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The First Stitch: Every Quilter Has a Story

The First Stitch: Every Quilter Has a Story

Written by: Lisa Donnelly
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About this listen

Discover the shared experiences that connect all quilters. The First Stitch is the podcast dedicated to celebrating the journeys of the craft's most passionate members: YOU! Host Lisa Donnelly of Wild Plum Lane brings you short, impactful episodes that prove we are all more alike than we are different, no matter where or when we picked up our first set of needle and thread.

Every week, you'll hear:
-A Quilter’s Story: Hear the unique, personal accounts of how quilters began to quilt, overcome creative blocks, and found purpose in piecing. These are your stories, read aloud, emphasizing the universal themes of creativity, challenge, and community.
-Finishing Focus: Practical, no-nonsense tips and actionable strategies for completing your quilt projects (WIPs/UFOs). It's gentle motivation to finish those beautiful quilts!
-Quilting Tidbits: Essential, quick-hit information on tools, new fabric lines, techniques, and the latest happenings in the world of quilting.

Join us to recognize your own journey in the stories of others, gain practical quilt project planning and organization skills, and feel more connected to the quilting community as a whole.

New episodes are released every Wednesday morning.

© 2026 The First Stitch: Every Quilter Has a Story
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Episodes
  • 7: Judy's First Stitch Story + Are All Your WIPs Worth Finishing?
    Feb 18 2026

    First Stitch Story: Meet Judy

    In this episode, we meet Judy, whose quilting journey is a powerful story of finding purpose and joy after loss. From learning to sew in high school to making clothes for her children, and then rediscovering her love of sewing through quilting after her husband's passing, Judy's story reminds us that creativity can bring us back to life. Thirteen years and countless quilts later, she's still going strong!


    WIP-Finishing Tip: Are All Your WIPs Worth Finishing?

    Today's WIP-finishing tip is about giving yourself permission to let go. As we settle into the new year and take stock of our quilt WIPs, it's time to ask an important question: do you still want to complete all of them? If some projects just aren't speaking to you anymore, I share a quick way to clear your list and pass those projects on to someone who will love them!


    Today's Episode is Brought to You by Electric Quilt Company

    This episode is brought to you by Electric Quilt Company. One of my favorite ways to plan a quilt, especially when I'm writing patterns, is using EQ8 to test out colors, layouts, and fabric combinations before I ever cut into my fabric. Whether you're designing your own quilts or just want a better way to visualize a project before you start sewing, Electric Quilt is an incredibly powerful tool to have in your quilting toolbox.

    Check out EQ8!


    Share Your First Stitch Story

    Your story might be next! Every quilter has a beginning to their story, and we'd love to hear yours. Plus, over the years you might have picked up tips or tricks you could share with others that might inspire another quilter!

    Share your personal quilting journey, your best project-finishing tip, or your "first stitch" moment. Your story may be read on an upcoming episode of The First Stitch.

    Email your story to: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com

    Submit your story using the Quick Submission Form



    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • 6: Vickie's First Stitch Story + Taking a Bird's Eye View of Your WIPs
    Feb 11 2026

    First Stitch Story: Meet Vickie

    In this episode, we meet Vickie, whose quilting journey connects three generations through fabric and thread. Her story is a beautiful reminder of how quilting ties us to the people we love, and how a precious quilt from her grandmother changed everything. Now, 30 years and more than 40 quilts later, she's passing that love forward to her daughter!


    WIP-Finishing Tip: Take a Bird's Eye View

    Today's WIP-finishing tip is all about getting unstuck by stepping back and looking at what you actually need to move forward. Sometimes the smallest missing supply can keep us from making progress on a project we're excited about! I share a simple practice to help you identify what's missing and create a plan to get back to sewing.


    Today's Episode is Brought to You by Fat Quarter Shop

    This episode is brought to you by Fat Quarter Shop, one of my go-to places for pretty much everything quilting related. Fabric, notions, batting, wide backings, kits...they truly have it all! Plus, they've got 24-hour flash sales, precuts of the week, and discounts on their Basics of the Month, which are all great ways to stock up on staples without breaking the bank.

    Get the supplies you need to make progress at Fat Quarter Shop!


    Share Your First Stitch Story

    Your story might be next! Every quilter has a beginning to their story, and we'd love to hear yours. Plus, over the years you might have picked up tips or tricks you could share with others that might inspire another quilter!

    Share your personal quilting journey, your best project-finishing tip, or your "first stitch" moment. Your story may be read on an upcoming episode of The First Stitch.

    Email your story to: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com

    Quick Submission Form: Submit your story



    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • 5: Lisa’s First Stitch Story + Making Quilting Fit Into Real Life
    Feb 4 2026

    First Stitch Story: Meet Lisa
    In this episode, we meet Lisa from Germany, whose love of quiltmaking has spanned decades…and is still evolving! Lisa shares how her creative interests developed over time, what continues to inspire her, and how she keeps learning new skills even as life grows full and busy. Her story is a thoughtful reminder that creativity doesn’t have an expiration date, and that making can adapt to every season of life.

    WIP-Finishing Tip: Keep Your Projects Within Reach
    Today’s WIP-finishing tip is all about making progress when time feels limited. Where your current quilt projects live can have a bigger impact than you might expect. I share a simple mindset shift that helps you take advantage of small pockets of time…without needing a long stretch in the sewing room.

    This approach works especially well for tasks like cutting, trimming, or prepping pieces ahead of time, so you can keep things moving forward even on busy days.

    A Peek Into My Studio
    I also share an update on a long-term quilting project I’m working on this year and how breaking it into small, weekly steps has made the process feel manageable and motivating. Taking things one piece at a time has helped me stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

    There’s also a meaningful story behind this project that connects quilt making across generations in a way that feels both grounding and inspiring.

    Email newsletter signup (to see project updates and photos)
    The Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt Book

    Share Your First Stitch Story
    Your story might be next! If you’d like to share how you got started sewing or making, and possibly be featured in a future episode, I’d love to hear from you!
    Send an email to: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com
    Or use the quick submission form

    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
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