Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi

Rulers can make or break your quilting accuracy — but with so many options out there, how do you know which ones are actually worth having in your sewing room? In this episode, Heidi & Mary share their favorite quilting rulers, the features they look for before adding one to their toolkit, and practical tips for using rulers more confidently and accurately in your own projects.

Did you know your favorite hobby might be doing more for you than you think? In this episode of Stitching Up Trouble, Heidi & Mary dig into the real mental and emotional health benefits of creative crafts like quilting, embroidery, and needlework — from stress relief and mindfulness to the powerful role that crafting communities, guilds, and retreats play in our wellbeing. If you've ever wondered why an afternoon at the sewing machine feels so good, this one's for you.Subscribe for more honest conversations about quilting, sewing, and the maker life. #StitchingUpTrouble #QuiltingPodcast #CraftingCommunity #MentalHealthAndCrafting #QuiltersOfInstagram

We've missed you! After a 6-week break, Mary and Heidi are back and catching up on everything — upcoming trips, retreats on the horizon, and some exciting news about the future of Stitching Up Trouble. Pull up your current project and settle in, because we have a lot to talk about.

You organized your stitching space — now what? A few months in, your system has been put to the test. In this Let's Get Organized episode, we talk about why revisiting your organizing setup is just as important as the first pass, and how to make smart, lasting adjustments.Whether you organized last season or just last month, this episode will help you fine-tune your setup so it works with how you actually stitch.

Mary and Heidi are back from H+H Americas in Chicago — and they have a LOT to share! From must-see new products and standout vendors to their honest first impressions of the show floor, this episode is your ultimate insider recap of the stitching world's biggest trade event.

Stuck on what to make next? Mary and I share how to build a quilting Idea Book to capture and fuel your creativity. We cover how to create one, how we use ours day-to-day, and why it's become one of our favorite quilting tools. Your next great project is waiting inside!

Mary and I are spilling everything inside our quilting and crafting Go Bags! We walk you through what we pack, how we put ours together, and why every quilter needs one ready to grab at a moment's notice. Whether you're heading to a retreat, guild meeting, or a spontaneous sewing session, this episode has you covered.

In this episode of Stitching Up Trouble , Mary shares her best tips for organizing, storing, and actually using your fabric scraps. If your scrap pile is growing faster than your projects, this episode is packed with practical solutions and creative ideas. We cover simple systems that make scraps easy to find and use—plus quilt and sewing project ideas that turn leftovers into something worth finishing.

In this episode of Stitching Up Trouble , Heidi and Mary sit down for a quick catch-up on everything happening right now. From upcoming quilt classes and retreats to travel plans and current projects in the studio, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s coming next. If you’ve been thinking about joining a retreat, taking a class, or just want to hear what’s inspiring us lately, this is a great place to jump in.

Is clutter slowing down your creativity? In this episode of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi , we focus on one of the biggest productivity challenges in a sewing space—flat surface clutter and disorganized notions. We walk through practical ways to clear off your work surfaces, sort through tools, and decide what should stay within reach and what can be stored or removed. We also share our methods for choosing the best tools, reducing duplicates, and creating a workspace that makes it easier to start creating the moment inspiration strikes. If you want a cleaner, more functional creative area and simple strategies to stay organized and productive, this episode is packed with helpful ideas you can apply right away.

Choosing the right national quilt show can make a huge difference in your experience — but not every show is the right fit for every quilter. In this episode of Stitching Up Trouble , we break down how to decide which quilt shows are worth your time, travel, and budget. We talk about what makes each type of show unique, what to expect as an attendee, and how to choose events that match your goals — whether you love shopping, learning, networking, or simply being inspired by incredible quilts. Perfect for quilters planning their next trip or trying to decide which big show to attend this year.

Fabric stash getting a little out of hand? You’re not alone. In this episode of Stitching Up Trouble , Mary and Heidi share how they approach decluttering and organizing their fabric stashes in a way that’s realistic, flexible, and actually doable. We talk about how to decide what stays and what goes, easy organization methods that don’t require perfection, and how to set up your stash so it supports the way you really sew. No guilt, no pressure, and no color-coded rules—just simple ideas to help you feel inspired instead of overwhelmed. If you’ve been avoiding your fabric shelves or bins, this episode is your sign to keep it simple and make your stash work for you.

Fabric kits or stash fabric— which do you prefer when starting a new quilt? In this episode of Stitching Up Trouble , Mary and Heidi dig into the real-life reasons quilters choose one over the other. We talk about ease vs. flexibility, time vs. creativity, budget considerations, and how each choice impacts whether a project actually gets finished. There’s no right or wrong answer here—just honest insight into how kits and stash sewing fit into different seasons of quilting life. Whether you love the grab-and-go simplicity of a kit or the creative challenge of pulling from your stash, this episode will help you feel confident in choosing what works best for you .

In this episode of Stitching Up Trouble , Mary and Heidi dive into the growing trend of Analog Bags —what they are, why creatives are obsessed with them, and how they blend function with a love for analog tools like pens, notebooks, planners, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned journaler or just analog-curious, this chat will inspire you to curate your own bag of analog joy. Grab your favorite pouch and tune in!

In Episode 2 of Stitching up Trouble Season 2, we’re diving into the mindset and motivation behind our creative reset for 2026! We start by revealing our Words of the Year and how those words are guiding our goals and energy in the studio. Then we jump into the first focus of our Organizing Challenge —tackling those lingering WIPs (Works in Progress) and UFOs (Unfinished Objects). We share tips for evaluating what to keep, how to store and track projects you’re still excited about, and what to do with the ones you’re ready to release. Plus, creative ideas for gifting or passing on unfinished projects to others who might love them. If you’re ready to clear space, reclaim your creative energy, and sew with more intention this year—this episode is a must-listen.

Season 2 of Stitching up Trouble with Mary and Heidi is officially underway! After a holiday break, we’re back and getting ready for 2026 with a full reset. In this first episode of the new season, we talk through our individual reset plans—how we reflect on the past year, set intentions for the year ahead, and organize our creative spaces to support those goals. From decluttering and reorganizing to mindset shifts that help us start strong, this episode is all about creating a foundation for a productive, creative year. If you’re looking for motivation to refresh your sewing room and reset your creative rhythm, this is the perfect place to start.

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.

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.

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.

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.