What happens when you combine needlepoint, mahjong, a gorgeous destination, and a room full of women who love their hobbies? A little bit of magic—and a whole lot of new friendships.

In this episode of Oh Stitch!, we're sitting down with Elizabeth Trainor, the founder of Hobby Holiday, to talk about how she turned her love of needlepoint and mahjong into a one-of-a-kind retreat experience.

As a military spouse, mom of five, and relatively new needlepointer and mahjong player, Elizabeth saw an opportunity to bring women together around the analog hobbies they love.

We had the pleasure of attending the very first Hobby Holiday at The Greenbrier in West Virginia as vendors for Georgie and Lottie, and we experienced firsthand just how special this community is.

Elizabeth takes us behind the scenes of launching her first retreat, from selling out tickets to navigating unexpected challenges and learning the importance of surrounding herself with supportive women entrepreneurs.

We're also getting the inside scoop on the next Hobby Holiday at the historic Jekyll Island Club in Georgia, including an extra day of activities, beautiful classes, high tea, and plenty of opportunities to stitch, play mahjong, and connect. And if you've ever been nervous about attending a retreat alone or trying a new hobby, Elizabeth has some encouragement you need to hear.

Hobby Holiday Jekyll Island: Use code GLJIC for $100 off the retreat, exclusively for Oh Stitch! listeners.

Connect with Elizabeth:
hobby-holiday.com
instagram.com/hobby_holiday

What if your next needlepoint project didn't end up as another pillow, ornament, or bag charm? We're thinking outside the traditional finishing box, and trust us, the possibilities are so much more exciting than you might imagine.

In this episode of Oh Stitch, we're diving into one of our favorite subjects: what to actually do with your needlepoint once you've stitched it. Inspired by our travels to The Greenbrier, visits to needlepoint shops, and unexpected antique finds, we're exploring everything from needlepoint-covered furniture and luggage racks to jean pockets, jackets, trays, and beautiful decorative boxes.

We're also talking about why it's perfectly okay to stitch something simply because you love it, even when you have absolutely no idea what you'll do with it.

Special Offer: Use code OHSTITCH10 for 10% off your first order at georgieandlottie.com.

What if the needlepoint tucked away in a drawer isn’t finished with its story yet? In this episode, we’re talking with Heather Rae Doyle, founder of Heather Rae Atelier, about creativity, craftsmanship, and the magic of giving vintage needlepoint a completely new life.

We’ve been following Heather Rae's work for a while, and if you remember the Fendi-like Penelope needlepoint bag I shared back in episode three, you’ve already seen her creativity in action. Heather Rae takes vintage needlepoint tapestries—many stitched decades ago by women whose names were never recorded—and transforms them into one-of-a-kind pieces like handbags. What we love most about her work is that she isn’t simply repurposing something old. She’s honoring the time, artistry, and hands behind every stitch.

We talk about how her grandmother introduced her to sewing and needlework, why needlepoint feels more like meditation than production, and how she approaches cutting and designing around vintage stitched pieces without losing what made them special in the first place.

Heather Rae also takes us behind the scenes of one of her most ambitious projects yet: a seven-panel needlepoint ball gown skirt inspired by a Marie Antoinette exhibition in London and influenced by the bold craftsmanship she saw at a Dolce & Gabbana exhibition in Miami.

And, of course, we get practical. Heather Rae shares ideas for cleaning and reimagining old needlepoint, explains the digital tools she created to help stitchers turn canvases into finished pieces, and reminds us why handmade doesn’t need to mean perfect.

Connect with Heather Rae:
Website: heatherraeatelier.com
Instagram: instagram.com/heather.rae.atelier

Special Offer: Use code OHSTITCH10 for 10% off your first order at georgieandlottie.com.