Meet Zak Foster! - Ep. 132

Join host Amanda as she sits down with Zak Foster, a dynamic artist and former public school educator, for a conversation about creativity, quilting, and the exploration of textiles. Zak, the founder of The Quilty Nook online community, and the host of the Seamside podcast (returning in 2025), just released his debut book, The World Needs Your Next Quilt. In this episode, Zak shares insights into his journey from New York City to Tennessee, his transition from educator to full-time artist, and the inspiration behind his unique quilting approach. With a passion for textiles and a commitment to using multiple techniques to push his creative boundaries, Zak offers a glimpse into the process behind his art and the deeper themes he explores in his work. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just discovering the world of fabric art, this conversation will leave you inspired to tap into your own creative potential.Watch the episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of Zak's quilts and storytelling, and listen on your favorite podcast platform for a deeper dive into the mind of an artist who is shaping the quilting world one stitch at a time.Connect with Zak: Website: www.zakfoster.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zakfoster.quilts/  *The Quilty Nook: nook.zakfoster.com  *Seamside Podcast: https://www.zakfoster.com/seamside*The World Needs Your Next Quilt: https://www.zakfoster.com/shop/p/the-world-needs-your-next-quilt-4w9kgWant to see more? You can find it here: Merch Shop: nygqs.printify.me Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop Want to be on the show? Send us a message!

Today's guest is Eva Saunders, owner of Gingerly Quilt Co! She has a background in visual arts, design, teaching and filmmaking - so she thought why not combine all these talents with sewing to help others grow as artists and quilters! She hopes to support and inspire you on your artistic journey. You? An artist? - Yes, of course! Eva believes that there is an artist waiting to be unleashed in everyone. Growing as an artist means moving out of your comfort zone, learning new skills and keeping an open heart and mind. She designs modern and approachable quilt patterns for all quilting levels, but she doesn't stop there. If you've ever thought about getting into art quilting and were looking for a modern approach to that, she's happy to announce that she has an art quilting class open for enrollment where, together you'll analyze and quilt “Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh. You can find Eva's patterns and classes on her website www.gingerlyquiltco.com! And! If you use code GRANNYS at checkout, you'll receive $20 off your enrollment fee! Hurry! Enrollment closes 12/30/24 You can also find Eva on Instagram! www.instagram.com/gingerlyquiltco Want to see more? You can find it here: Merch Shop: nygqs.printify.me Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop Want to be on the show? Send us a message!

In this episode, Amanda sits down with Audrey Clark, the creative mind behind Gibson Threads. Audrey shares the story behind her innovative Piecing Yardage Calculator, a free online tool that takes the guesswork out of quilting math. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned quilter, this calculator helps you easily determine fabric yardage based on your quilt's block designs and colors—simplifying the process and saving time.Audrey also talks about her unique quilt design inspired by the powerful quote, "No is a complete sentence." Discover how she reimagines traditional quilt blocks and incorporates the word "no" into the design, making a bold statement through fabric and creativity.Tune in for quilting tips, a discussion of Audrey’s design process, and a look at how the Piecing Yardage Calculator can elevate your next quilting project. Don't forget to visit www.gibsonthreads.com to try the calculator for yourself!Listen now or watch the full interview on YouTube. Want to see more? You can find it here: Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop Website: https://www.sweetpeadesigncompany.com Want to be on the show? Send us a message!

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with author and courage advocate Gina Gallaun, whose book Embrace Your Brave in 30 Days chronicles the powerful stories of women who faced life’s toughest challenges and found strength they never knew they had. Gina traveled the world, gathering these incredible narratives of resilience, and in the process, she found her own life transformed—meeting her now-husband and gaining two wonderful step-children along the way.Join us as Gina shares her journey of collecting stories, discovering her own bravery, and how she is now creating spaces in Colorado, and beyond, where courage is celebrated and embraced. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about courage, community, and the importance of stepping into your own power.Catch this episode on both the podcast platforms and YouTube for an in-depth look into Gina’s mission to inspire others to "Embrace Your Brave."If you’re looking for a daily dose of inspiration through courage stories from women around the world, I’ve got something for you. You can get 20% off Embrace Your Brave in 30 Days using the code QUILT on her website, https://wavesandwords.org  Want to see more? You can find it here: Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop Want to be on the show? Send us a message! 

Join Scott Culley, an upcycled architect and quilt designer, as he shares his incredible journey of creativity, transformation, and personal growth. From his early days as a young man in search of a creative outlet, to his career shift from architecture to the world of quilting and back to architecture, Scott's story is one of resilience and reinvention. In this episode, Scott talks about his journey from Washington, D.C. to Stockholm, then Berlin, all while raising two children with his husband and evolving his career along the way. He also delves into the inspiration behind his powerful quilt "Shadow," which was featured at QuiltCon 2024—a deeply personal piece created as an homage to his challenging relationship with his father. Looking ahead, Scott is honored to be the Featured Quilter for the German Quilt Guild in May 2025, and he shares a sneak peek of what’s next for his innovative designs and upcycled approach to quilting. Whether you're a quilting enthusiast or someone seeking inspiration from a creative path filled with bold transitions, Scott's journey offers invaluable insights into the art of reinvention and the power of creative expression.Tune in and discover how quilting became not just a craft, but a profound form of storytelling and healing for Scott Culley.Find Scott here! Website: https://scottculleydesign.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/scottculleydesign/ Want to see more? You can find it here: Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop Want to be on the show? Send us a message!

In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Tsang Jackson, a talented textile artist and quilt designer whose work bridges the worlds of art, design, and community.  With a background spanning various design fields, Andrea has built a reputation for her vibrant, thought-provoking pieces that not only explore the boundaries of textile art, but also emphasize the power of collaboration and public art. In our conversation, Andrea shares her journey through design, her process of creating meaningful, community-centered projects, and how she brings people together through the tactile and transformative art of quilting. Her first book, Gemology: Transforming Fabrics Into Facets is a look at how transparency and light can be translated with fabric and color choice.  Andrea’s second book, Quilting: A Modern Creative Journey through an Age-Old Craft will be released with Nine Ten Publications in early 2025.  Whether you're an artist, designer, or simply someone who appreciates the intersection of creativity and connection, this episode is sure to inspire. Tune in to hear about the intersection of art, design, and social impact in the world of textile arts.Find Andrea here! Website: http://3rdstoryworkshop.com/ Pre-order the new book here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ninetenpub/quilting-a-journey-of-attention-intention-and-technique About Lace/Wood at Keshen Goodman Library in Halifax: https://keshengoodmanlibrary.3rdstoryworkshop.com/ Want to see more? You can find it here: Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Insta: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop Want to be on the show? Send us a message!

Atha is the designer behind Fancy Lad Quilt Co. and her dog Kip is the "mascot". He is even featured in her logo. Atha loves to design and make pop culture quilts. She likes animated shows (Bob's Burgers, King of the Hill, Invincible, One Punch Man, Archer, etc), so she tends towards projects featuring those as a way to express her love for the characters. She also likes designing fancy dresses, so the designs are a mix between show characters and dress designs. You can see her work on her instagram and her Etsy shop. Atha doesn't write up patterns to sell for everything she designs due to copyright, but shares her makes on her Instagram. The others are for sale in her Etsy shop! And now through the end of January 2025, if you make one of Atha's patterns and send it to Amanda to be longarmed, you'll get a discount on the quilting services! Go check it out! Find Atha and Fancy Lad Quilt Co. here! Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FancyLadQuiltCoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancyladquiltco/This episode is sponsored by the lovely Cozy Earth. Shop now and use code GRANNYS at checkout to get 40% off your purchase! cozyearth.comWant to see more? You can find it here: Show Merch: nygqs.printify.mePatreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshowhttps://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompanyYouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshowEtsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShopWant to be on the show? Send us a message!

Erin Nichole Whinnery is the designer and maker behind Mija Handmade. Erin grew up, as she says, under her mother's sewing table. In 2011, she made a quilt for her niece, then her sewing sat on the backburner. Then, like a lot of us, she wanted something creative to do during the 2020 lockdown. She picked up some fabric and zippers and started making striped zippered pouches. When the novelty of pouches wore off, she dove into sewing in other ways. Stockings, home decor, quilts, improv... and along came the Sharrow Quilt. The first design of many to come from Mija Handmade. As you'll see in her patterns, Erin loves to incorporate bold lines with interesting geometry and movement. This is also demonstrated in her current Block of the Month: Learning Curves 2024. Erin and Amanda chatted about the beauty and inspiration that comes from what we see, and in the technical side of writing patterns. Erin views it as its own art, and Amanda agrees. Erin Nichole just released her latest pattern, Grandma Core, and is available now! You can also purchase acrylic templates to help get crisp even curves. Go check out Erin's patterns while you listen! Find Erin Nichole here!  Website: https://mijahandmade.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mija.handmade/ This episode is sponsored by the lovely Cozy Earth. Shop now and use code GRANNYS at checkout to get 40% off your purchase! cozyearth.com Want to see more? You can find it here: Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Insta: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop Want to be on the show? Send us a message!

Lisa is the owner and head maker of Lovering Quilt Co. Lisa is a graduate of Buffalo State with a bachelor's in Fashion Textile Technology and has a passion for fabrics. When she picked up quilting in 2015, her adoration for quilting and buying fabrics (which we all know are two different hobbies) led her to a daydream of owning her own little online fabric shop. She chats about her transition from the corporate world into being a self-employed and the challenge of staying on top of your business as a solopreneur. They also dive into the changes in priorities as a result of the 2020 lockdowns and what that means for small businesses. Lisa also shares about the challenge of going out of your comfort zone to meet new people, but the "common thread" of quilting keeps us together as a community. And that common thread tied us to you, so please enjoy! Find Lisa here! Website: https://loveringquiltco.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveringquiltco/ This episode is sponsored by the lovely Cozy Earth. Shop now and use code GRANNYS at checkout to get 40% off your purchase! cozyearth.com Want to see more? You can find it here: Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Become a patron and get a NYGQS sticker and early access to episodes! Insta: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop Want to be on the show? Send us a message!

Victoria Findlay Wolfe is a New York City-based award-winning quilt artist, teacher, and author whose work balances modern, traditional and art quilting styles. A farm girl raised in Minnesota, her influences are heavily based on her grandmother’s scrappy colorful double knit polyester quilts which started her on this textile journey. Her quilts have traveled the globe with notable exhibits across the US and in Japan, Australia & UK. Victoria won ‘Best in Show’ at the first QuiltCon in 2013 with her quilt, “Double Edged Love,” the first in her large series of double wedding ring quilts, for which she is well-known. She was honored to be featured in the Craft in America: Quilts episode in 2019 on PBS. Currently, her "Option Expedition" quilt series is on display at the International Quilt Museum.Her quilting books include: 15 Minutes of Play, Double Wedding Rings, Modern Quilt Magic, Playing with Purpose, and most recently, The Quilting Experience: A Celebration of Community & Patchwork Patterns (September 2024). Victoria also designs quilt patterns, acrylic templates, fabrics, and more, available at her online quilt shop, VFWquilts.com.Victoria is the founder of the New York City Metro Mod Quilt Guild. She is actively involved in the quilting community and has served as a board member of the International Quilt Association, the Quilt Alliance, the International Quilt Museum, and the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts.Connect with Victoria on Instagram @victoriafindlaywolfe and on Facebook, Victoria Findlay Wolfe Quilts.Find her newest book by clicking the link below!The Quilting Experience: A Celebration of Community and Patchwork Patterns, by Victoria Findlay Wolfe, Schiffer Craft BooksWant to see more? You can find it here:  Show Merch: nygqs.printify.me  Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Become a patron and get a NYGQS sticker and early access to episodes!  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow  Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPeaDesignCoShop  Want to be on the show? Send us a message!