Written by Sarah Morris of @ruthlesslyhandmade
Quilting is all about creativity, and a major perk is the community that comes along. So what better way to celebrate that than with a Toad & Sew x The Confident Stitch collab? 🧡
For June, The Confident Stitch (TCS) is spotlighting T&S, and we’ve collaborated to bring you a special deal. If you buy any quilting cotton from TCS, you will get 10% off any T&S quilt pattern. If you purchase any T&S quilt pattern from me, you will get 10% quilting cotton and TCS. Pretty cool, right? We love a good partnership that brings makers together. And since quilting is such a shared journey, I sat down with Katie, the owner of The Confident Stitch, for a chat about her sewing life, her love of quilting, and why solids always win in her book. But before we head into the Q&A, here are some more fun things about The Confident Stitch.
About The Confident Stitch
The Confident Stitch is a community hub for makers of all backgrounds. Founded by Kate McIvor, what started as a sewing blog grew into a welcoming space that encourages creativity, connection, and skill-building. Their mission is simple at TCS: Sewing for all. TCS empowers makers through curated fabric bundles, instructional resources, and hands-on support. From thoughtfully curated fabrics to instructional resources and hands-on support, The Confident Stitch is here to empower makers.
A Modern Quilt Shop
And this is not your grandmother’s quilt shop (even though Kate is about to be a first-time grandmother – congrats!). TCS fosters a vibrant, supportive sewing culture through local service projects, open-sew nights, and educational sewing classes. They are built around creativity, inclusion, and hands-on learning. TCS wants makers to feel connected and confident by pushing fresh colors and innovative modern designs in their quilt shop.
An Interview with Kate of The Confident Stitch
Taylor: How'd you get into quilting?
Kate: I have always found solace in sewing. I made clothes for myself in high school and college, and clothes for my daughters when they were little. The local quilt shops were full of inspiring quilts, so I decided to try quilting about 25 years ago. It was love at first stitch.
Taylor: What was the first quilt you ever made?
Kate: The first quilt I ever made was queen-sized, with blocks that were a star within a star, and it was supposed to be set on-point. I ran out of steam halfway through the block-making, and I had no idea what "on-point" meant. I sewed the blocks together not on-point, added a few borders, and turned it into a twin-sized quilt. I could have called it a failure, but when my first husband and I divorced, it was the quilt my daughter took to his house. It kept her feeling warm and loved during a difficult time.
Taylor: You also make clothes! How do you feel quilting and garment-making differ? Do you prefer one to the other?
Kate: Yes, quilting and garment-making are different! Even though they both require sewing an accurate seam allowance, the amount of time spent on each step differs. Preparing and fitting the pattern tissue takes a long time with garment-making, but there is less actual sewing. Each seam is different, so you need to keep your wits about you. Cutting and sewing take a long time with quilting, but they are Zen. You can zone out a little in a way I find relaxing!
Taylor: Which do you prefer quilting with - solids or prints?
Kate: I prefer to quilt with solids. I feel less stressed when I don't worry about correctly cutting the print!
Taylor: How do you approach tackling a new unit or sewing technique, especially one you find intimidating?
Kate: When tackling a new technique, I practice on a fabric scrap as often as I need to feel confident. I also refer to my many sewing books and the Internet for tips and tricks.
Taylor: Sewing is your hobby, but it's also your profession! How do you separate the work sewing from the play?
Kate: This has been one of the most challenging aspects of owning a store. I feel inspired by all the fabrics and patterns we carry, but I have trouble giving myself the time to enjoy my hobby. For the past few weeks, I have been so productive and have spent one work day per week sewing at home. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll keep it up.
Taylor: As you know, Toad & Sew is named after my cutie pie, Toad! You also have a sweetie named Tailor, and we'd love to see a picture!
Kate: I love my Mini Australian Shepherd, Tailor, so much! He is 2 years old. He is a handful, but also a good learner.
Taylor: What advice would you give to first-time quilters?
Kate: Stretching along the bias is challenging, so avoid triangles in your first quilt (I wish I could have given myself that advice 25 years ago!). Start with a quilt made of squares and rectangles, like Intertwined. You'll feel like a pro in no time!
The Confident Stitch + Toad & Sew Collab
This collab is all about bringing makers together, and we hope you’re as excited about it as we are! Whether stocking up on quilting cotton, trying a new pattern, or enjoying the community, this partnership with TCS is a perfect way to celebrate the joy of quilting. Don’t forget - you’ve got all of June to take advantage of our mutual 10% discount when purchasing from either of us. Happy stitching, and let us know what you’re making!
