Mosaic Applique and the Pivot That Travels with You with Cindy Bader

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the business you love physically can't come with you? In this episode, Andi sits down with Cindy Bader of Patterns on the Prairie to talk about building - and rebuilding - a quilting business around the realities of your life.Cindy started quilting as a first-generation quilter on a $60 Walmart Singer that she had to spin the flywheel to start. Nearly two decades ago, worsening carpal tunnel pushed her out of a desk job and into a computerized longarm business she ran from home while raising three kids. Then COVID opened the door to snowbirding - and she hit a new wall: you can't exactly pack up a twelve-foot longarm frame and take it to Texas.So she pivoted again. Inspired by a 2:00 a.m. idea, Cindy started designing what she calls mosaic applique - fusible applique patterns with small gaps between the pieces, pre-reversed templates, color-sorted layouts, and a numbered reference page so customers can build each design from the center out like a puzzle. She recently added SVG files for cutting machines and uses a hotfix adhesive that stays permanent through washing, so there's no stitching around every little piece.If you've ever felt boxed in by the physical or seasonal limits of your current quilting business, this conversation is a reminder that the constraint often points directly at your next move.Don't miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Cindy’s Background02:20 Cindy’s First Quilt and Early Sewing Memories03:17 Transition from Hobbyist to Business Owner05:47 Starting a Business During Carpal Tunnel Challenges08:35 Discovering Quilt Pattern Design and Expanding Horizons10:32 Introduction to Mosaic Applique Patterns12:54 Design Process and Customer Pain Points14:31 Innovative Application Techniques and Tools15:30 Teaching and Sharing Patterns in Person and Online16:42 Marketing Strategies and Word of Mouth17:35 Family Support and Tech Skills in Business21:41 Upcoming Events and New Pattern Releases22:16 Where to Find Cindy and Her Patterns23:03 Rapid Fire: Favorite Quilt Colors and Pattern Ideas33:01 Closing Remarks and ThanksConnect with Cindy:Website: https://patternsontheprairie.comInstagram: @patternsontheprairieFacebook: @patternsontheprairieYouTube: @patternsontheprairieWant More Quilting Business Content?🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed 📌 Follow us on InstagramCo-Hosts:Tori McElwain @heytori.tech & https://www.heytori.tech/Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts & https://truebluequilts.com/ Support the showIf you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.