Episode 16: Lindsey Kurowski & Stacey Gilfillan

As we begin our casual conversation with Lindsey and Stacey, we learn that Lindsey has four full-time jobs, which doesn’t leave much time for sewing. Lucky for her, Lindsey’s mom Stacey comes from a long line of sewists and has been an avid quilter since 1991. The two share a charming story about an heirloom quilt Stacey made Lindsay for her 30th birthday; a quilt her dog soon discovered. After taking a few deep breaths, Stacey patched the corner and embroidered, “Finn was here,” creating an additional layer of fond memories.

As the conversation continues, we learn that Lindsey took her life savings to buy an abandoned lodge and renovate it. Her friend Mark, a TV developer, made a reel about it; that one reel caught the attention of Chip and Joanna Gaines, which is how she ended up with a show on Magnolia Network. She talks about the fun and the challenges of renovation TV and attributes her success to her amazing team, which she brought with her from Knotty Pine. (15:19-22:00) Lindsey places a high value on aesthetics and customization, which is why she also reached out to her mom.

Stacey shares that when she got the call, she and her husband drove their 30-foot RV, “Elvira” out to California. Thinking she’d just be there to make one set of curtains for one show, she only brought along a few clothes, her BERNINA® 550, and a handful of supplies. The director was so impressed with her work, he asked her to stay on for the remaining five episodes. (24:25-28:19) She’ll also be bringing her expertise to season two of Inn the Works.

In addition to working on the show, Stacey is part of an active quilting community in Texas, where she is doing some amazing work and educating people about the true monetary value of quilts. She also shares some surprising statistics about the quilting industry.( 31:04 -38:30)

As the conversation continues, Lindsey reflects, “I’m just trying to take a moment like Ferris Bueller and take a look around, because it all happens fast.” As Lindsey and Stacey head off to renovate an abandoned 42-room motel in the Berkshires, you can kick back and tune into the podcast to hear more about their fascinating adventures.

You can contact Lindsey via Instagram @lindseykurowski, and at knottypine.co; you’ll find Stacey on

Instagram @stazzinaro or by emailing stazzinaro@gmail.com