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A Quilting Life Podcast

A Quilting Life Podcast

Sherri McConnell & Chelsi Stratton 171 episodes Nov 9, 2026

A quilting podcast hosted by mother-daughter Moda fabric designers Sherri McConnell and Chelsi Stratton. They discuss quilting, fabric, inspiration, creativity, and share quilting industry news and tips. The conversations are light-hearted and informative, aimed at providing creative inspiration to listeners.

Episodes

Bucket List Projects, Best Quilting Hacks, & Consequences of AI Usage in Pattern Design
Bucket List Projects, Best Quilting Hacks, & Consequences of AI Usage in Pattern Design Nov 9, 2026 48:06 In this episode, Sherri shares some of her bucket list quilting projects she hopes to complete in the future. She also shares some of her favorite quilting tips/hacks that can help quilters of all skill levels be more efficient and productive in their quilting lives. Lastly, they discuss the impact that AI is having on the quilt design process. How much can you trust the accuracy of an AI designed
Fabric Designer Deb Strain
Fabric Designer Deb Strain Oct 26, 2026 49:08 In this episode, Sherri welcomes the talented Moda fabric designer Deb Strain to the podcast. Deb shares her journey from art teacher to renowned fabric designer, revealing her meticulous process of creating fabric collections and embroidery kits. Discover how her passion for art and quilting intertwines, and gain insights into her creative process and industry trends. Deb is the most seasoned Mod
Jennifer Keltner | Growing Creativity Through Communities
Jennifer Keltner | Growing Creativity Through Communities Oct 12, 2026 48:29 In this episode Sherri sits down with Jennifer Keltner in our last interview from Modavation 2026. Sherri and Jennifer discuss ways to increase creativity and how using other outlets, outside of quilting, can help grow your creative mind. Jennifer is a maker of many things and has been involved with the quilting world for many years. She has worked for American Patchwork & Quilting and Marting
Designing The New Coastal Breeze Fabric Collection
Designing The New Coastal Breeze Fabric Collection Sep 28, 2026 29:40 In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss their new fabric collection, Coastal Breeze. They explain why this collection feels like a return to their signature style after designing three holiday/seasonal specific collections prior to this one. This collection can be viewed as a sister collection to their other two coastal collections, Seashore Drive and Balboa. Coastal Breeze fabrics should be sh
Festival of Quilts and Exploring England
Festival of Quilts and Exploring England Sep 14, 2026 44:28 In this episode, Sherri gives an in-depth recap of her recent trip to England. She shares some of the sewing activities that took place and recounts many of the historical places she was able to visit on her trip.Show Notes Blog Post: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/?p=33817Go to https://www.curehydration.com/aquiltinglife and get 20% off your first order with promo code AQUILTINGLIFE You can also f
What to do with Extra Batting, Selling PDF Patterns and No Design Board? No Problem
What to do with Extra Batting, Selling PDF Patterns and No Design Board? No Problem Aug 31, 2026 39:45 In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi answer a new batch of listener questions. These include questions dealing with quilt batting, selling PDF quilt patterns, ways to layout a quilt without a design board and more!Show Notes Blog Post: https://www.aquiltinglife.com/?p=33761Go to curehydration.com/aquiltinglife and get 20% off your first order with promo code AQUILTINGLIFECozy Earth Labor Day Sale: U
Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles
Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles Aug 24, 2026 51:10 In this episode, Sherri and Billy  are joined by Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles. Lynne explains how she first started quilting and how her determination to simplify and modify quilt patterns led to her to designing her own quilts and opening a brick and mortar quilt shop. She then tells the story of how she was introduced to Moda and started designing fabric. 27 years later Lynne is still desig
Elizabeth Hartman
Elizabeth Hartman Aug 10, 2026 52:56 In this episode, Sherri and Billy  are joined by fellow Moda fabric designer, Elizabeth Hartman. Elizabeth shares how she was led to quilting after beginning her career in another sewing related industry. Elizabeth is known for many of her fun animal themed quilt patterns. She gives some insight on these patterns and shares why she is drawn to the colors and patterns she designs. Thank you Elizabe
Jen Kingwell
Jen Kingwell Jul 27, 2026 45:18 In this episode, Sherri and Billy  are joined by Jen Kingwell of Jen Kingwell designs. Jen explains how she first entered the quilting industry and how she began to prioritize hand piecing over machine work. She shares how she eventually started designing fabric for Moda even though she was hesitant to do so at the start.Jen is well traveled and has taught hand piecing classes all over the world.
Josh Dunn from Moda Fabrics
Josh Dunn from Moda Fabrics Jul 13, 2026 52:04 In this episode Sherri sits down with Moda Fabric's Vice President of Operations, Josh Dunn, while on the road in Dallas Texas at the 2026 Modavation event. Josh shares a brief history of Moda fabrics and how his father, Mark Dunn, first founded the company. Josh then shares his experience of growing up and working for the company from a young age and getting to learn and work in a variety of
Episode 171: Defining Our Signature Style, Saving Fabric for the Future, & Blending Collections
Episode 171: Defining Our Signature Style, Saving Fabric for the Future, & Blending Collections Jun 29, 2026 49:12 In this episode, Sherri and Billy first provide some more thoughts on their trip to Dallas for Modavation 2026. They give an overview of what attendees are able to participate in and see while at the retreat. Sherri and Chelsi then answer a new batch of listener questions. Some of the topics they discuss include, iron-on interfacing, quilt panels, defining their signature fabric style, mixing cott
Sarah Thomas of SARIDITTY Interview, Shop Shout Outs & Upcoming Events
Sarah Thomas of SARIDITTY Interview, Shop Shout Outs & Upcoming Events Jun 22, 2026 1:03:13 In this episode, Sherri and Billy take the the show on the road as they share their first interview from the  Modavation event in Dallas, Texas with Moda fabric designer Sarah Thomas of SARIDITTY. Sarah explains how she first entered the world of quilting and how she eventually let it evolve into everything she does today. Sarah designs fabric and quilt patterns, has authored a book, designs long

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