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!

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!

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!

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 purchase 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 main prints to blenders, we break down how to plan your purchases so you get the right amount of fabric for your next project, without breaking the bank (or your storage space).

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.

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!

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 to setting realistic timelines, we’re sharing all our tips (and a few funny stories) about giving quilts with love and intention

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 small-but-mighty skills 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.

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 get ready for a week of creativity, connection, and (hopefully) fabric-filled fun!

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! 🧵 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 after attending. From new products and exciting trends to honest takeaways about where the industry is headed, this episode is a candid reflection on our time at one of the biggest craft and textile events of the year. Whether you’re a hobbyist, business owner, or just love the behind-the-scenes of the creative world—this one’s for you.

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!