If you've ever dreamed of building a thriving longarm quilting business—or you're looking to grow the one you already have—this episode is packed with valuable insight. Elizabeth Chappell sits down with longarm expert Tia Curtis, a sought-after quilter known for her artistry, efficiency, and strong client relationships.

Tia has grown her longarm business into a full and flourishing creative career. In this conversation, she shares her journey, the lessons she's learned, and the business strategies that have helped her stand out in a growing and competitive industry.

Whether you're a brand-new longarmer, a seasoned quilter, or a pattern designer looking to add longarm services, you'll walk away with practical guidance and inspiration.

Hear how Tia first discovered longarm quilting and what drew her to the craft, and how this is the most lucrative part of her business.

Tia breaks down how she prices her work, how she sets boundaries, and what it takes to run a sustainable longarm business.

Great longarmers don't just deliver beautiful quilting. They deliver a great experience. Tia shares her approach to communication to create loyal (and happy) repeat clients.

Tia offers honest, encouraging advice on what to watch out for, what to prioritize, and how to grow confidently.

• New longarm quilters looking for guidance

• Quilt pattern designers wanting to expand into longarm services

• Seasoned longarmers wanting to grow their client base

• Makers who want to turn quilting into a profitable business

• Anyone who is curious about the longarm quilting industry

Tia's approach to longarm quilting is both artistic and strategic. She is generous with her knowledge and transparent about what it really takes to grow a thriving business. This episode will leave you inspired, encouraged, and equipped with actionable steps you can apply immediately.

In this episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Cindy Cloward, owner of Riley Blake Designs, one of the largest and most influential fabric manufacturers in the world. Riley Blake is known for its high-quality quilting cottons, stunning designer collaborations, notions, patterns, and its iconic Garden of Quilts event.

Cindy shares the inspiring story behind the company's beginnings, how it has grown into a global brand, and what exciting things are on the horizon for Riley Blake. From manufacturing insights to brand-building, this conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at a powerhouse in the quilting industry.

• How Riley Blake Designs began
  Hear the origin story of the company, why it was created, and how the Cloward family stepped into the world of fabric manufacturing.

• Behind-the-scenes insights into fabric manufacturing
  Get a peek into what it really takes to run a large-scale fabric company that serves quilters and sewists around the world.

• What makes Riley Blake unique
  Learn about the products, designers, and events, such as the beloved Garden of Quilts, that set the company apart.

• Exciting new things coming to Riley Blake
  Cindy shares upcoming launches, innovations, and future plans.

• How Cindy turned her craft into a thriving career
  Be inspired by Cindy's business journey and her passion for creativity, community, and quality.

If you've ever wondered who makes the fabrics you adore, how the quilting industry operates behind the scenes, or what it takes to build a company that supports thousands of makers, this episode is a must-listen. Cindy's insights into entrepreneurship, creativity, and leadership will inspire any craft-lover dreaming of growing a creative business.

In this inspiring episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Elizabeth Chappell chats with Kimberly Jolly, founder and CEO of Fat Quarter Shop, one of the most recognized quilting retailers in the world.

Kimberly shares her journey from running a small eBay fabric store out of her home to leading a thriving business that serves quilters across the globe. She opens up about how the company began, what fueled its rapid growth, and the strategies that helped it stay strong in a changing industry.

Whether you're a fabric lover, pattern designer, or entrepreneur in the creative space, this conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice.

• The Origin Story: How Fat Quarter Shop started as a small home-based business and grew into one of the world's leading online quilting retailers.

• The Evolving Quilting Industry: Kimberly's perspective on how the quilting landscape is changing—and what trends are shaping its future.

• What Fat Quarter Shop Looks For: As one of the top buyers in the quilting world, Kimberly shares what makes a product truly stand out.

• What's Missing in the Industry: Insight into the gaps Kimberly sees in today's market and opportunities for creative entrepreneurs to fill them.

• Words of Wisdom for Entrepreneurs: The key lessons Kimberly wishes she had known when she first started—and how you can apply them to your own business journey.

Kimberly Jolly is the founder of Fat Quarter Shop, a leading online quilt and fabric retailer known for its vast selection, YouTube tutorials, and beloved community of quilters. With her deep love for quilting and dedication to exceptional service, Kimberly has built a brand synonymous with creativity, quality, and innovation in the quilting world.

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