Inappropriate Quilters

Welcome back to another episode where we recap the latest "Inappropriate Quilters Retreat" at Osage Hills. In this post-retreat catch-up, the girls dive into the wild success of hosting 8 amazing participants. From crafting prosperity hens, mosaics, and buntings to behind-the-scenes role as a pattern tester, we kept our creative hands full. We also share Rochelle's adventures braving the chaotic lines at 7 Brew coffee shop for free t-shirts and refreshers. Plus, we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to feed a hungry crowd and manage a retreat.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing in the...

In this episode, Leslie and Rochelle catch up on their busy lives and share the behind-the-scenes preparation for an upcoming five-day quilt retreat for 11 people. Rochelle details her extensive prep work, from feeding her sourdough starter and baking fresh bread to the logistics of grocery shopping and packing ingredients using a resourceful orange lake cooler. The conversation also weaves through personal updates, including Leslie's recent garage cleanup that provided closure after a job transition, Ro's husband Lance's lakeside antics, and her ambitious family travel plans to Japan for her daughter’s 40th birthday—with the ultimate goal of helping her...

In this episode, we are thrilled to sit down with the incredibly talented Julie Porter, the creative mind behind Farmhouse Cottons. Julie takes us behind the scenes of her gorgeous sewing space in Siloam Springs and shares her amazing journey into the world of primitive quilting. We chat about her mentor Sherry Payne, hilarious teaching mishaps like a literal candle fire, and the emotional connection to history and heritage that quilting brings to all of us.

We also dive deep into some fun quilting tips and techniques, from Julie’s unique right-side freezer paper appliqué method to Roc...

Get ready for a jam-packed episode where we dive deep into the heart of the quilting community! We’re sharing all the fun details from a recent quilting retreat, including a clever UFO quilt exchange and the heartwarming project of making bears from antique scraps. Plus, Leslie opens up about her massive "spring cleaning" turned organization overhaul and the joy of passing down tools and fabric to the next generation of quilters. It’s all about clearing out the old to make room for new inspiration!

We also tackle the "not-so-seamless" side of things, from troubleshooting podcast tech...

In this episode, Leslie and Rochelle dive into a colorful mix of quilting updates and life adventures! From the excitement of a button project using Lori Holt fabrics to the preparation for upcoming quilting retreats in Missouri, they share their latest creative sparks. We also hear about Rochelle's mission to find rare Starbucks glass bear mugs, a surprising conversation with a tobacco distributor on a plane, and her plans for an upcoming trip to Europe to hunt for the perfect Black Forest cuckoo clock.

The conversation gets real with heart-to-heart updates on family health and the everyday...

Hold onto your sewing chairs because this episode is packed with wild holiday adventures, high-stakes ticket hunting, and a touch of real-life magic! First up, we’re breaking down the ultimate 4th of July survival guide—from dealing with thunderstorm-induced puppy drama to enjoying a front-row view of Disney’s fireworks from a presidential suite. Plus, you’ll hear the full, nerve-wracking saga of scoring floor seats to Ella Langley's sold-out Tulsa show, the independent streaks of the grandkids, and exactly how many miles your feet will endure during a non-stop Disneyland marathon (spoiler alert: it's a lot!).

But it...

Welcome to another action-packed episode where we dive deep into the world of early morning gym sessions and high-stakes camper maintenance! We’re chatting about Leslie’s new 5 a.m. workout routine and the hilarious, albeit sweaty, struggle of de-winterizing a trailer in the summer heat. You’ll hear how a simple car jack became the ultimate hero for a longarm quilting machine repair. It’s all about grit, perseverance, and knowing exactly when to take a cold shower. Plus, we’re sharing some must-watch movie recommendations and the secret to cleaning pool stairs with vitamin C!

The creati...

In this episode, Leslie and Rochelle dive into a whirlwind of life updates, from surviving torrential rain commutes to navigating the "joys" of teeth whitening and new dental hygienists. We also celebrate some big news for Rochelle’s husband, Lance, as he transitions back to his favorite pipeline work just in time for July. Between dodging floodwaters and discussing the latest book reads, we find plenty of humor in the everyday chaos of life. It’s a relatable mix of professional shifts and personal hurdles that you won’t want to miss.

Then, we’re talking all things q...

Welcome back to another episode where we dive deep into the colorful world of quilting and creativity. Get ready for a jam-packed session full of life updates and exciting project reveals. We’re talking about everything from my successful monovision contact lens trial—which is a total game-changer for Leslie's sewing—to the sweet moments teaching her granddaughter how to quilt on a real machine. Plus, we're sharing the scoop on a special package from John filled with the most adorable "Team Dawn" and "Team Dusk" patterns that you absolutely have to hear about!

The creative energy doesn...

In this episode, we’re coming to you straight from the Osage Hills Retreat Center for a triple-celebration filled with pickles, swallows, and sparrows! Leslie recaps her intensive three-day workshop with Angela, sharing how she finally found the confidence to start her grandmother’s legacy quilt. We dive deep into the great longarm debate, comparing the maneuverability of the Amara 20 versus the 24 for custom work. Rochelle also shares the reality of tackling massive 112-inch quilts and her latest adventures in sourdough baking. It’s a jam-packed session full of quilting wins, "oops" moments, and plenty of laughs.

We als...

Get ready for a whirlwind episode where we dive into everything from technical glitches to Cheeto-based pranks! We’re kicking things off with our latest recording adventures, testing out new gear while sharing some hilarious highlights from the Hamilton pixel quilt class. Between dodging ticks in the woods and celebrating Belle’s incredible progress in her cancer treatment, this conversation is packed with heart and humor.

We also get into the nitty-gritty of quilt bindings and our favorite recent movie releases. Plus, we’re sharing details on the Brooks Bags initiative and brainstorming ways to make our local...

We really covered it all in this session! We kicked things off by troubleshooting our tech hurdles, from microphone placement to pesky cords, ensuring our audio is crisp for the listeners. Then, we dove deep into the magic of the Stripology ruler, sharing our best tips for stack and whack designs, panel mashups, and the secrets to perfectly pinned hexagons. It was a true deep dive into making our quilting process as efficient and fun as possible.

Beyond the fabric, we shared some essential gear finds, like those life-saving vibration pads for the Juki and the tools...

In this episode, the girls dive into Rochelle's recent family adventures, from navigating the TSA Care program for a smooth Disney trip to a heartwarming moment where her grand-daughter Lily shared a turkey leg with a man in need. The travel stories don't stop there, as she reflects on flight delays, California dining hits and misses, and the logistics of rescheduling long-awaited trips. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the technical side of the quilting world during a recent retreat. Leslie shares her experiences mastering Stripology rulers and the intricate process of creating One Block Wonders.

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This episode is a whirlwind tour through Leslie’s epic 8-day European river cruise, complete with Viking Cruises’ top-tier service and some emotional stops in Paris, Normandy, and Bruges. We dive into the highlights like scenic canal rides and historical chateau visits where dining history truly came to life. Of course, it wouldn't be a travel story without some drama, including flight delays and a spicy encounter with a local at a French gift shop. Leslie is already looking ahead to a 2028 Danube cruise, proving that the travel bug has officially bitten. It’s a perfect mix of cultural deep-d...

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions regarding sexual assault and rape in the context of the book Know My Name. Listener discretion is advised. 

Welcome back to the show where we dive deep into the world of high-stakes packing and heavy-duty quilting! Today, Leslie and Rochelle break down the ultimate strategy for a 12-day European river cruise, proving that less really is more. Rochelle drops some serious travel wisdom, challenging Leslie to ditch the heavy bags for a svelte 28-pound max checked bag. Between swapping out jeans for essential meds and extra outfits, they’re mak...

Hi everyone, and welcome back to another crafty catch-up session where we dive deep into the world of stitches and surprises! In today’s episode, Leslie and Rochelle dish on everything from high-speed industrial sewing machine dramas to zebra-patterned desk makeovers in Texas. Leslie is currently battling a missing white wire for her new 5500-stitch-per-minute beast, while Rochelle shares tales from a "ladybug" camper and a furniture painting retreat. They explore the emotional side of creating, discussing a touching story about acrylic templates made in honor of a sweet girl named Camden. Between navigating tornado warnings and planning for a...

Today, we’re catching up on everything from dental checkups to high-stakes library presentations. Rochelle just returned from a Nebraska fundraiser where she stepped up as a keynote speaker to talk all things literary quilts, including that stunning Anne of Green Gables piece. We also dive into some "quilty" lifestyle updates, like Lance’s new tallow soap-making venture—which the cat, Petey, finds a little too interesting. Between vision updates and dental wins, it’s clear we’ve been busy staying sharp and healthy. We even chatted about the realities of modern parenting and how much the classroom has changed si...

In this episode, Rochelle and Michelle Schneider of Malva Muse Quilt Company, take us behind the scenes of their incredible quilting friendship, and let me tell you, it is a total stitch! We dive into Michelle’s impressive background with BlockLoc and her love of pattern design. The duo shares how they met through the quilting community and have since become quite the pair. We got a sneak peek into their latest retreat adventures, where the creativity was flowing as fast as the sourdough bread was rising. It’s a heartwarming look at how a shared passion for fabric can...

In this jam-packed session, we catch up with our friend, John MacPhail from Art East Quilting Co. and we’re dishing all the details on Art East’s stunning new Peter Pan quilt, 2nd Star to the Right. We talk all about the design hurdles of mixing character scales and those gorgeous dawn and blue colorways! We also hear about the incredible collaboration with Riley Blake, the secret behind those collector-quality book boxes, and why starting with the face of a block is a total game-changer for motivation. 

The inspiration doesn’t stop there as we look ahead t...

Welcome back to the stitch-side of life, where we’re diving into a whirlwind of quilting magic and road-trip adventures! From the mystery of three identical "Queen of Diamonds" quilts made with totally different techniques to the buzz about a new blue whale building on Route 66, this session was packed with inspiration. We even tackled the tough stuff, like troubleshooting finicky irons and finding the perfect starch for those crisp appliqué edges. It’s all about the joy of the craft and the cool new spots popping up in our community.

But the heart of this episode is re...

Hi everyone! In this episode, we’re diving stitch-first into the vibrant world of modern quilting with the fabulous Jenelle Abbott, founder of Foxy's Kits and Quilts. We track Janelle’s inspiring journey from Etsy hobbyist to a burgeoning business owner, including the scoop on her highly anticipated "Son of a Nutcracker" block-of-the-month project. Between technical mic checks and hair transformation tales, the gang swaps stories about the magic of QuiltCon, the addictive fun of sticker trading, and why SewTite magnets are an absolute total game-changer for your longarm setup.

From discussing the cinematic vibes of "Project Hail...

This week’s episode was an absolute feast of topics, starting with everything from managing those tricky dietary habits to the inspiring financial savvy of our younger generations. We got a fun glimpse into the world of tech with the arrival of a brand-new electric rotary cutter, which is basically the Tesla of fabric tools—talk about a great investment! The chat even spun off into celebrity news, with a hilarious detour to discuss Barry Manilow’s pop chart comeback and the impressive young Max Couture. Of course, no great conversation is complete without a debate over sourdough bread...