Michael Eason of Quilchemy: How He Turned a Love of EPP Into a Thriving Quilting Business

Michael Eason of Quilchemy: How He Turned a Love of EPP Into a Thriving Quilting Business

Author: Elizabeth Chappell March 27, 2026 Duration: 55:06

What do felt squares, an old sewing machine, and a spark of creativity have in common? For Michael Eason, they were the beginning of a quilting journey that led him to found Quilchemy and become a respected English Paper Piecing educator.

In this episode, Michael shares how he unexpectedly discovered quilting and quickly realized it was far more creative and expansive than he had imagined. Once he found English Paper Piecing, commonly known as EPP, he was hooked. He fell in love with the precision, portability, and endless design possibilities of this hand-stitching technique, and it eventually became the foundation of his business.

Michael shares the story behind Quilchemy, the work he does today, and how he helps quilters build confidence and skill with EPP. We also talk about the common challenges quilters face when learning EPP, what makes the technique so rewarding, and where Michael hopes to take his business next.

Whether you are brand new to quilting, curious about English Paper Piecing, or looking for inspiration from someone who built a creative business in a unique niche, this conversation is full of encouragement and insight.

In This Episode, We Cover:

  • How Michael got started quilting with felt squares and an old sewing machine
  • The moment he realized quilting could be deeply creative and inspiring
  • What English Paper Piecing is and why he fell in love with it
  • How Quilchemy began and how it has grown
  • Who Michael teaches and the common EPP struggles he helps solve
  • What is next for Michael and the future of Quilchemy

Connect with Michael Eason and Quilchemy:

  • Website: quilchemy.com
  • Instagram: @quilchemy

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: 100

Craft to Career
Podcast Episodes
178. The Inner Voices Holding You Back and How to Overcome Them [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:35
In this insightful episode, Elizabeth Chappell shares the invaluable lessons she learned from her business coach, Lindsey White. These life-changing concepts, inspired by Shirzad Chamine's Positive Intelligence, reveal h…
177. Running a Business with Depression [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:51
Running a business is no easy task, but when you add depression into the mix, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Craft to Career Podcast, I open up about my personal journey as an entrepreneur living with d…
174.  Thinking of Hosting a Live Event? Lessons I've Learned. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:53
Have you ever thought about hosting a live event for your business? In this episode, Elizabeth Chappell reflects on her experiences organizing live events, sharing the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. From p…
173. Unlocking Your Why: A Conversation with Chantell Hammond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:40
In episode 172 of the From Craft to Career Podcast, Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Chantell Hammond, founder of Strategy Square and a passionate business and marketing coach. Chantell's journey began with the challeng…
172. Hosting a Summit with Mary Davis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:54
In episode 171 of the From Craft to Career Podcast, Elizabeth Chappell chats with Mary Davis of Mary Go Round Quilts about her inspiring journey of hosting a summit. Mary opens up about the process, challenges, and rewar…
169. Taking the Fear and Emotion Out of Money with Danielle Hayden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:10
In episode 168 of the Craft to Career Podcast, Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Danielle Hayden, Co-Founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., a bookkeeping and accounting firm dedicated to helping six-figure (and b…