Stitched Podcast

Up close it's just a bunch of little X's but when you step back and take a look at the whole picture a beautiful image emerges. Join Elizabeth and liZ as they recount the history of cross-stitching...from ancient Egypt tombs to Catherine of Aragon's underwear and from 1980's Christmas ornaments to it's new modern feminist twists...this episode promises to be an interesting ride!

Whether you are running a race or creating a quilt you are never alone as long as you carry with you the memories and the lessons learned from your loved ones.  Join liZ and Elizabeth as they talk about running marathons and the history of Sampler Quilts.  Then stayed tuned for "I've Got a Notion" to hear all about how the zipper came into being.

Lemony Snicket said in his first book of “A Series of Unfortunate Events” Sanctuary is a word which here means a small, safe place in a troubling world.   Join Elizabeth and liZ as they walk you through the art of creating a french knot, the history of the Notre Dame cathedral, and of course, creating a sanctuary.

It takes a hive of about 60,000 bees all working at the endless cycle of pollinating, gathering nectar to make golden, delicious honey...and it takes a hive of women an afternoon gathered around a set of frames to hand quilt about 60,000 stitches into a quilt top. Travel back in time with Elizabeth and liZ to the days of quilting bees to learn about their origins...and discover that you might just need to hold a quilting bee of your own.

Bob Ross was a master of helping those painting along with him enjoy the journey...and embracing the idea that there are no mistakes, only happy little accidents.  Join liZ and Elizabeth in this episode of Stitched as they discuss Bob Ross, crazy quilts, and the imperfect perfectness of quilting. 

What do you get when you mix the history of indygo in the United States, the birth of the blue jeans, quilting, and Neil Diamond?  You get Episode 11 of Stitched "Forever in Blue Jeans". And stick around at the end for our newest segment "I've Got a Notion"...in today's episode we are talking about pinking shears.

Traditional raw edge applique quilts from Hawaii are as striking as they are distinctive.  Join Elizabeth and liZ as they recount the origins of these beautiful quilts and then stick around for the new segment at the end of the episode called "I've got a notion" to find out why your pin cushion is shaped like a tomato.

It's hard to imagine The Wizard of Oz without picturing Dorothy in her iconic blue and white gingham dress...but where did this print come from and how was it named?  Join Elizabeth and liZ as they wander down the yellow brick road retelling the history of one of the world's most recognizable prints...gingham. And for gingham inspired projects visit Simple Simon and Company where you can find a pile checked quilt patterns and tutorials.  Like THIS TUTORIAL that walks you through how to make an oversized, gingham inspired baby quilt.

Vintage Yo-Yo quilts were created using scores of hand stitched yo-yos.  Many of these yo-yo's were made with scrap fabric that when, upon closer inspection, and viewed separately from the quilt in its entirety aren't that charming.  But...when viewed in context with the rest of the quilt top create something magical. Join Elizabeth and liZ for this episode of Stitched to learn all about the endearing history of yo-yo's. And for more quilting inspiration, patterns, and tutorials check out their website:  Simplesimonandco.com

One long day a penniless traveler, a terrible lightning storm, some homemade beef jerky, and and a group of strangers collided...reminding me that a quilters heart is golden. Join Simple Simon and Company as they take you on a journey across the country to a parking lot late one night where they were introduced to the magic of the quilter's at Gee's Bend.

Butter: creamy, golden, and delicious has inspired more than delightful dishes and tempting desserts....it was the inspiration behind the Churndash Quilt Block. Join Elizabeth and liZ as they walk you through the evolution of making butter, the creation of the Churndash quilt block, and "meet" Grandma Lova...pronounced "love with an A", in this brand new episode of Stitched. And for more Churndash inspiration click on over to www.simplesimonandco.com.  There you can find Churndash quilts, pillows, and even pot holders.

If I Had A Million Dollars is an episode that combines frontier gardens, The Barenaked Ladies, Christmas trees, and chili all into one story about a little known quilt block called "Corn and Beans". We hope you enjoy! (And if you do will you consider leaving us a comment or a review?  That would help us tremendously!)

Geese fly away from and return to the same location year after year...they always know how to go home. Join Elizabeth and liZ as they talk about Flying Geese Quilt blocks and family traditions. Then to find a step by step tutorial on how to make a Flying Geese Quilt Block check out THIS POST or to find some Flying Geese Quilt inspiration check out THIS POST.

English Paper Piecing is a historical method used to create quilt tops by hand one stitch at a time.  These hauntingly personable quilts are all just as lovely as they are unique. Join us as we talk about what is at the core of these quilts...the handiwork...and how changes over time can only add beauty and depth to the mosaic...both in quilting and in motherhood. And to check out a post that will walk you through a simple English Paper Piecing project you can click HERE.

Milk spills, dishes break, and accidents happen...over and over again...especially when raising children.  But how we handle these mishaps often can create an unexpected silver lining to the daily details of everyday life. Join us for this episode of Stitched where we discuss one of the oldest documented quilt blocks...Broken Dishes. And then afterward hop on over HERE to simplesimonandco.com to find a full tutorial on how to make your own Broken Dishes Quilt Blocks.

150 years ago a quilt block rose to popularity and soon became an American quilting icon.  This block, of course, is the beloved Log Cabin.  Times have changed since those first blocks were stitched on the frontier but what hasn't changed is the comfort of a handmade quilt that provides the recipient with the warmth of hearth and home.    Over on Simple Simon and Company we have a variety of different Log Cabin Tutorials. For a tutorial on how to make a Log Cabin Quilt Block click HERE. For a tutorial on how to make an oversized ragged Log Cabin Baby Quilt click HERE. For a tutorial (and template) on how to paper piece a Log Cabin Quilt Block click HERE.