Patchwork Revival: A Quilting Podcast

In this episode, we’re going back to the basics and remembering what it was like to choose the tools we needed to make our first quilt. I still remember that intimidating feeling of not knowing if the notions that were budget-friendly would work, or if more expensive options were better. Was it okay to get a small size, or was bigger always better? This episode is a deep dive into at all of the tools I reach for on a daily basis as an experienced quilter (spoiler alert: I’m STILL using the same acrylic ruler I started with!) and we’re talking about a few things that probably don’t need to have dedicated space in your sewing room right off the bat. This is a true-blue breakdown of all of the quilting notions that beginner quilters truly NEED to get started, presented in a budget-friendly way.   In this episode: The core notions every beginner quilter needs (and what you can consider skipping) Budget-friendly alternatives that work just as well How to make a plan to make your first quilt from start to finish The mindset shift that makes quilting accessible at every level   For a deeper dive into budget-friendly quilting, check out Episode 003 featuring my friend, Bri! https://patchworkrevivalstudios.com/podcast/ep003   If you loved this episode, leave a review to help continue to build our little corner of the quilting community ❤️   🛒 Shop now with 15% off using code REVIVAL - my little way of saying THANKS for being here! 🫶🏻   📸 Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patchworkrevivalstudios/    If you would like to share your favorite quilting notion that transformed your quilting journey, I’d love to hear about it! Send me an email at: [email protected]

Did you know that early colonial bed quilts were expensive status symbols — not the scrappy patchwork we picture today? In this special two-part collaboration with Megan of the Quilt Scouts podcast, we're taking our amateur but incredibly enthusiastic look at American quilting history: where it actually came from, which parts got romanticized over time, and how we can imagine what we think was really happening in the sewing rooms and quilting bees of the past.   In Part 1, we cover quilting as an ancient technique used for everything from clothing to armor, the shift from whole-cloth luxury quilts to accessible patchwork as U.S. fabric mills grew, how quilting bees were genuinely skilled community labor, and the Civil War–era quilters who used their craft for activism and fundraising. We wrap up just as the world of published patterns and quilt kits begins to bloom.   Head to Part 2 on the Quilt Scouts podcast to hear what happened next — and visit patchworkrevivalstudios.com for full show notes and links!   Don't forget to subscribe to the show so that you never miss an episode! Hop down to leave a review when you're ready, and then check out my shop - listeners of the pod get an exclusive discount with code: REVIVAL

This episode is different—and I think it might be one of my favorites! It's a story that is best heard in a cozy place where your mind can feel safe to wander and imagine all the things you hear.  It's the story of a woman who grew up in times past and how the life she lived always included quilting.  At the end of this episode, I tell you who this woman is. I think you'll want to stay for it. This Episode Explores: What it looked like to build a life by hand How a simple quilt kit shared between sisters grew into decades of quilting community The Sunshine Quilters: their history, their quilt shows, and what they built together How one family's decision to honor a legacy changed everything Why quilting is, and has always been, a way of saying I love you in stitches Resources: Use code REVIVAL for 15% off at www.patchworkrevivalstudios.com Subscribe to the Patchwork Revival Podcast for weekly episodes on quilting tradition, history, and legacy. Visit YouTube for visual references.

In this episode, I explore the intersection of quilting and activism throughout American history. I'm not here to share my personal political views or tell you how to vote. Instead, I'm examining how quilters—especially marginalized communities—have used fabric and thread to tell stories, support causes, and make their voices heard when society tried to silence them. Find show notes HERE for a visual guide for this episode, and to find links to some of the resources referenced in this episode. I walk through four powerful historical examples: the 1836 Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society fundraising quilt with its heartbreaking poem about enslaved children; the Hoosier Suffrage Quilt featuring nearly 300 embroidered names of women fighting for the right to vote; Jessie Telfair's bold Freedom Quilts made after losing her job for registering to vote during the Civil Rights Movement; and the monumental AIDS Memorial Quilt, the largest community art project ever created. We discuss a framework for approaching activist quilts, explore subtle political expression through motifs and pattern names, and address the discomfort that can arise when viewing quilts with bold messages. Whether it makes you uncomfortable or inspires you, this conversation is meant to honor the generations of quilters who came before us and used their art to document what history books so often overlooked. In This Episode: Why "quilting isn't political" dismisses centuries of tradition How marginalized communities used quilts to tell their stories Framework for understanding and approaching activist quilts The 1836 Anti-Slavery Society fundraising quilt The Hoosier Suffrage Quilt and women's right to vote Jessie Telfair's Freedom Quilts and the Civil Rights Movement The AIDS Memorial Quilt: 54 tons commemorating 110,000+ lives Subtle political expression are more common than you might think Normalizing discomfort when viewing activist quilts Why every quilt reflects the maker's worldview More Resources for you: The International Quilt Museum's work linked HERE Partisan Pieces: Quilts of Political and Patriotic Persuasion (July 2020), The International Quilt Museum   Connect With This Episode: Subscribe to the Patchwork Revival Podcast wherever you listen, share this episode with a friend, or leave a rave review! Don't forget, podcast listeners can enjoy a 15% discount in my shop using code REVIVAL - thanks for being here! 

How do you document the quilts you make for future generations? In this episode, I talk with photographer and marketing coordinator Carissa Ramirez about the intersection of photography and quilting, sharing practical tips every quilter can use to capture their work authentically. Carissa shares her photography journey from teenage experimentation to professional work, revealing how she developed her signature true-to-color editing style. We cover essential quilt photography techniques including chasing natural light, managing harsh sun and low-light situations, using props for composition, photographing quilts in authentic use, and understanding color perception.  We also discuss the realities of creative business—social media pressures, fair pricing, sustainability, and gatekeeping in creative communities.  Whether you're documenting quilts for your own records, building a portfolio, or preserving family textile heirlooms, this conversation gives you practical tools to start today. 📝 Find show notes here: https://patchworkrevivalstudios.com/podcast 📸 Check out Carrissa's work : https://www.instagram.com/picsbycarr/ In This Episode: Why analog quilt journals matter for legacy Carissa's photography career journey How to chase and manage natural light Solutions for low-light quilt photography Managing harsh sun and sunset conditions Using props effectively in quilt photos Color theory basics for photographers and quilters If you loved this episode, be sure to follow the show and share with a friend! Let's keep building our cozy corner of the quilting community ❤️ Use code REVIVAL for 15% off at www.patchworkrevivalstudios.com

In Part II of this Patchwork Revival Podcast series, I’m sharing more stories from the Sweater Weather Sampler Sew Along—because the first episode only scratched the surface. Find Show Notes and more at: https://patchworkrevivalstudios.com/podcast What began as a group sampler hosted by The Nine Patch Quilt Collective became a meaningful quilting community experience. Quilters from all skill levels shared stories about confidence, creative growth, frustration, and why they keep coming back to their sewing rooms. This episode isn’t a sew along recap. It’s a conversation about why quilting community matters—why progress photos, unfinished blocks, and stitching alongside others (even from afar) make a difference. If you love quilting podcasts about community, creative process, sew alongs, and the real experience of being a quilter, this episode is for you.   We’re Covering: • Quilting community and connection • Sew along experiences and lessons • Progress over perfection • Why quilters keep showing up • Stories from the Sweater Weather Sampler Sew Along   If you would like to share your quilting story, I’d love to hear it! Send me an email at: [email protected]   If you loved this episode, but sure to follow the show so you don’t miss upcoming weeks! Share with a friend to help continue to build our little corner of the quilting community ❤️ 🛒 Shop now with 15% off using code REVIVAL - my little way of saying THANKS for being here! 🫶🏻 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patchworkrevivalstudios/ 

In this episode of Patchwork Revival, I’m sitting down with my friend, fellow designer, and all-around amazing quilting entrepreneur Abby Luchsinger of Abby Maed. We’re diving into modern quilt design, creating quilts that feel warm and livable, and what it really looks like to turn a quilting passion into a sustainable creative business. Abby shares insights on designing quilts, learning fabric design from inside the industry, writing her book “Cozy Quilts for the Modern Home”, and building a brand that resonates with today’s quilters. Whether you’re a hobby quilter, pattern designer, or creative small business owner, this is one of those conversations that’s just too good to pass up!    Find Abby’s book, Cozy Quilts for the Modern Home, HERE —> https://www.abbymaed.com/shop    If you loved this episode, but sure to follow the show so you don’t miss upcoming weeks! Share with a friend to help continue to build our little corner of the quilting community.   If you would like to share your quilting story, I’d love to hear it! Send me an email at: [email protected]   🛒 Shop now with 15% off using code REVIVAL - my little way of saying THANKS for being here! 🫶🏻   📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patchworkrevivalstudios/ 

In this episode of the Patchwork Revival Podcast, I’m sharing the quilting stories that emerged from the Sweater Weather Sampler Sew Along—stories about creativity, connection, and why quilting communities matter so deeply.   From first-time sampler quilts to seasoned quilters stitching through life’s ups and downs, these reflections show how sew alongs create more than quilts—they build belonging. Whether you joined the Sweater Weather Sampler or simply love being part of the quilting community, this episode explores the heart of why we quilt together.   If you would like to share your quilting story, I’d love to hear it! Send me an email at: [email protected]   If you loved this episode, but sure to follow the show so you don’t miss upcoming weeks! Share with a friend to help continue to build our little corner of the quilting community ❤️   🛒 Shop now with 15% off using code REVIVAL - my little way of saying THANKS for being here! 🫶🏻   📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patchworkrevivalstudios/ 

Step behind the seams with the Sweater Weather Sampler designers for a warm, behind-the-seams chat about friendship, community, and our favorite season of all: Sweater Weather! I’m so excited to welcome you to this special episode of Patchwork Revival—especially if this is your first time finding our quilting community! Today, we’re pulling back the curtain for an exclusive, behind-the-seams look at the Sweater Weather Sampler 2025, the collaborative quilt along brought to you by the Nine Patch Quilt Collective. I’m joined by all eight of the incredibly talented sampler quilt designers who make up the Nine Patch Quilt Collective with me.  Together, we’re answering your most frequently asked questions, sharing a few laughs, and talking about what it’s really like to create a collaborative quilt project as friends and creatives. Whether you’re a seasoned Sweater Weather quilter with a wall of finished quilts or a beginner dreaming jumping in and completing your first sampler quilt pattern, this conversation is for you. We’ll explore the heart of quilting—friendship, tradition, and the joy of creating together—while giving you a glimpse into our block design process and the community that forms when we sew side by side, even from across the world. Grab your favorite mug, pick up your current project (or just your favorite quilt to snuggle under), and join us for a conversation that celebrates creativity, connection, and the timeless art of quilting.   🍁SIGN UP FOR THE SWEATER WEATHER SAMPLER 2025 SEWALONG HERE: https://ninepatchquiltcollective.myflodesk.com/sweaterweathersampler2025   You can check out the Nine Patch Quilt Collective designers at their websites, linked here: Patchwork Revival Sew Joyful Studio Carnelian Quilting Heck Yes Sew Co Cream City Studio Crafty Moose Quilts Quilt Scouts Remi Vail Studio Abby Maed   🛒 Shop now with 15% off using code REVIVAL - my little way of saying THANKS for being here! 🫶🏻   📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patchworkrevivalstudios/    ❤️ Enjoying the show? Subscribe, like, and share with a friend to help continue to build a warm, welcoming quilting community!

In this week’s episode, I am introducing you to my favorite bunch of quilters - my very own quilty friends that make up the Nine Patch Quilt Collective!   If you’re like me, you know all about the power of creativity to connect people to one another, and the story of how the Nine Patch Quilt Collective came to be is a heartwarming tale. I hope you love getting to know this group of makers, hearing each of their quilting stories, and getting some behind the scenes info on what it’s like to be part of a dedicated community of quilters!   Learn more about the Nine Patch Quilt Collective designers: Patchwork Revival Sew Joyful Studio Carnelian Quilting Heck Yes Sew Co Cream City Studio Crafty Moose Quilts Quilt Scouts Remi Vail Studio Abby Maed   🍁 Early bird registration is open for the Sweater Weather Sampler 2025! You can sign up HERE if you are interested in joining this year's Sweater Weather fun!   🛒 Shop now with 15% off using code REVIVAL - my little way of saying THANKS for being here! 🫶🏻   📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patchworkrevivalstudios/    ❤️ Enjoying the show? Subscribe, like, and share with a friend to help continue to build a warm, welcoming quilting community!