First Stitch Story: Meet Mary
In this episode, we meet Mary, a fellow Kansas City–area quilter whose creative path included early sewing lessons, a break for life, and then rediscovering sewing and quilting years later, Mary’s story touches on creativity, learning curves, and the joy of saying yes to something new.

The Wind Blossom pattern that connected us: https://www.wildplumlane.com/shop/p/wind-blossom-pdf-quilt-pattern

WIP-Finishing Tip: Prioritize What Matters
Today’s WIP-finishing tip is all about prioritizing your projects. When everything feels important, it’s easy to feel stuck. I walk through three-step process to narrow your focus so you can decide what to work on next…and then actually make progress!

I also mention a couple of free tools that support this process, including one especially helpful for quilts that are headed out the door as gifts.

Quilting Freebies All-Access Pass (Includes the Simple WIP Inventory and the Quilt Care Card): https://www.wildplumlane.com/quilting-freebies-sign-up

From My Sewing Room: The Postcard Club
This episode’s feature from my sewing room/studio is a little different…and all about connection! I’m sharing about my Postcard Club for Quilters, which is a low-effort, high-joy way to stay connected with the people you care about while celebrating quilting all year long.

Postcard Club for Quilters: https://www.wildplumlane.com/postcard-club

Share Your First Stitch Story
We want to feature you on the show! Whether it’s your journey into quilting or a favorite project-finishing tip, your story might be read in an upcoming episode.

Email: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com
Submit Here: https://forms.gle/pVT851vkt32YwRVa8

First Stitch Story: Meet Dot!

In this episode, we meet Dot, whose First Stitch story spans decades of making. From learning to sew as a child to a lifetime of creative work, Dot’s story is a beautiful reminder that creativity evolves…and that there’s no single path to becoming a quilter.

WIP-Finishing Tip: A Simple Way to Get Unstuck

If you’re feeling stalled on your works in progress, today’s WIP-finishing tip focuses on gentle organization…not perfection. I share a small, doable shift that can help you regain momentum without pulling everything out or overhauling your space.

I also mention a free tool that helps you clarify what to work on next. You can access the free Simple WIP Inventory or read more about how to use it using the links below.

Simple WIP Inventory: https://www.wildplumlane.com/quilting-freebies-sign-up

How to use it (Guest blog post): https://quilterscandy.com/tips-progress-on-quilt-projects/

From My Sewing Room

This episode’s favorite tool is a surprisingly simple storage solution that’s become a go-to for managing my works in progress. It keeps projects visible, contained, and ready to pick back up when time allows.

My favorite WIP storage containers: https://www.target.com/p/12-39-39-x-12-39-39-x-2-34-all-purpose-storage-tray-brightroom-8482/-/A-83279859#lnk=sametab

Share Your First Stitch Story

Your story might be next. If you’d like to share how you got started sewing or quilting, I’d love to hear it and feature YOU in a future episode!

Email: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com

Submit Here: https://forms.gle/pVT851vkt32YwRVa8

In this episode, I’m sharing my own First Stitch story—from learning to sew with my mom and grandma, to returning to quilting (many!) years later and eventually founding Wild Plum Lane. It’s a little backstory on how quilting became such a meaningful part of my life.

Free Resources to Help You Finish More Quilts

To help you make progress on your works in progress, I’m sharing my free library of quilty planning and organization tools, including planners, WIP trackers, free patterns, and more.

Get your quilting freebies All Access Pass

Favorite Tool of the Day

I’m also highlighting one of my all-time favorite quilting tools: the Martelli ergonomic rotary cutter. I share why I switched to it, how it helped relieve my arthritis pain, and why it’s kept me quilting for years.

Find the Martelli ergonomic rotary cutter

Share Your First Stitch Story

I’d love to hear your First Stitch story! If you’d like to be featured in a future episode, you can submit your story here:

• Send an email to: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com
• Or use our quick submission form

Welcome to The First Stitch, where every quilter has a story. Join host Lisa Donnelly from Wild Plum Lane for a brand-new podcast celebrating the stories, tips, and connections that stitch our community together.

What to Expect:
-Short & Sweet: 5–10 minute episodes perfect for your morning coffee or a quick sewing break.
-Weekly Inspiration: New episodes drop every Wednesday.
-Practical Tips: Real-world advice on finishing your WIPs so you can start your next favorite project.
-Community Stories: Authentic "first stitch" moments from quilters just like you.

Share Your Story
We want to feature you on the show! Whether it’s your journey into quilting or a favorite project-finishing tip, your story might be read in an upcoming episode.

Email: firststitchpodcast@wildplumlane.com

Submit Here: https://forms.gle/pVT851vkt32YwRVa8

Go ahead and Subscribe/Follow to join us for our first full episode starting in January 2026!

Website: https://www.wildplumlane.com/