....and other life and business lessons learned from quilting. Makers have stories! And crafters have skills!
In these casual chats and interviews, I (often with a guest) talk honestly about creativity. The joy, and hope, and even healing it can bring, and the businesses we can build doing the things we love.
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In this episode, I share the story behind my Free Motion Quilting Masterclass, explaining how I discovered my passion for longarm quilting and developed techniques to help others master freehand quilting without patterns or templates.
Resources Mentioned:
Free Motion Quilting Masterclass: Available at stitchedbysusan.com under the "Learn" tab
YouTube Channel: "Stitched by Susan" featuring live quilting demonstrations on select Fridays
Pinterest: "Stitched by Susan" with a board called "My Gallery, Edge to Edge" showcasing quilting designs
Special Offers:
Cozy Earth bamboo sheets: 40% off with code "MEASURE" at cozyearth.com
YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodes Website - for more information on classes and quilting services Facebook - current projects and photos Instagram - current projects and photos Pinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
In this episode, Susan interviews Blair Stocker of Wise Craft Handmade, discussing Blair's unique approach to color and value in quilt making, her journey as a crafter, and her revival of the vintage stitching technique called "chicken scratch."
About Blair Stocker
Blair is known for her creative approach to scrappy quilts, focusing on value rather than strict color theory. She comes from a background in apparel design and fashion merchandising, bringing a unique perspective to quilt making.
In this episode, I speak with Erynn Truexx, the creative force behind True Threads Quilting and The Panto Shop. The conversation explores Erynn's journey as a quilter and entrepreneur, focusing on her experience with longarm quilting and her recent acquisition of the Panto Shop, a digital pantograph marketplace.
In this episode of Measure Twice, Cut Once, I explore the process of learning new skills and capabilities, both in quilting and in business. I share personal stories about taking on challenging projects—from creating a quilt from vintage blocks to building an online course business—and break down the four stages of growth: courage, commitment, capability, and confidence. This episode offers practical insights for anyone looking to expand their creative skills or transform their passion into a profession.
Note: Some links below are affiliate links, which means that if you use them to purchase the product, I'll earn a small commission at no extra charge to you!
Key Points
My experience with the "Ava" quilt challenge and how it prepared me for bigger challenges
The Four C's Formula by Dan Sullivan: Courage, Commitment, Capability, and Confidence
The importance of giving yourself permission to be a beginner and take time to learn
Why celebrating small gains and progress is essential for growth
In this episode, I welcome Sarah Becvar, a textile artist from England with over 20 years of experience creating machine embroidered textiles and greeting cards. Sarah shares her unique technique for creating beautiful machine embroidered cards and offers practical advice for listeners interested in trying this creative art form.
Sponsored By
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set - Use code MEASURE for 40% off
About Sarah Becvar
Based in England
20+ years experience (approaching 24 years) in textile arts and card making
Unofficial motto: "Make every day just a little bit more magical"
Topics Discussed
No-Spend Challenge: Amy discusses her current 365-day no-spend challenge, designed to get off the "hamster wheel" of constantly buying the newest fabrics and tools
Industry Pressures: Insights into the pressure of keeping up with trends and how the quilting industry changed during and after COVID
Business Evolution: Amy shares her journey from brand "Happy Hippie Studio" to her current more authentic approach
Fabric Industry Inside Look: Amy's experience working on a contract basis within the fabric industry and seeing how things work behind the scenes
First-Year Business Mistakes: Lessons learned about authenticity, simplifying processes, and avoiding burnout
Pattern Testing: Why Amy decided to stop using pattern testers and how she simplified her pattern development process
Homeschooling Reality: An honest look at balancing homeschooling with running a creative business
Managing Depression: Amy's candid discussion about dealing with depression and PMDD while running a creative business
In this episode, I explore unconventional and budget-friendly quilting tools that can be found at your local hardware store. As part of Season 5's focus on building a creative business, this episode offers practical tips for quilters looking to save money while enhancing their craft.
Hardware Store Quilting Tools:
Tools Section:
Magnetic Bowls - Deeper than typical pin dishes, perfect for holding pins, especially heavy-duty long arm pins
Magnetic Bars - Used to secure quilt tops when floating them on a long arm machine
Telescoping Magnetic Handles - Great for retrieving dropped pins or reaching into tight spaces
Scissor Sharpeners - For extending the life of all-purpose scissors (not recommended for high-quality sewing shears)
Small Inspection Mirrors - Helpful for checking the bobbin area or viewing the back of a quilt without flipping it
Paint Department:
6. Painter's Tape - Susan's "all-time winner" for marking boundaries, creating guides, securing loose seams, and making cutting jigs
7. Rubber Mallet - Perfect for flattening bulky seams that won't fit under machine feet, also useful for snaps and grommets
Measuring Section:
8. Yardstick - Longer than typical quilting rulers, useful for holding side clamp straps at the long arm machine
Storage & Organization:
9. S-Hooks - Great for hanging rulers on pegboards or temporarily displaying quilts
10. Wire Shelving with Wheels - Space-saving storage that can be rolled when needed
11. Snap-Together Storage Bins - Perfect for organizing small supplies like seam rippers and marking tools
In this episode, I explore the power of storytelling in newsletters and email marketing for creative entrepreneurs. She shares how incorporating personal stories can dramatically increase engagement, build connection with subscribers, and transform newsletters from dreaded tasks into effective business tools.
Want to learn how to write story based emails for yourself? Bill Mueller has one of the best courses to learn how! For more information, visit his website. **
**Note: Some links in this episode are affiliate links which means that if you use the link and purchase the product or service, it won't cost you more, and I'll earn a little commission. It's a great way to support the podcast!
00:00 Welcome to Season Five: Behind the Scenes of Creative Entrepreneurship
01:06 The Power of Stories in Newsletters
02:21 Engaging Your Audience with Personal Stories
06:16 The Art of Story Transition in Emails
12:01 Practical Tips for Adding Stories to Your Newsletters
14:16 Overcoming Common Objections to Storytelling
The episode covers Carina's latest exciting project, her new office 'the barn,' and its role in her content creation and family life balance. Carina also delves into the significance of niche marketing, follower engagement, and the real metrics of success. She discusses her approach to content creation and her notable achievement of founding the University of Arts and Design, offering comprehensive design and business education. Carina emphasizes listening to her community, pivoting based on needs, and the importance of impactful time management. Packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring creative entrepreneurs.
01:04 Introducing Carina Gardner
02:26 Balancing Family and Business
07:29 Content Creation Strategies
12:21 The Importance of Niche and SEO
18:48 Design Suite and University Programs
26:51 Building a Lasting Legacy
30:10 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Want to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start?
Are you looking to ADVANCE your machine quilting skills?
Machine quilting can be very solitary, especially on a longarm. It's just not that easy to pack up your machine and head to a friend's house for the day, right? But it's important to have that community - that sharing of ideas and tips, encouragement and motivation.
YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodes Website - for more information on classes and quilting services Facebook - current projects and photos Instagram - current projects and photos Pinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
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If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.
YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodes Website - for more information on classes and quilting services Facebook - current projects and photos Instagram - current projects and photos Pinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
Are you looking to ADVANCE your machine quilting skills?
Machine quilting can be very solitary, especially on a longarm. It's just not that easy to pack up your machine and head to a friend's house for the day, right? But it's important to have that community - that sharing of ideas and tips, encouragement and motivation.
YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodes Website - for more information on classes and quilting services Facebook - current projects and photos Instagram - current projects and photos Pinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
What vision are you holding that's bigger than your current skills?
What would taking the first step of courage into something new look like for you today?
How can you better celebrate your small gains and progress?
YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodes Website - for more information on classes and quilting services Facebook - current projects and photos Instagram - current projects and photos Pinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
Sews around fabric pieces while holding them in place with fingers
Writes flower names on cards using pencil for a subtle, sophisticated look
Are you looking to ADVANCE your machine quilting skills?
Machine quilting can be very solitary, especially on a longarm. It's just not that easy to pack up your machine and head to a friend's house for the day, right? But it's important to have that community - that sharing of ideas and tips, encouragement and motivation.
YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodes Website - for more information on classes and quilting services Facebook - current projects and photos Instagram - current projects and photos Pinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
Are you looking to ADVANCE your machine quilting skills?
Machine quilting can be very solitary, especially on a longarm. It's just not that easy to pack up your machine and head to a friend's house for the day, right? But it's important to have that community - that sharing of ideas and tips, encouragement and motivation.
YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodes Website - for more information on classes and quilting services Facebook - current projects and photos Instagram - current projects and photos Pinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
12. Mesh Drawer Organizers - Good for visible storage of color-organized scraps
13. Closet Organization Hardware - For storing batting rolls using closet rails and PVC pipe
Lighting:
14. LED Stick-On Lights - For additional task lighting under machines - Tip: Use a floor lamp with adjustable neck for "quilting by shadow" on dark or busy prints
Building Materials:
15. Plexiglass Sheets - For auditioning quilting designs
YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodes Website - for more information on classes and quilting services Facebook - current projects and photos Instagram - current projects and photos Pinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review
YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodes Website - for more information on classes and quilting services Facebook - current projects and photos Instagram - current projects and photos Pinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
Are you looking to ADVANCE your machine quilting skills?
Machine quilting can be very solitary, especially on a longarm. It's just not that easy to pack up your machine and head to a friend's house for the day, right? But it's important to have that community - that sharing of ideas and tips, encouragement and motivation.
YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodes Website - for more information on classes and quilting services Facebook - current projects and photos Instagram - current projects and photos Pinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
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