Loose Threads & Stitches: A Quilting Podcast

EP: 031 What to Do When You Hate Your Quilt 😬

What to Do When You Hate Your Quilt 😬 Ever started a quilt… and halfway through, realised you hate it?The colors feel wrong. The layout’s off. You’re just over it.
This episode is your guide to what to do next —whether that means saving it, changing it, or just giving it grace.
Plus — if the only thing holding you back is the quilting part,let me help with that. My longarm services are open and ready!
🎧 Listen/review on Apple/Spotify!
💬 Share your “I hated this quilt” story in the comments!📚 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:🧵 Longarm Services & Instant Quote → https://stitch.academy/longarm-quilting
📚 Free Printable: Quilt Care Guide → https://stitch.academy/quilt-care-101☕ Buy Me a Tea → http://buymeacoffee.com/starsquilting🛍️ Shop My Tools & Workshops → https://ISeeStarsQuilting.com📸 Instagram →   / issq.longarmquilting  📌 Pinterest →   / iseestarsquilting  
 
#quiltingproblems #quiltregret #quilterlife #sewingmistakes #longarmquilting
📌 DISCLAIMER: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting I See Stars Quilting and the Loose Threads & Stitches Podcast!

EP: 030 What If You Just… Didn’t Quilt for Everyone This Year? 🤔

Feeling holiday pressure to quilt your way into being enough? It’s time for a reality check—quilting burnout isn’t festive.
🎙️ IN THIS EPISODEChristen from I See Stars Quilting opens her heart in this honest holiday chat about the emotional labor behind handmade gifts—and how to reclaim joy and sanity without ditching your creativity.
💡 EPISODE TAKEAWAYSThe truth about handmade guilt and emotional giftingWhy “not everyone gets a quilt” is the sanest mantra of the seasonTips for fast finishes (that still feel meaningful)How batching and drop-dead dates can save your holiday spiritA permission slip to let go of guilt projects and choose joy instead
💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATIONWhat’s the most unrealistic handmade gift idea you’ve ever attempted? (Bonus points if it involved glitter ✨)
🧵 JOIN THE STITCH SISTER INNER CIRCLEWant more support like this in your quilting journey? Our private community of creative women is waiting for you → https://stitch.academy/stitchsister
📚 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:🧵 Longarm Services & Instant Quote → https://stitch.academy/longarm-quilting📚 Free Printable: Quilt Care Guide → https://stitch.academy/quilt-care-101☕ Buy Me a Tea → http://buymeacoffee.com/starsquilting🛍️ Shop My Tools & Workshops → https://ISeeStarsQuilting.com📸 Instagram → http://instagram.com/issq.longarmquilting📌 Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/ISeeStarsQuilting
#quiltingpodcast #holidayquilting #stitchsisters #creativeconfidence #handmadenothustle

EP: 029 6 Ways to Embrace a Slower, Cozier Quilting Season

Feeling rushed by the holiday season already? You're not alone — but what if this was the year you did less and enjoyed more? Let’s stitch some sanity into the season.
🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE:Christen from I See Stars Quilting walks you through six cozy, heart-centered ways to make this “in-between” season feel more peaceful and joyful — without a single frantic to-do list in sight. If you’re already eyeing the peppermint mocha creamer or feeling behind on handmade gifts, this one’s for you.
💡 EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:
Why a slow holiday is the best holiday
How low-stakes quilting projects can be your creative vitamins
Tips for creating a cozy seasonal vibe in your sewing space
A loving permission slip to not do it all
Simple ways to connect with other quilters and romanticize the season
💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:What’s your one focus project for this cozy season?
🧵 JOIN THE STITCH SISTER INNER CIRCLE:Want more support like this in your quilting journey? Our private community of creative women is waiting for you → https://stitch.academy/stitchsister
📚 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:🧵 Longarm Services & Instant Quote → https://stitch.academy/longarm-quilting
📚 Free Printable: Quilt Care Guide → https://stitch.academy/quilt-care-101☕ Buy Me a Tea → http://buymeacoffee.com/starsquilting🛍️ Shop My Tools & Workshops → https://ISeeStarsQuilting.com📸 Instagram → http://instagram.com/issq.longarmquilting📌 Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/ISeeStarsQuilting
00:00 Intro – Too soon for Christmas music?  01:45 The Great Seasonal Pivot  03:01 Why You Don’t Have to Rush the Holidays  04:08 Tip #1: Reclaim the Spark with Low-Stakes Projects  06:35 Tip #2: Swap Spooky for Snuggly  10:12 Tip #3: You Are Allowed to Slow Down  12:00 Tip #4: Choose ONE Focus Project  14:10 Tip #5: Stitch With a Friend  15:33 Tip #6: Embrace the Cozy Season On Purpose  18:02 A Heartfelt Wrap-Up & Gentle Reminder  
#quiltingpodcast #holidaysewing #stitchsisters #quiltingforbeginners #creativeconfidence 📌 DISCLAIMER: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting I See Stars Quilting and the Loose Threads & Stitches Podcast!

EP: 028 What Quilt Shows Secretly Teach Us (It’s Not About Ribbons)

Ever walked into a quilt show and felt both inspired and a little “not good enough”? Let’s talk about it.
💡 EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:A mindset shift from comparison to celebrationWhy small local quilt shows are the heart of the quilting worldHow every quilt—flaws and all—tells a powerful storyA hilarious “flying goose vs geese” moment you don’t want to missGentle encouragement if you’ve ever felt like your quilt “isn’t good enough”
💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:What’s the most inspiring or unexpected thing you’ve seen at a quilt show?
🧵 JOIN THE STITCH SISTER INNER CIRCLE:Want more support like this in your quilting journey? Our private community of creative women is waiting for you → https://stitch.academy/stitchsister
📚 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:🧵 Longarm Services & Instant Quote → https://stitch.academy/longarm-quilting📚 Free Printable: Quilt Care Guide → https://stitch.academy/quilt-care-101☕ Buy Me a Tea → http://buymeacoffee.com/starsquilting🛍️ Shop My Tools & Workshops → https://ISeeStarsQuilting.com📸 Instagram → http://instagram.com/issq.longarmquilting
🔄 LISTEN TO NEXT:🎙️Why your quilting voice matters: https://youtu.be/0QXVnVfIYpw?si=JjvEhm6wAqPquti7🎙️Making friends as a grown-up Quilter: https://youtu.be/cS3w6tKC7Qs?si=AD0XCZMXtYjpMgCl🎙️Forgotten WIPs, UFOs & Shame piles: https://youtu.be/z_7mTUwG4LA?si=K3FRQuAtTuuUl3Qj🎙️Would you still gift a quilt with the blocks upside down?: https://youtu.be/V5mq4iJpm40?si=kve_DXdpvtph5ckV
📌 CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Intro  00:31 What Quilt Shows *Really* Mean  01:15 When Shows Feel Intimidating (Been There!)  02:00 A Red Carpet for Creative Community  03:00 Why Little Quilt Shows Deserve Big Love  04:25 Every Quilt Tells a Story  05:17 Flip Comparison Into Curiosity  06:00 The Neon Thread Quilt That Stopped Me  07:10 You Never Know Who You’re Inspiring  07:46 From Measured to Moved  08:30 Final Pep Talk & Resources

EP: 027 Not a Math Person? You’ll Still Rock These Easy Quilt Formulas

Math doesn't have to ruin your quilting joy. In this episode, I’m breaking down quilt math into easy formulas so you can skip the stress and keep on stitching.
🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE:If quilt math has ever made you second-guess your creative flow, this one’s for you. I’m sharing the exact simple methods I use to calculate quilt backing, binding, and borders—no spreadsheets or stress required.
💡 EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:
My sanity-saving formula for calculating backing fabricThe “lazy but reliable” binding math shortcutHow to measure borders accurately without overthinking itA reminder that perfection is overrated—but preparedness is golden.Why you don’t have to be a math genius to be a confident quilter
💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:What part of quilt math trips you up the most—backing, binding, or borders?
🧵 JOIN THE STITCH SISTER INNER CIRCLE:Want more support like this in your quilting journey? Our private community of creative women is waiting for you → https://stitchsisterinnercircle.com
📚 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:🧵 Get the Quilt Math Cheat Sheet PDF → https://stitch.academy/product-details/product/673f651ebc7e2e22b95ee326☕ Buy Me a Tea → http://buymeacoffee.com/starsquilting📸 Instagram → http://instagram.com/issq.longarmquilting📌 Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/ISeeStarsQuilting
#quiltingpodcast #quiltingforbeginners #quiltmath #stitchsisters #creativeconfidence
🔄 LISTEN TO NEXT:→ New to quilting? Don’t miss this episode: [“Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Quilting”]→ Need a boost of confidence? Watch this one on creative identity and progress.
📌 CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro  00:39 “I’m Not a Math Person” Confession  01:33 Why Quilt Math Matters (and Saves You Money)  02:11 Backing Fabric Formula (Step-by-Step)  04:18 Binding Math Made Simple  06:11 Border Math: The Shortcut Method  08:09 You’re Capable—Even If You Hate Math  08:45 Quilt Math Cheat Sheet Info  09:10 The Stitch Sister Inner Circle  10:27 What’s Coming Next Week

EP: 026 How I Build a Color Palette That Actually Works (No More Fabric Panic!)

Ever dump your fabric stash out and feel totally overwhelmed? Here's how to build a quilt color palette without stress — using a simple method that works every time.
🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE:
Christen shares her personal process for choosing colors and prints that feel cohesive, creative, and full of joy — even when your stash feels chaotic. This one's for any quilter who’s ever felt stuck at the starting line.
💡 EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:The Anchor fabric method — and why it worksHow to make fabric “auditions” less overwhelmingWhy harmony is better than matching, and how to trust your gutA real-life fabric pull story that shows the process in actionEncouragement for anyone who thinks they “don’t have the eye”
💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:What’s your go-to fabric when you’re stuck building a palette?
🧵 JOIN THE STITCH SISTER INNER CIRCLE:Want more support like this in your quilting journey? Our private community of creative women is waiting for you → https://www.stitchsisterinnercircle.com
📚 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:🧵 Longarm Services & Instant Quote → https://stitch.academy/longarm-quilting📚 Free Printable: Quilt Care Guide → https://stitch.academy/quilt-care-101☕ Buy Me a Tea → http://buymeacoffee.com/starsquilting🛍️ Shop My Tools & Workshops → https://ISeeStarsQuilting.com📸 Instagram → http://instagram.com/issq.longarmquilting📌 Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/ISeeStarsQuilting
00:00 Intro  00:50 Why fabric pulls can feel overwhelming  01:30 The anchor fabric method explained  02:30 Finding supporting fabrics with “vibes”  03:30 How value & scale change everything  04:45 The audition process (and trusting your gut)  06:00 A real-life retro fabric pull story  08:35 Final advice: Trust your eye, not the rules  10:00 A guide for beginner quilters + coupon info  10:30 Recap & permission to *play* with fabric  11:03 Sign-off  
#quiltingpodcast #quiltingforbeginners #fabricpull #stitchsisters #colorpalettequilting

EP: 025 Why Your Fabric Stash Is Actually Awesome

Let me say something kind of spicy today: your fabric stash isn't a problem! It's not a burden, but a source of quilting inspiration. Let's celebrate our sewing room organization and quilting tips, because our quilt fabric collection is actually one of the most beautiful things about us as quilters! ✨
🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE:Christen from I See Stars Quilting shares a heartfelt, funny, and empowering message for every quilter who’s ever side-eyed their fabric bins. This one’s for you if you’ve ever wondered, “Do I have too much?”
💡 EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:Why your fabric stash is not a problem—it’s a promiseThe mindset shift that turns guilt into creative confidenceHow to reconnect with your stash (without pressure!)A sweet ritual to spark inspiration even on busy daysA gentle challenge to love and use what you already adore
💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:What’s one piece of fabric in your stash that still makes your heart flutter?
🧵 JOIN THE STITCH SISTER INNER CIRCLE:Craving a community that celebrates creativity (and your ever-growing stash)? We’re saving a seat for you inside the Stitch Sister Inner Circle → https://www.stitchsisterinnercircle.com
📚 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:🧵 Longarm Services & Instant Quote → https://stitch.academy/longarm-quilting📚 Free Printable: Quilt Care Guide → https://stitch.academy/quilt-care-101☕ Buy Me a Tea → http://buymeacoffee.com/starsquilting🛍️ Shop My Tools & Workshops → https://ISeeStarsQuilting.com📸 Instagram → http://instagram.com/issq.longarmquilting📌 Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/ISeeStarsQuilting
00:00 Intro  00:53 The Spicy Truth About Your Fabric Stash  01:45 When Guilt Creeps In  03:01 The Moment That Changed Christen's Perspective  04:34 Your Stash Is Not Just Fabric—It's Future Joy  06:43 Fabric Date Ritual: Reconnecting Without Pressure  08:38 The Truth About Being a Collector  10:08 A Gentle Challenge to Use What You Love  11:00 Loving Your Stash Without Justifying It  11:48 Stitch Sister Inner Circle Invitation  12:10 Final Encouragement & Farewell  
#quiltingpodcast #quiltingforbeginners #fabricstashlove #stitchsisters #creativeconfidence 
📌 DISCLAIMER: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting I See Stars Quilting and the Loose Threads & Stitches Podcast!

EP: 024 Your Quilting Voice Matters (Even If Your Seams Don’t Match) ❤️

🫶 Your creative voice matters — not because it’s perfect, but because it’s YOURS.✨ Tell me in the comments: What makes your quilts feel like you? (Color choices? Improv? Polka dot bindings?) Let’s celebrate the things that make your quilting voice shine 💛
P.S. Need a cheer squad? Come join us inside the Stitch Sister Inner Circle → https://stitchsisterinnercircle.com__________________________________________________
Ever look at your quilt and think, “This isn’t good enough to share”? Let’s rewrite that narrative — because your creative voice matters, just as it is.
🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE:Christen opens up about battling creative self-doubt and reminds us why perfection isn’t the goal — connection is. Whether you’ve just started quilting or you’ve been stitching for decades, this is the pep talk your heart needs.
💡 EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:A real story about imposter syndrome at a quilt show (and the one comment that changed everything)Why perfection isn’t the point — and what isHow to see YOUR unique voice in your quiltsA gentle practice to build creative confidence todayThe magic of sharing your work, flaws and all
💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:What’s one part of your quilting that you used to feel unsure about… but now you’ve learned to love? Share your wins (big or small) in the comments — we’re here to cheer you on!
🧵 JOIN THE STITCH SISTER INNER CIRCLE:Want a cozy community that celebrates your creative voice? Inside the Stitch Sister Inner Circle, we believe your quilts don’t need to be perfect — just yours.✨ Join us → https://stitchsisterinnercircle.com
📚 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:🧵 Longarm Services & Instant Quote → https://stitch.academy/longarm-quilting📚 Free Printable:  → https://stitch.academy/quilt-care-101☕ Buy Me a Tea → http://buymeacoffee.com/starsquilting🛍️ Shop My Tools & Workshops → https://ISeeStarsQuilting.com📸 Instagram → http://instagram.com/issq.longarmquilting📌 Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/ISeeStarsQuilting
00:00 Intro  00:41 The voice that says “you’re not good enough”  01:17 A real moment of quilt show self-doubt  02:30 “This quilt feels like joy to me.”  03:20 Why perfection isn’t the point (connection is)  04:30 The comparison trap (and how to escape it)  05:45 You already *have* a creative voice  07:00 A visual exercise to help you *see* your style  08:00 Your voice is worthy — right now  09:00 Final pep talk + community invitation  
#quiltingpodcast #quiltingconfidence #quiltinspiration #stitchsisters #creativeconfidence📌 DISCLAIMER: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting I See Stars Quilting and the Loose Threads & Stitches Podcast!

EP: 023 🤔Making Friends as a Grown-Up Quilter (Without the Awkward Drama)

Ever felt like making friends as an adult quilter is awkward and weird? 🧵🙋‍♀️ Me too. But here’s your reminder: it’s also brave and so worth it.
💛 Which tip from today’s episode are you going to try first? Post the thing? Say yes to something awkward? Find your stitchy weirdos? Tell me below — I’d love to cheer you on.
✨ PS: I’M GOING ON STAGE!I’m speaking at Quilt Festival and QuiltCon this year (EEK!) — if you’ll be there, please come say hi. I’d love to meet my YouTube friends in real life 💖🧵______________________________________________________________Ever walked into a quilt guild and felt like you were back in the high school cafeteria—awkward and unsure where to sit? You are so not alone!
🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE:Christen shares honest stories, funny confessions, and practical tips about making quilting friends as an adult. If you’ve ever felt like the “weird kid” in quilting spaces, this episode is your warm hug and gentle nudge to find your people.
💡 EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:Why quilting friendships matter more than you thinkHow to say “yes” to connection (even when you want to bail)The one brave step that changes everythingWhy small groups of “stitchy weirdos” are better than giant quilt crowdsA reminder that awkwardness = courage in disguise
💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:What’s the bravest quilting friendship step you’ve taken lately?
🧵 JOIN THE STITCH SISTER INNER CIRCLE:Want a place where you always have a seat at the table? The Stitch Sister Inner Circle is a cozy community of women who “get it”—and you’re invited → https://www.stitchsisterinnercircle.com/
📚 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:🧵 Longarm Services & Instant Quote → https://stitch.academy/longarm-quilting📚 Free Printable: Quilt Care Guide → https://stitch.academy/quilt-care-101☕ Buy Me a Tea → http://buymeacoffee.com/starsquilting🛍️ Shop My Tools & Workshops → https://ISeeStarsQuilting.com📸 Instagram → http://instagram.com/issq.longarmquilting📌 Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/ISeeStarsQuilting
00:00 Intro  00:41 That High School Cafeteria Feeling  02:00 Why Making Friends as Adults is Awkward  04:55 Storytime: The Meetup That Went Sideways  06:44 4 Tips to Find Quilty Friends (Without Pressure)  10:05 Why I Created the Stitch Sister Inner Circle  11:06 How Friendship Changes Your Quilting  13:00 Awkward is Brave (and Totally Okay)  14:25 My Table Has Plenty of Open Seats  15:30 Wrap-Up & Gentle Send-Off  
#quiltingpodcast #quiltingfriends #stitchsisters #quiltingcommunity #quiltingforbeginners 📌 DISCLAIMER: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting I See Stars Quilting and the Loose Threads & Stitches Podcast!

EP: 022 What Happens When You Ignore Your Sewing Machine?

Ever felt guilty for stepping away from your sewing machine? Here’s your warm, heartfelt reminder that quilting—and your creativity—will always welcome you back.
🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE:I'm sharing a vulnerable and beautiful update on why I took an extended break from YouTube this summer, what I did instead and what it means to come back to quilting without guilt. If you've been feeling "behind" creatively, this one's for you.
💡 EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:Why it's okay to press pause (even when it wasn’t planned)The gentle way quilting welcomes us backA reminder that creativity works in seasonsHow to restart your quilting groove without pressureA warm invitation to reconnect with your sewing space (on your terms)
💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:What helped you come back to quilting after a break?
🧵 JOIN THE STITCH SISTER INNER CIRCLE:Need support while you find your spark again? Our private community of creative women is here to wrap you in sisterhood, not pressure → https://stitchsisterinnercircle.com
📚 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:🧵 Longarm Services & Instant Quote → https://stitch.academy/longarm-quilting☕ Buy Me a Tea → http://buymeacoffee.com/starsquilting🛍️ Shop My Tools & Workshops → https://ISeeStarsQuilting.com📸 Instagram → http://instagram.com/issq.longarmquilting📌 Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/ISeeStarsQuilting
00:00 Intro  00:52 Life Happened & I Hit Pause  02:17 A Summer of Presence (and No Regrets)  03:44 Quilting Waits for You Like an Old Friend  05:05 I'm Back—And So Is the Creative Mess  06:18 A Gentle Nudge for Your Return Too  07:28 Stitch Sister Inner Circle Invitation  08:03 What’s Coming Next (and Why I'm So Excited!)  
#quiltingpodcast #quiltingforbeginners #stitchsisters #creativereboot #quiltlife 
📌 DISCLAIMER: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting I See Stars Quilting and the Loose Threads & Stitches Podcast!