilts?search_query=emma%27s+garden

Summer Sky (Quilt on the Table): https://www.etsy.com/shop/SherriQuilts?search_query=summer+sky

Sherri's Favorite Pillow Form: https://amzn.to/3x9pgev

Sherri & Chelsi's Home for the Holidays Christmas book pre-order on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DOkCUB

Sherri & Chelsi's Home for the Holidays Christmas book pre-order autographed copy: https://a-quilting-life.myshopify.com/products/pre-order-home-for-the-holidays-by-sherri-mcconnell-chelsi-stratton

Chelsi's To the Moon and Back pattern: https://tidd.ly/3KwOJCo

Sherri's Emma Collection Paper Pattern Bundle (Pre-Order): https://www.etsy.com/listing/1196190481/emma-collection-paper-patterns-bundle?click_key=7d7ea1d91984b0caaae6aea136ec208f484e61d1%3A1196190481&click_sum=aeb7f105&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1

Chelsi's Emma Collection Paper Pattern Bundle (Pre-Order): https://tidd.ly/3tSFdm2

NOTE: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links.

Visit the A Quilting Life YouTube channel for more great video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmSR-jDR956ATQe30JHX87w

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and your review could be read on the show!

Support the show

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share many of their favorite quilting notions in a special "Favorite Things" episode. They also do a deep dive into the Swoon Quilt pattern by Camille Roskelley of Thimble Blossoms, after receiving multiple questions about the quilt when it was mentioned in episode 50. Sherri shares her story of piecing together the first Swoon quilt, and Chelsi shares her story of hiking her Swoon quilt to the top of a mountain!    

For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-52-show-notes/

Memories (Quilt on the Wall): https://tidd.ly/36lxoO7

Sweet Pea (Quilt on the Table): https://tidd.ly/36lxoO7

Joyful (Quilt on the Ladder): https://tidd.ly/36lxoO7

Sherri's Emma Collection Paper Pattern Bundle (Pre-Order): https://www.etsy.com/listing/1196190481/emma-collection-paper-patterns-bundle?click_key=7d7ea1d91984b0caaae6aea136ec208f484e61d1%3A1196190481&click_sum=aeb7f105&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1

Chelsi's Emma Collection Paper Pattern Bundle (Pre-Order): https://tidd.ly/3tSFdm2

Linked with Love Pillow:  https://www.primitivegatherings.us/linked-with-love-pillow?search=love&description=true&category_id=1025

Swoon Patterns: http://shrsl.com/3fr9q

Diagonal Seam Tape: http://shrsl.com/3fra5

Chelsi's favorite Pins (Tulip): http://shrsl.com/3fraf

Sherri's favorite Pins (Magic Pins): http://shrsl.com/3frah

Modern American Vintage Handcrafted Tools: https://modernamericanvintage.com/

Sherri's Favorite Pincushions from Teri at Curry Bungalow: https://tidd.ly/2WIGH5z

Creative Grids Rulers: http://shrsl.com/3fraz

Quilter's Select Rulers: http://shrsl.com/3frb2

Stripology Ruler: http://shrsl.com/3frb5

Circle Savvy Ruler: http://shrsl.com/3frb9

Pineapple Ruler: http://shrsl.com/3frbd

Log Cabin Ruler: http://shrsl.com/3frbg

Simple Folded Corners Ruler: http://shrsl.com/3frbl

1/2" wide Ruler: http://shrsl.com/3frbt

Juki Sewing Machines: https://www.juki.co.jp/en/products/home/

Janome Memory Craft 6600P: https://www.janome.com/

Container Store White Metal Baskets with Wood Handles: https://rstyle.me/+fxntBXt5F24A47SZ3hu2PQ

Container Store White Plastic Baskets with Bamboo Lids: https://rstyle.me/+XMtZSR7f_7855X6tBLzvxw

Chelsi's Favorite Aurifil Thread (2021): http://shrsl.com/3frc9

Sherri's Favorite Aurifil Thread (2026): http://shrsl.com/3frcb

Quilter's Reference Tool Book: https://amzn.to/3qoiLjG

Moda Blockheads 4 Basic Resources Sheet: https://my.modafabrics.com/webfiles/bh4_basic-methods_information.pdf

NOTE: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links.

Visit the A Quilting Life YouTube channel for more great video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmSR-jDR956ATQe30JHX87w

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and your review could be read on the show!

Support the show

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share their brand new fabric line, Emma. Sherr shares who Emma is and why designing this line was so sentimental to both of them. They then give a preview of each of the new quilts they will be debuting with this line. Paper patterns are available now for pre-order in Sherri and Chelsi's Etsy shops. PDF patterns will also be coming to their shops soon. 

For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-51-show-notes/

Emma collection fabric introduction post: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/introducing-the-emma-fabric-collection-by-sherri-chelsi/

Emma collection fabric introduction post part 2: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/emma-fabric-collection-color-stories/

Country Home (Quilt on the Wall): https://www.etsy.com/shop/SherriQuilts?search_query=country+home

Pot Luck (Quilt on the Table): https://www.etsy.com/shop/SherriQuilts?search_query=pot+luck+(new)

Sherri's Emma Collection Paper Pattern Bundle (Pre-Order): https://www.etsy.com/listing/1196190481/emma-collection-paper-patterns-bundle?click_key=7d7ea1d91984b0caaae6aea136ec208f484e61d1%3A1196190481&click_sum=aeb7f105&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1

Chelsi's Emma Collection Paper Pattern Bundle (Pre-Order):  https://tidd.ly/3tSFdm2

Pillow form for the bench pillow: https://amzn.to/3I8cKhc

NOTE: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links.

Visit the A Quilting Life YouTube channel for more great video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmSR-jDR956ATQe30JHX87w

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and your review could be read on the show!

Support the show

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share their thoughts on pressing seams in quilts, substituting quilt blocks in quilts, and give ideas on gifting and donating quilts. They also share an update from a viewer with ideas on cleaning vintage quilts. Finally, they announce when they will be able to share their upcoming new fabric collection and patterns.

For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/2022/02/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-50-show-notes.html/

Monarch (Quilt on the Wall): https://tidd.ly/3vgYOic

Be Mine (Quilt on the Table): https://tidd.ly/3FtAwnw 

Quilts & More Spring 2022 Issue: https://www.apqshop.com/Quilts-More-Spring-2022-p/qm-spr22.htm

Airing the Quilts Puzzle (pre-order): https://amzn.to/33T2CuI

NOTE: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links.

Visit the A Quilting Life YouTube channel for more great video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmSR-jDR956ATQe30JHX87w

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and your review could be read on the show!

Support the show

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi are joined by their friends, and talented long-arm quilters, Marion Bott and Val Krueger. They each share how they initially were introduced to quilting and how they eventually got into long-arm quilting. They then spend time answering frequently asked questions that people have for long-arm quilters. They explain the difference between custom and edge-to-edge quilting, and when it might be best to use custom instead of edge-to-edge. They also discuss how they each choose the designs they do when given a quilt. Other topics discussed include thread colors, advice on how to help prep your quilt before handing it off to a long-arm quilter, and advice for someone thinking about getting into long-arm quilting. Thank you Marion and Val for sharing your quilting life with us today!

For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/2022/02/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-49-show-notes.html/

Regimental Star by Red Crinoline Quilts (Quilt on the Wall): http://www.redcrinolinequilts.com/shop/c/p/Regimental-Star-sku-RCQ062.htm

Val's quilt on the table is called "Get Comfy" and was published in American Patchwork & Quilting in February 2015 and was pieced with Homestead Gatherings fabric.

Meet Me in the Garden Stitch Along with Lisa Bongean (Val's quilt on the ladder): https://lisabongean.com/2022/01/25/home-sweet-home/

Sherri's Amazon Storefront (with more favorite quilting products and books): https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-1ba72ce0

NOTE: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links.

Visit the A Quilting Life YouTube channel for more great video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmSR-jDR956ATQe30JHX87w

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and your review could be read on the show!

Support the show

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi share their thoughts on using backing fabric for binding, issues with quilt fabrics fading and bleeding, and ideas for labeling antique quilts. They also discuss their favorite parts of the quilting process.

For complete show notes, pictures, and links to all of today's featured quilts and fabrics, visit the A Quilting Life Blog: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/2022/01/a-quilting-life-podcast-episode-48-show-notes.html/

Community (Quilt on the Wall): https://tidd.ly/3rR0FFC

Afterglow (Quilt on the Table): https://tidd.ly/3vwrfG3

AnyList App: https://www.anylist.com/

Sherri's Patreon Community: www.patreon.com/aquiltinglife

Color Catchers: https://amzn.to/3o0cXMb

NOTE: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links.

Visit the A Quilting Life YouTube channel for more great video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmSR-jDR956ATQe30JHX87w

Enjoy what you heard? Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and your review could be read on the show!

Support the show