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

Joshua Dunn is the quilter and designer behind Lifting and Stitching. Based in North Carolina, he creates modern quilt patterns 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. His work has been featured in quilt shows, and his pattern Snapshot, a memory quilt, appears in the Summer 2026 issue of Quiltmaker Magazine alongside a designer spotlight.

In This Episode

In this episode, Joshua and I talk about:

• 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 quilt 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

Website: https://www.liftingandstitching.com/
A Trip Around the Universe pattern: https://www.liftingandstitching.com/atatu
Snapshot in Quiltmaker Magazine, Summer 2026: https://www.quiltingdaily.com/product/quiltmaker-summer-2026-digital-edition/
Digital is available now, and print is on newsstands June 16.
Etsy shop: https://liftingandstitching.etsy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftingandstitching/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@liftingandstitching
Patreon: https://patreon.com/liftingandstitching

Listen to These Other Episodes

If you enjoyed this episode, here are a few more conversations from the Craft to Career Podcast you may love:

Michael Eason of Quilchemy on English Paper Piecing and Building a Creative Business

Eva Saunders of Gingerly Quilt Co. on Grants, Art History, and Finding Your Voice as a Designer

Helene of Scandi Quilts on Niching Down, Photography, and Creating a Recognizable Quilt Brand