Measure Twice, Cut Once – Details, episodes & analysis

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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
• Registration for the Free Motion Quilting Masterclass opens twice yearly (currently May 2025)
• Six weeks of bonus live sessions with Susan for new class participants

About the Free Motion Quilting Masterclass:

• Comprehensive training for domestic and longarm machines
• Teaches over 25 specific quilting designs
• Focuses on practice methods to advance skills
• Teaches thought processes to create original designs
• Especially helpful for quilters intimidated by freehand work
• Emphasizes affordable "edge-to-edge" designs for everyday quilts

Upcoming Events:

• Live, informal sessions on YouTube throughout May 2025
• New "KNOT of Freehand Quilters" group launching soon

Connect with Susan:

• Website: stitchedbysusan.com
• YouTube: Stitched by Susan
• Pinterest: Stitched by Susan

Want to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going.

Support the show

------------------------

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.

Resources:

ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membership

FREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive course

ALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class

And here's where you can find more of my work:

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

Send us a text

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.

Key Topics Discussed

The Ruby Ruler

• A multi-purpose tool Blair created in 2017
• Functions as both a cutting ruler and a value viewer
• Uses red film technology similar to what landscape painters and photographers use
• Helps quilters see value contrast (the "sunshine and shadow") in fabric selections
• Alternative to the black-and-white photo technique for assessing value

Resources Mentioned

• Wise Craft Handmade website
• Blair's Block of the Month programs
• The Ruby Ruler for color value assessment
• Blair’s first book - Wise Craft: Turning Thrift Store Finds, Fabric Scraps, and Natural Objects into Stuff You Love

Sponsor

The episode is sponsored by Susan's Free Motion Quilting Masterclass, an on-demand course fo

Want to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going.

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.

For more information and to sign up, visit our website.  

Support the show

------------------------

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.

Resources:

ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membership

FREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive course

ALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class

And here's where you can find more of my work:

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

Send us a text

Join me at QuiltCon 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona! I had the pleasure to speak with vendors, attendees and teachers, and recorded them to share with you. Find out more about them below:

Hollyann of String and Story

• Website - https://www.stringandstory.com/

Kristin of Laurastar

• Website - https://www.laurastar.com/

Lorelai Kueker of Pigs in a Blanket Quilting

• Website - https://www.pigsinablanketquilting.com/

Cheryl Koranda - Longarm League

• Website - https://www.longarmleague.com/

Natalie of OESD

• Website - https://oesd.com/

Amy Chappell 

• Website - https://amerooniedesigns.com/

Karlee Porter 

• Website - https://www.karleeporter.com/

Elizabeth deMoo of Brown Bird Designs 

• Website - https://brownbirddesigns.com/

Enjoli Strait with BERNINA

• Website - https://www.doodlequiltingstudio.com/

Sew Becca - 

• Website - https://sewbecca.com/

Melissa Renfrey of Storyteller Stitchery

• Website - https://storytellerstitchery.com/

Chelsie of Pink Door Fabrics 

• Website - https://www.pinkdoorfabrics.com/

Blair Stocker 

Want to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going.

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.

For more information and to sign up, visit our website.  

Support the show

------------------------

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.

Resources:

ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membership

FREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive course

ALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class

And here's where you can find more of my work:

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

Send us a text

Mary is a dear friend! She has so much wisdom, humor, and grace, and she brings all of that to her crafting endeavors.  You'll hear how she was pulled into the art of quilting, why she loves the detail of handwork so much, and what that expression has meant to her in re-imagining her life.

Plus, you won't want to miss the story of her unexpected visit with Vice President Biden!

Want to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going.

Support the show

------------------------

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.

Resources:

ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membership

FREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive course

ALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class

And here's where you can find more of my work:

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

Send us a text

Karen is a matriarch of machine quilting - she began in 1997! She chats about finding your own trim, judged quilts, the quilting community in her brick and mortar store, and even muskie fishing! Plus, of course, the original freehand design now affectionately known as "McTavishing".

Look for Karen's books and classes to become available for streaming on her website, June 1, 2020.

mctavishquilting.com
www.facebook.com/mctavishquiltingstudio

Want to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going.

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.

For more information and to sign up, visit our website.  

Support the show

------------------------

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.

Resources:

ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membership

FREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive course

ALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class

And here's where you can find more of my work:

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

Send us a text

Tia chats about teachers who do the OPPOSITE of encouraging crafters, worldwide travels, her passion for Welsh quilting, and her marvelous feathers.

Tia is a gifted educator with a wealth of experience, and she brings her enthusiasm and love of exploration to this episode.

email: tiacurtisquilts@gmail.com
Instagram
Facebook

Want to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going.

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.

For more information and to sign up, visit our website.  

Support the show

------------------------

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.

Resources:

ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membership

FREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive course

ALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class

And here's where you can find more of my work:

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

Send us a text

Jen has an encouraging story to tell - she has explored some very beautiful ways to convey faith in her very original custom-printed fabrics, plus many patterns and group sewing projects.

Jen has great tips for those who have a great idea, and want to use fabric as their medium, as well as some advice for minimalist crafters. Is there even such a thing?

Jen (and her quilting devotional) can be found in all these places:
Website https://faithandfabricdesign.com
Instagram https://instagram.com/faithandfabric
Facebook https://facebook.com/faithandfabric

----------------
And here's where you can find more of my work:
Website
FacebookInstagram
Pinterest
YouTube

Want to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going.

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.

For more information and to sign up, visit our website.  

Support the show

------------------------

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.

Resources:

ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membership

FREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive course

ALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class

And here's where you can find more of my work:

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

Send us a text

Elizabeth and her young family spent a period of time in Korea. She has great perspective on NEW - new crafts...new opportunities...new materials and skills....


website
pattern shop
courses
instagram: @elizabeth.epidastudio.com
facebook: epidastudio

Want to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going.

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.

For more information and to sign up, visit our website.  

Support the show

------------------------

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.

Resources:

ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membership

FREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive course

ALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class

And here's where you can find more of my work:

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

Send us a text

Jill has SO many  stories! She talks about designing a series of patterns based on her friend Jim's slavery-era family quilts, and having the chance to show them at QuiltCon. Then we chat about quilts in theater....an original way to shop in your fabric stash....and how to decide what to quilt on your treasure.

Facebook
Etsy shop  for patterns
Instagram

Jim's book, plus quilt photos and Jill's patterns are available at https://hartsfieldfamilyslavequilt.com

Want to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going.

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.

For more information and to sign up, visit our website.  

Support the show

------------------------

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.

Resources:

ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membership

FREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive course

ALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class

And here's where you can find more of my work:

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

Send us a text

My guest, Sam, began her quilting journey at Mile 0 on the Alaska Highway. We chat about the twists and turns of building a quilting business, and how Sam has done that in a small Canadian town. She gives tips for marking, finding your niche, and building a client base. Solid advice if you're launching or building your business.  Plus, Sam acquired her longarm in a totally unique way. You don't want to miss that story!

Sam can be found here:
Facebook
Instagram
Email - samalberts@live.ca

Want to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going.

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.

For more information and to sign up, visit our website.  

Support the show

------------------------

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.

Resources:

ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membership

FREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive course

ALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class

And here's where you can find more of my work:

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