Joshua Dunn on Memory Quilts, Space, and a Quiltmaker Magazine Feature

Joshua Dunn on Memory Quilts, Space, and a Quiltmaker Magazine Feature

Author: Elizabeth Chappell June 12, 2026 Duration: 44:53

About Joshua

Joshua Dunn is the quilter and designer behind Lifting and Stitching. Based in North Carolina, he creates modern quilts inspired by the cosmos, where memory, color, and story meet. His first pattern, A Trip Around the Universe, drew on the James Webb Telescope's Cosmic Cliffs image, and his work has been featured in quilt shows. His pattern Snapshot, a memory quilt, appears in the Summer 2026 issue of Quiltmaker Magazine alongside a designer spotlight.

In this episode

  • The memory quilt in Quiltmaker Magazine, and the story behind it
  • How quilting keeps Joshua connected to his mother, who was a quilter herself
  • The way he uses quilting to explore his love of outer space
  • His path as a newer pattern designer, from quilt shows to a magazine feature
  • Why quilting stays a creative outlet rather than a full time job, and what that gives him
  • A look at his life beyond the sewing machine, including weightlifting and his approach to healthy eating

A few takeaways

  • A quilt can hold memory and connection, not just fabric and thread
  • You do not have to quilt full time for it to be a meaningful part of your life
  • Designing from what you love, whether that is family or the stars, gives your work its voice
  • Sharing your designs can inspire others to start creating too

Connect with Joshua


Elizabeth Chappell hosts Craft to Career, a space for makers who feel that persistent pull to build something more from their creative work. It’s for the person at their kitchen table, surrounded by their craft, wondering how to bridge the gap between a passionate hobby and a sustainable livelihood. Each episode tackles the real, often unglamorous, questions that arise when you decide to take that leap. You’ll hear practical conversations about defining your niche, setting prices that respect your time, and navigating the complexities of marketing without losing your authentic voice. The focus extends beyond just sales, exploring how to structure your days, maintain creative energy, and build a community around your work, particularly through platforms like Instagram. This podcast operates on the belief that success is a personal definition, not a one-size-fits-all destination. It’s about translating the skill in your hands into a viable, fulfilling path, offering both tactical advice and the necessary encouragement for the journey. Tune in for honest discussions that replace vague inspiration with actionable steps, all aimed at helping you answer that foundational question for yourself.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Craft to Career
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