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 parks even better for the community. It’s a jam-packed session full of personal updates, creative inspiration, and a little bit of social experimentation. Join us for a chat that covers it all!

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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 that help us nail that elusive quarter-inch seam every time. We even found a moment to chat about local fun, like the big grand opening at the Blue Whale in Catoosa. You're going to LOVE this episode full of fun tips!

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Follow Leslie on Instagram at @leslie_quilts and Rochelle at @doughnutwarrior

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.

The conversation shifts to the creative challenges of fabric selection, including a specialized mosaic whale project and the potential of using Terial Magic for better precision. Beyond the sewing machine, Rochelle discusses her upcoming teaching engagements where she’ll be sharing her expertise on pet portraits. They even touch on some clever kitchen hacks for retreat cooking, like using crinkle-cut fries in a breakfast casserole. To wrap things up, they explore a fascinating discussion on generational burnout and how different age groups navigate modern stresses. It’s a packed session full of travel tips, quilting techniques, and thoughtful reflections.

Enjoy!

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Follow Leslie on Instagram at @leslie_quilts and Rochelle at @doughnutwarrior

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-dives and savvy traveler tips.

Back on the home front, we’re pivoting from passports to presser feet as Rochelle shares her latest sewing room updates and upcoming adventures. We’re talking about the hunt for the perfect serger table, the excitement for the Riley Blake "Road to Oklahoma" fabric launch on June 1st, and Rochelle’s incredible charity work with Project Linus and human trafficking recovery programs. Plus, there’s some serious travel envy with Rochelle’s upcoming birthday trip to Japan for cherry blossom season and Disney. Between car tire mishaps and museum-worthy quilts, this session covers everything from the heart of Oklahoma to the streets of Tokyo. Get ready for plenty of inspiration for your next project or plane ticket!

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Follow Leslie on Instagram at @leslie_quilts and Rochelle at @doughnutwarrior

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 making sure no one gets left behind at the terminal. It’s all about staying mobile while preparing for a dream trip across the pond.

When they aren't talking travel, these two are masterfully navigating the world of custom quilts and upcoming retreats. We get the inside scoop on Leslie’s new sewing machine and her ambitious Summer Sew Along video plans. Rochelle shares updates on her massive 168,000-stitch projects and the excitement building for the Ship Shawana retreat this September. They even find time to reflect on family heirlooms and the art of downsizing without losing the memories. Grab your favorite Cozy Earth robe and settle in for a chat that’s as warm as a fresh quilt!

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Follow Leslie on Instagram at @leslie_quilts and Rochelle at @doughnutwarrior

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 massive Paris trip, these two are keeping their needles moving and their hearts full. We even get a peek into Leslie’s workspace reorganization where her 12-foot table is finally taking center stage for those big projects. It is a whirlwind of technical troubleshooting and artistic inspiration that you definitely do not want to miss!

Moving from hardware to heartstrings, the duo reflects on the "Welcome to Holland" analogy for raising children with disabilities and finding beauty in the unexpected. On the technical side, Rochelle gives us the masterclass on thread management and why facing might just beat binding for your next masterpiece. Leslie is gearing up for her Stripology retreat, strategically ordering extra panels for her One Block Wonder to ensure the back looks just as good as the front. There is also a call to action for the listeners as Leslie prepares to send fabric scrap photos to Lorraine for some creative upcycling ideas. Whether it’s using EQ8 software to plan your next Pastel Prairie quilt or learning to use clips over pins, this conversation is packed with pro tips. They remind us that even when life throws a literal tornado your way, there is always time for a little decoupage and community. Grab your favorite beverage and settle in for a chat that feels just like sitting in the sewing room with your best friends!

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Follow Leslie on Instagram at @leslie_quilts and Rochelle at @doughnutwarrior

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 since the 80s.

The adventure doesn't stop there because we’re talking travel and big wheels! Leslie's friend, Christa just snagged a motor coach, and we’re already planning the logistics of driving the bus to Kansas City for some classes with Angela. We also shared some essential travel hacks for Leslie’s upcoming Paris trip, covering everything from electric blankets to the best way to handle currency. To wrap things up, we shared a truly moving story about a tattoo artist honoring sobriety milestones one day at a time. It’s a packed episode full of laughs, life lessons, and plenty of fabric talk. We’re so glad you’re tuning in!

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Follow Leslie on Instagram at @leslie_quilts and Rochelle at @doughnutwarrior

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 create a bond that’s as strong as a double-stitched seam.

But it’s not all just talk; we’re also geeking out over some seriously cool quilting innovations. They are currently perfecting 3D-printed alphabet tags and clips to keep every scrap of fabric organized and ready for action. Between planning a big delivery to the Hamilton Quilt Museum and dodging tornado watches, they are staying busy with needle-felted bunnies and massive half-square triangle projects. Michelle is even stepping up to help finish quilts for an upcoming book, proving that the quilting community always has each other’s backs. Whether they are swapping fabric stories or redesigning organizational gear, these ladies are truly living the creative dream.

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Follow Leslie on Instagram at @leslie_quilts and Rochelle at @doughnutwarrior