Hey quilters, welcome back to another episode! This week we're catching up with Leslie, who just made the bold leap from 17 years in corporate life to focusing full-time on her true passion - sewing and handwork. We're also hearing some incredible stories about forgiveness and healing from Rochelle, who shared her emotional journey of reconciling with her ex-husband in 2020, plus some lighter moments touring new studio spaces and discussing the surprisingly addictive world of grape soda grapes from Sam's Club. From Tula Pink's amazing five-class lineup at Quiltcon to Doug's surprising move to Dallas, this episode is packed with the kind of authentic conversations that make our quilting community so special. Leslie's processing this major life transition through therapy while we all explore what it means to reclaim our identity after big changes, and Rochelle introduces us to her new "draft theory" about standing tall and maintaining clarity of purpose even when you're feeling isolated.

For your ultimate quilting experience, check out our sponsor, Osage Hills Retreat Center for upcoming retreats, classes and so much more! It is Oklahoma's premier craft destination. Relaxation and fun await!

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

This episode is packed with fun and insight! Rochelle visited Leslie's new studio space, and they chatted about everything from beautiful shadow boxes to functional recording setups and upcoming window shades. They also dove into their zero-sugar soda preferences, with Rochelle sharing her journey to enjoying Coca-Cola Zero and the delightful discovery of grape soda grapes from Sam's Club. The conversation then shifted to Sam's Club's scan-and-go app, sourdough creations, and even Doug Leko's surprising potential move to Dallas. A fantastic mix of home decor, tasty treats, and personal updates!

Leslie also hared her exciting career transition from corporate life to focusing on her true passion: sewing and handwork. Rochelle offered incredible support, highlighting Leslie's courage and the importance of finding one's unique identity. They also had a really meaningful conversation about the journey of forgiveness, with Rochelle sharing her powerful personal story and Leslie discussing her own struggles. The "draft theory" was even introduced as a new way to maintain clarity and purpose. What an inspiring and relatable discussion for anyone navigating big life changes or personal growth!

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

Welcome, friends, to another fantastic episode! Today, we're kicking things off by talking about a new career chapter, as Leslie shared the exhilarating leap she's taking into full-time quilting after 17 years at her old job. The change has brought mixed reactions, but with Rochelle's encouragement, she's navigating this new territory with grace and optimism. They also discussed their entrepreneurial spirits, with Rochelle giving sage advice about financial investments and the ebb and flow of business, all while Leslie gears up to learn a new YouTube platform to grow her incredible channel.

Then, we'll shift gears with Leslie, who is buzzing with excitement over a new business opportunity! She's teaming up with a quilt shop owner in Tennessee, a collaboration that promises big things even though Leslie is staying right here in Oklahoma. As we follow their journey, we’ll hear about how Leslie and Rochelle are both finding ways to balance their work and personal lives, from planning retreats to setting healthy boundaries with social media and daily routines. Get ready to be inspired by their commitment to personal growth and self-assurance!

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

This episode is a fun-filled journey through all sorts of creative and adventurous pursuits! We kick things off with a literal high, as Rochelle and Lance celebrate crushing some serious personal bests on the climbing wall. Then we dive into the delicious world of food, with conversations about homemade tomato soup and last-minute retreat meal plans, which are always a good time. The creative spark continues with a deep dive into quilting projects, including an Anne of Green Gables quilt, and a very personal story about following a divine prompt at 3 a.m.

Get ready for some serious inspiration as we talk about jumping into new ventures, even when fear tries to hold you back. Leslie shares her journey into entrepreneurship, with Rochelle offering up some amazing encouragement about radical acceptance and trusting the process. We also get excited about the discovery of Block Party Quilt Company and all the pre-cut kits that make quilting a breeze. The episode wraps with a mix of life hacks—like trying on clothes in the aisles at Costco—and some heartfelt life lessons about patience and celebrating progress, all wrapped up with a little travel inspiration. Enjoy!

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

What a wild ride! From rock climbing a 37-foot wall to managing family medical appointments, the girls have been BUSY! This episode is a delightful mix of life's big and small moments. They talk of friendship, navigating busy schedules and clarifying rumors with humor. Leslie had a lovely birthday visit with her dad, where she has helped him find new pain relief options, and the unexpected family history revelations that made their breakfast together so special. This episode is a great reminder that amid the hustle and bustle, it's those moments of connection and shared experience that truly matter.

But let's get to the good stuff: the quilts! This conversation was a master class in juggling projects, from the Anne of Green Gables quilt Rochelle is making for donation to Leslie's quest for more dark blue fabric for her Alice in Wonderland project. They also gave us a peek into some creative dilemma—deciding whether to let go of the expensive kit you're not in love with. Rochelle's rock climbing training for Devil's Tower and her needle felting projects prove that her creativity knows no bounds. It's clear that whether you're climbing a wall or piecing a block, she is always working with purpose.

Enjoy this fun episode!

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

This episode is packed with creative discussions, starting with studio logistics and setting up for various projects like a long arm installation and upcoming retreats. The conversation then flowed into delightful personal updates, covering everything from minor injuries and home improvements to health insights, before diving deep into favorite books, movies, and all things quilt-related. They also shared exciting updates on future events, including a highly anticipated quilt retreat and new teaching opportunities. It was a truly inspiring mix of practicality, personal connection, and passion!

The girls touched on some fantastic adventures, like a float trip down Flint Creek with unexpected twists and turns, proving that quilters are always up for an exciting challenge! There were also heartwarming stories about supporting resilience in creative communities, with a strong message about maintaining a positive attitude even when faced with difficulties. This episode is filled with warmth, creativity, and a strong sense of camaraderie. Enjoy!

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

This week, the girls have a whirlwind of creative chaos and awesome plans to share! We've been dreaming up a brand new way to stay safe while we get crafty, with Rochelle's cool new climbing helmet that's getting double duty for both climbing and quilting. We've also been getting a little wild and outdoorsy, with plans for a super fun floating trip down Flint Creek, complete with some tasty snacks. It's not all adventure, though—we've been busy baking up a storm with homemade sourdough and other treats, all while celebrating birthdays and admiring the incredible talent of a young fashion designer named Max Alexander. It just goes to show, there’s no limit to where your creativity can take you!

And speaking of creativity, we’ve got a whole new world of projects to dive into. We’re super excited about the revival of the arts and have been planning some major projects, from creating woolly mammoth-themed crafts and teaching classes on quilted tennis shoes, to tackling new barn quilts and tackling an upcoming quilt show in Shell Knob, Missouri! We’ve even been working on a home renovation project that has us all buzzing with excitement and new design ideas. Plus, we've got some great tips for staying safe on the go, with a reminder about moving around during long trips and retreats. It's a busy, beautiful world of quilting, crafting, and fun, and we're so happy to share it all with you!

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

Rochelle's been on quite the adventure, trying on 1940s wigs at Quilt Nebraska and deciding they're her new go-to! She's also become a fabric organizing whiz, making sure every zipper and notion has its perfect spot, even rethinking those sky-high cupboards. Plus, she spilled all the tea on her wool crafting obsession, showcasing adorable ornaments and sharing her excitement about teaching these fuzzy creations at upcoming events like Winter Wonderland and Camp Wanna Sew. It sounds like Rochelle is having a blast with her new look and her super organized craft space, all while inspiring others with her amazing wool projects!

The chat also covered everything from juicy travel plans to a hilarious docking station drama, with Rochelle sharing her Scotland and Iceland trip details and a funny story about embarrassing Scott during a live recording. Leslie jumped in with updates on her home reno, from painting and flooring to planning a magnetic screen door for her new craft room, aiming for a big move-in this Sunday! There was even a quick peek into fabric design trends and the joys of renewing a driver's license online. It's a lively mix of personal updates, creative endeavors, and a sprinkle of everyday adventures, all wrapped up in one fun conversation!

Enjoy!

For your ultimate quilting experience, check out our sponsor, Osage Hills Retreat Center for upcoming retreats, classes and so much more! It is Oklahoma's premier craft destination. Relaxation and fun await!

Send us a text

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

This lively chat covered everything from Rochelle's wild quilt show adventures and her intense rock-climbing training with Lance (talk about multi-talented!) to the magical world of sewing retreats and tackling those tricky directional fabrics. Leslie shares about her studio build and some recent TV show binges, proving that our quilting lives are never dull!

And the creativity doesn't stop there! Rochelle shared her brilliant fabric organization hacks using accordion files, and we got the inside scoop on her quilted tennis shoes and the great shoelace dilemma. We dove into the great friction pin debate, chatted about sewing machine care, and even brainstormed some cool sticker display ideas. Plus, there were updates on upcoming retreats, new guild participants, and even a fun game night story, making this show a true patchwork of delightful topics! Enjoy!

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

What a fantastic chat Leslie and Rochelle had, full of fun updates and exciting plans! They dove into everything from home projects and pet adventures to recent dining out experiences, including a hilarious discussion about a dill pickle-flavored drink from Sonic. They also got into the nitty-gritty of their quilting and sewing endeavors, covering upcoming travel, potential teaching gigs, and all sorts of amazing quilt projects currently in the works. It sounds like everyone is super busy with creative pursuits and home improvements!

They wrapped up their chat by discussing home renovations, with some great ideas for making spaces more accessible and decorative, like exploring ramp options and stylish metal awnings. Plus, they shared some exciting news about classes and how supportive their quilting community truly is. It's so wonderful to hear about new projects, shared experiences, and how they all lift each other up. Get ready for some serious quilting inspiration and laughs!

Send us a text

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