In this interview with Daniela Stout, we talk about her Strip Tube Ruler (and Junior!) and how they came to be.

Daniela Stout is the owner of Cozy Quilt Shop in El Cajon, which opened in 2003. Daniela was a marketing manager for a book distributor, and dreamed of running her own business with her husband Rick. Rick had the business know-how and Daniela had a passion for quilting. After many months of dreaming, planning, and exploring, they took the leap. And have loved it ever since.

Why “Cozy Quilt Shop”? Their kids call a blanket of any kind a “cozy.” When they are cold, or when they are sick, they ask for a cozy. It's a name that means home and comfort to the Stout family. And that’s just what they wanted for their new store.

As the business grew, they launched a line of patterns called Cozy Quilt Designs. They also launched the greatest “of-the-month” program called "Strip Club!" Each month they offer a coordinated bundle of about 40 – 2 ½” strips and a new original pattern to help put the strips to use. They have a lecture once a month to debut the new sample and present the pattern. It's a lot of fun for everyone and everyone is welcome. While they put this event on hold because of stupid covid and stupid cancer, it’s back and you should absolutey go and join the fun!

As you may have gathered from the “stupid cancer” comment above, Daniela was diagnosed with cancer. It was on her 49th birthday, November 10, 2020. Ovarian cancer. Stage 3b.  It was a bumpy path with some very low lows. As with all cancer journeys, it was a frightening time. But we are happy to report things took a turn for the better, and we are expecting the words "remission" and "maintenance" to overshadow chemotherapy and infusion.

Daniela is truly an inspiration to many quilters, and quilt shop owners... we're so happy to share her story this week on the podcast!