Why You Need a Second Pass at Organizing

Mary and I are sharing the five things that are getting us through right now. Some are sewing room favorites, some are everyday finds, and all of them have earned a permanent spot in our lives. These are the tools, habits, and little discoveries we keep telling our friends about, so we figured it was time to tell you too. Grab your coffee or your current project and pull up a chair. You might just find your next lifesaver.

How many projects have you put off because a technique felt too hard or too scary to try? In this episode of Stitching Up Trouble, Mary and I talk about not letting fear hold you back. We chat about sewing methods and crafts that can feel intimidating at first, why it's worth jumping in anyway, and how to power through when you're nervous about getting it wrong.If there's a technique sitting on your someday list, consider this your sign to give it a try.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere podcasts are found. Just search Stitching Up Trouble.

Thread is one of those supplies we all keep buying, but how often do we stop and think about taking care of it? In this episode of Stitching Up Trouble, Mary and I talk all about thread: how to care for it so it lasts and sews the way it should, and the storage and organizing systems we use in our own sewing rooms so we can actually find the color we need when we need it.In this episode we cover:Why thread care makes a difference in your stitchingHow to protect your thread and keep it in good shapeHow we store and organize our thread collectionsTips for getting your thread stash under controlWhether you have a single drawer of spools or a whole wall of thread, you'll walk away with ideas you can use in your own space.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere podcasts are found. Just search Stitching Up Trouble.

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.