Episodes

Nov 24

In Episode 31 of Stitching up Trouble , we’re recapping all the fun, creativity, and community from our most recent quilting retreat—and giving you a sneak peek of what’s in store for our next one this February! From favorite moments and memorable projects to lessons learned and why these retreats are so special, we’re sharing it all. Whether you’re thinking about attending for the first time or you’re a returning guest, this episode gives you a feel for the experience and what you can expect next time. If you’ve been dreaming of a getaway filled with fabric, laughter, and inspiration—this is your sign to join us.

Nov 15

In Episode 30 of Stitching up Trouble , we’re setting the tone for a fresh new year with a conversation about organizing and decluttering your creative space. Heidi shares her structured plan for organizing her studio heading into the new year—breaking down what’s working, what’s not, and how she’s resetting her space for maximum productivity. Mary shares her more intuitive approach to decluttering, including how she decides what stays, what goes, and how to make space for creativity without the chaos. Whether you’re color-coding your bins or just trying to clear off your cutting table, this episode is packed with practical tips and encouragement to help you start the year feeling focused and inspired.

Nov 7

In Episode 29 of Stitching up Trouble , we’re talking all about holiday sewing — how to handle the gift-making season without losing your joy (or your sanity). As the holidays approach, Heidi and Mary share practical advice for planning, pacing, and prioritizing your handmade gifts. From choosing manageable projects to knowing when to say “enough,” this episode will help you balance creativity with calm. Whether you’re sewing for loved ones or making for fun, these tips will help you enjoy the process and still have time to sip that hot cocoa.

Nov 3

In Episode 28 of Stitching up Trouble , we’re talking about something every maker faces sooner or later — how to keep creating when your body needs a break. With Mary currently sporting a cast, we’re sharing our best tips and tricks for quilting (and crafting) while injured. From adjusting your setup and tools to pacing your projects, we’ll help you stay connected to your creativity without overdoing it. This one’s all about working smarter, resting often, and giving yourself grace when life slows you down.

Oct 17

In Episode 27 of Stitching up Trouble , we’re talking about one of the biggest decisions in your sewing journey— buying a new sewing machine . Heidi shares her expert insight on what questions to ask before you buy, including machine features to consider, how to think about your sewing goals, and what to know before walking into a dealer or ordering online. Whether you’re buying your first machine or upgrading to your dream setup, this episode will help you feel more confident, informed, and ready to invest in a machine that truly fits your style.

Oct 10

In Episode 26 of Stitching up Trouble , we’re sharing everything you need to know about quilt retreat etiquette . Whether you're heading to your first retreat or you're a seasoned veteran, these tips will help you get the most out of your experience—and make sure everyone else does too. From sharing space and respecting quiet time to being flexible and packing smart, we’ll talk through the do’s, the don’ts, and the “definitely bring chocolate” moments that make retreats memorable for all the right reasons. This episode is all about creating a welcoming, stress-free environment so you can focus on what matters: quilting, connection, and fun.

Oct 1

In Episode 25 of Stitching up Trouble , we’re hitting the high seas—quilter-style! Mary asks Heidi all about her experience teaching and quilting aboard a cruise. Heidi shares insider tips, what to expect, what to pack, and why quilting cruises are such a fun way to combine creativity and travel. Whether you're dreaming of your first cruise or just curious how it all works, this episode is full of practical advice and fun stories from life on deck.

Sep 24

In Episode 24 of Stitching up Trouble , we’re catching up after a busy stretch! Mary shares the latest updates on the progress at Koosa Mountain Lodge as the retreat center gets closer to opening. Meanwhile, Heidi gives us a peek into what’s been happening in the design studio—from fabric lines to pattern planning. This laid-back episode is part progress report, part creative catch-up, and full of that Mary-and-Heidi banter you’ve come to love.

Sep 5

In Episode 23 of Stitching up Trouble , we’re diving into the concept of third spaces —those meaningful places outside of home and work where people gather, connect, and belong. Inspired by a conversation with Mary’s daughter-in-law, we explore what third spaces are, how they’ve changed over time, and why they’re more important than ever in today’s disconnected world. From traditional spots like cafes and libraries to modern hubs like quilt retreats, hobby classes, and fabric shops, we’re talking about the role these spaces play in building community and supporting mental health. Whether you’ve found your third space in a sewing circle or you’re still searching for it, this episode will inspire you to reconnect with people, purpose, and creativity.

Sep 1

In Episode 22 of Stitching up Trouble , we’re breaking all the “rules” and airing our unpopular (and totally valid) quilting opinions. Heidi and Mary share the real-life practices that don’t always match the traditional quilt police standards—and why that’s perfectly okay. From skipping the border measurements to ignoring backing size suggestions, we’re getting honest about how we actually sew. If you’ve ever felt guilty for doing things your own way in the sewing room, this episode is your permission slip to embrace your methods, trust your instincts, and let go of the “perfect” way to quilt. New episodes every week—subscribe for more quilting real talk.

Aug 23

In Episode 21 of Stitching up Trouble , Mary gives us an exciting update on the progress of the Koosa Mountain Lodge retreat center. With the grand opening just around the corner, she shares behind-the-scenes details on construction, setup, and what guests can expect when the doors open. If you’ve been following the journey of Koosa Mountain Lodge or dreaming of attending a quilt retreat, this episode is full of inspiration, updates, and the excitement of seeing a big dream come to life.

Aug 15

In Episode 20 of Stitching Up Trouble , Heidi sharesall the details about her exciting new freelance role as a Janome Educator.From her first week of training at Janome’s U.S. headquarters in Mahwah, New Jersey, to what this opportunity means for her creative journey, she’s giving us a peek behind the curtain. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work with a majorsewing machine company—or what goes on at HQ—this episode is full of insights, stories, and plenty of inspiration.

Aug 8

In Episode 19 of Stitching Up Trouble , we’re havingan honest conversation about something many makers struggle with—how to acceptcompliments and recognize our own accomplishments. All too often we downplay our work, dismiss praise, or feelawkward saying thank you. But finishing a project, learning a new skill, orsimply creating something meaningful is worth celebrating. We're sharing ourown experiences and encouraging you to take pride in your creativejourney, because you deserve to.

Aug 1

In Episode 18 of Stitching Up Trouble with Mary and Heidi ,we’re exploring the way we approach quilting. Are you someone who loves the journey, trying new techniques and enjoying the process? Or are you all aboutthe destination—getting that quilt finished and off the list? We’re sharing our personal styles, how our perspectives havechanged over the years, and why understanding your approach can help you getmore out of every project. Whether you slow-stitch or speed through, there’ssomething here for every quilter.

Jul 25

Tired of wandering into your sewing room and getting nothing done? We’ve been there! In Episode 17 of Stitching up Trouble , we’resharing how a little planning can lead to big productivity. Get our favoritetips for focused, feel-good sewing time!

Jul 11

In this week’s episode of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi , we’re talking all about one of the most important parts of any quilt retreat— the food! Mary shares her go-to meal ideas for keeping retreat life easy, delicious, and stress-free, plus tips on planning meals for groups. Heidi jumps in with her favorite snacks to keep the creative energy flowing (and the hanger at bay). Whether you’re hosting a retreat or just heading to one, this episode will help you stay full, fueled, and focused on the fun!

Jul 9

After a short break, Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi is back! In Episode 15, we're catching up and diving into one of our favorite topics— studio organization . 🧵✨ We’re sharing our go-to tips for keeping your quilting space functional, inspiring, and (mostly) clutter-free. From fabric storage ideas to tool organization and time-saving habits, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you love your studio space even more.

Jun 13

In Episode 14 of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi , Mary still has fishing on the brain—but this time, it’s about more than just tools. 🎣🧵 Join us as Mary shares surprising life and learning lessons from her recent fly fishing adventures—and how they apply to quilting, creativity, and picking up any new hobby. From patience and practice to embracing the mess, we’re diving deep into what it really takes to grow your skills (and have fun doing it). Catch up with us, laugh a little, and maybe see quilting through a fresh new lens!

Jun 6

In Episode 13 of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi , Mary is back from her fishing vacation—rested, inspired, and full of unexpected quilting ideas! We’re catching up on our recent travels and sharing how Mary found clever ways to repurpose fishing tools for quilting. From organization hacks to tool swaps, this episode is packed with fun ideas, laughter, and plenty of inspiration from the great outdoors. You’ll never look at a tackle box the same way again!

May 31

In Episode 11 of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi , we’re handing the mic to Mary—our resident quilt retreat expert! With six years of hosting under her belt, Mary shares her favorite tips, tricks, and creative ideas to help make your next retreat more fun, productive, and stress-free. From realistic project planning and packing strategies to unique ways groups have made retreats extra special, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned retreater, you’ll leave with fresh ideas to make your next getaway one to remember!

May 23

In our 10th episode of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi , we're back from the H+H Americas show and ready to spill all the thread! After attending, we’re sharing what we saw, what inspired us, what surprised us, and how we’re feeling about the state of the sewing and quilting industry. From new products and exciting trends to honest takeaways about where the industry is headed, this episode is a candid reflection of our time at one of the year's biggest craft and textile events. Whether you’re a hobbyist, business owner, or just love the behind-the-scenes of the creative world, this one’s for you.

May 11

In this week’s episode of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi , we’re talking about the sewing skills that truly elevate your quilting—no matter your experience level. From accurate cutting and consistent seam allowances to better pressing and piecing techniques, these are the small-but-mighty skills that can transform your finished quilt. We’ll share the habits we’ve built over time, common mistakes we see (and have made ourselves!), and practical ways to keep improving. Whether you’re a confident beginner or a seasoned quilter looking to refine your craft, this episode is full of tips that will help your quilts look their absolute best.

May 11

In this week’s episode of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi , we’re packing our bags for the H+H Americas show! Never heard of it? We’ve got you covered. We’ll explain what the H+H show is all about, why it’s such a big deal in the crafting and textile industry, and what we’re hoping to see, learn, and get inspired by. From new trends and tools to connecting with other makers and businesses, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at why we’re so excited—and maybe a little nervous—to attend. Come along for the ride as we prepare for a week of creativity, connection, and (hopefully) fabric-filled fun!

May 2

In Episode 7 of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi , we’re talking all about gifting quilts—one of the most personal and meaningful ways to show someone you care. But let’s be real: not everyone is “quilt-worthy”! We dive into how to decide who gets a quilt, how to pick the right project for the right person, and what to think about when planning a handmade gift. From choosing the style and size for each person, we’re sharing all our tips (and a few funny stories) about giving quilts with love and intention.

Apr 25

In Episode 6 of Stitching Up Trouble with Mary and Heidi , we’re diving into the sewing room essentials that are truly worth the splurge! After years of quilting, designing, and running retreats, we’ve discovered which notions actually make a difference. We’re sharing our top 10 favorite quilting tools that we believe every quilter should invest in. From game-changing rulers to must-have tools, we’ll help you spend smarter and sew happier. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really worth the money, this episode is packed with honest advice and personal favorites!

Apr 22

In Episode 5 of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi , we’re tackling something every creative person faces: burnout . Whether your sewing machine has been gathering dust or you’re feeling stuck on your latest project, you’re not alone. We’re sharing our personal experiences with creative block, what triggers it, and most importantly—how we work through it. From simple mindset shifts to fun, low-pressure projects, we’ve got ideas to help you reignite your creativity and find your joy in quilting again. So if you’re feeling stuck, this one's for you.

Apr 12

In Episode 4 of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi , we’re diving into one of the biggest questions every quilter faces: How much fabric should I buy from a new collection? Mary and Heidi share their personal approaches to buying fabric with purpose—not panic. Heidi offers a behind-the-scenes look at how fabric collections are developed in the industry, and how understanding that process can help you make smarter buying decisions. From hero prints to blenders, we break down how to plan your purchases so you get just the right amount of fabric for your next project—without breaking the bank (or your storage space).

Apr 6

In Episode 3 of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi , we're taking our stitches on the road! Whether you're jet-setting, road-tripping, or riding the rails, we’re sharing how we pack our hand sewing projects for personal travel. From TSA-friendly tools to creative ways to organize your supplies in tight spaces, we’ve got all the tips you need to keep your hands busy and your projects moving—even at 30,000 feet. Grab your travel bag and join us as we chat about sewing on the go, what works, what doesn’t, and how to stay creative no matter where you’re headed!

Apr 6

In this episode of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi , we’re hitting the road! Mary and Heidi talk about their upcoming trips, what goes into planning for a quilting retreat, and all the little things you wish you remembered to pack. We’re sharing our favorite tips, tricks, and must-haves for making your retreat experience smooth, stress-free, and full of creative joy. Whether you’re a retreat newbie or a seasoned traveler with a suitcase full of fat quarters, this episode will help you pack smart and quilt happy!

Apr 5

Welcome to the very first episode of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi ! In this kickoff chat, we’re pulling back the curtain and introducing ourselves—Mary, quilt retreat owner and professional chaos coordinator, and Heidi, quilt designer and creative whirlwind. We’ll share how our lives (and stitches) intertwined, what inspired us to start this podcast, and what you can expect in future episodes—think quilting tips, hilarious mishaps, heartfelt stories, and a whole lot of fabric-fueled fun. Whether you’re here for the creativity, the camaraderie, or just a bit of quilting gossip, we’re so glad you found us!