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Returning guest, Christa Watson is back to talk about her new partnership with Riley Blake Designs.  Christa's is now a fabric designer with Riley Blake and her first collection with them will be available in Nov 2026.

We also chat about practice quilt sandwiches you can make and use with what you have on hand.  I am super excited about Christa's  practice quilt panels that will be available in Nov 2026!

Links:

• christaquilts.com
• Riley Blake Designs - Quilt in Color by Christa Watson
• YouTube: Christa Quilts
• 99 Machine-Quilting Designs PDF Book by Christa Watson

Support the show

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design @makeanddecorate

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

In this episode of Make and Decorate, host Stephanie reflects on her unplanned break from podcasting and shares her excitement about returning. She discusses her creative projects over the past year, including a cathedral window quilt for her parents' anniversary and a commissioned king-sized quilt. Stephanie also shares her experiences at a quilting retreat, innovative tools she discovered, and cozy holiday projects. She highlights new patterns and classes she's excited about, and outlines her plans for the future of the podcast, including a shift to monthly episodes and potential video content.

Chapters

00:00
Welcome Back to Make and Decorate

03:43
Reflections on the Past Year

06:05
Creative Projects and Commissions

Missouri Star Cathedral quilt tutorial. 

Kraeo Handyed yarn shop

Sparklesax Designs Longarm Services

12:03
Retreat Experiences and New Techniques

Center Street Quilts Hemmingway zipper pouch pattern

**Free Pattern** Sweetwater Patchwork Tree Mini Quit excerpt by Moda Mail

Out of Print Elenor Burns Trip Around the World Pattern Book - 1988 available on Thriftbooks

2021 Elenor Burns Trip Around the World - Accu Quilt YouTube Video

2019 Donna Jordan Quick and Easy Trip Around the World You Tube Video

22:08
Innovative Quilting Tools and Techniques

Modern Quilting Stencils by Sew Harmony

27:57
Cozy Holiday Projects

31:15
Exciting New Patterns and Classes

Katia Ferris New Book - Make Your Own Animal Friends

Katia Ferris New Sew a Mouse Class on Creativebug - available now

Katia Ferris' New 14" Rag Doll Class on Creativebug - available on 2/10/26

Jayne Stitches - Meredith doll workshop

37:46
Looking Ahead: Future Plans

Support the show

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design @makeanddecorate

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

You can watch the video of this podcast on my YouTube channel @makeanddecorate

Stephanie welcomes guest Byrd Wadhams to the podcast.  Byrd is a curvy sewist who loves Colorful eclectic clothing. She believes style should not be defined by age, size, or gender. Byrd started her sewing journey a few years ago and it is her goal to show people it’s never too late to pick up a new skill or passion.

Links:

Byrd’s IG: @yogabyrdsews

YouTube Channel Byrd Wadhams

Baltimore Frocktails IG

A couple more upcoming events Byrd mentions are: Sew Ankara Week (July) and KISS (Keep it Simplicity Sis)

Photos of Byrd’s sewing projects talked about on this episode can be found on Stephanie’s Podcast Blog at https://makeanddecorate.com

Support the show

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design @makeanddecorate

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

My guest on this episode is Atsushi Futatsuya, a Sashiko artisan and educator. Atsushi shares his Sashiko story, its cultural significance, and its evolution over time. He discusses the relationship between Sashiko and Boro, the importance of storytelling in preserving the craft, and the impact of Western trends on the perception of Sashiko. Atsushi emphasizes that Sashiko is not just about technique but also about the cultural context and the stories behind the stitches.

Show notes Links:

https://upcyclestitches.com

https://sashikostory.com/?srsltid=AfmBOory1Mory2UFPbLjEnMtVvN1FOUlboELAvp0tFudTbkLAFaSc6k1

https://www.instagram.com/sashikostory/

https://www.domestika.org/en/courses/4952-introduction-to-japanese-sashiko-stitching

https://www.youtube.com/@SashikoStory

Chapters:

Introduction to Sashiko and Boro

Atsushi's Journey with Sashiko

Storytelling in Sashiko

The History and Evolution of Sashiko

The Impact of Western Trends on Sashiko

Exploring Mingei: Art Without Heroes

Atsushi’s weekly live YouTube streaming of Sashiko Stories 

Cultural Appropriation: A Balanced Perspective

Acknowledgment in Cultural Practices

Upcoming Workshops and Sashiko Japan Retreat

Support the show

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design @makeanddecorate

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

This is a solo episode with host, Stephanie Socha.  The two main topics are YarnCon 2025 and my final trip to JoAnn Fabrics. 

This was my first time attending YarnCon, a trade show type event for the knitting, crochet, hand dyers and yarn community. Vendor booths from IL and surrounding states show their beautiful product, much of it hand made, hand dyed and all of it stunning! Below is a list of the vendors from the 2025 show that just took place last weekend (4/5 and 4/6) in Chicago.

https://yarncon.com/pages/copy-of-vendors

The building that YarnCon was held is a historic beaux arts architecture and art deco design.  The link below is the resource I used in this episode.

Beaux Arts Architecture

Final Shopping at JoAnn Fabrics

The second part of this episode is a recap of my final trip to JoAnn Fabrics before they close forever.  A common issue with most shoppers I have heard from and chatted with is that the discounts are not really discounted.  The prices were raised to MSRP and then slightly discounted.  These prices are higher than a JoAnn shopper would have paid prior to the company closing announcement.  

If you plan to make one more trip to JoAnn’s, I share tips on what to look for and how to shop the discounts in your favor while enjoying the nostalgia  one last time.  

Support the show

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design @makeanddecorate

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

 You can watch the video recording of this podcast on my YouTube Channel @makeanddecorate

In this episode of the Make and Decorate Podcast, host Stephanie interviews quilt designer and teacher Jenny Kay Parks. They discuss Jenny's journey into quilting, her experiences working at big box fabric stores and local quilt shops. Jenny shares her passion for teaching color theory to quilters and emphasizes the importance of finding joy in quilting projects.

Jenny Kae Parks shares her insights on the art of quilting, emphasizing the importance of nature as a source of inspiration for color and design. She discusses her journey in the quilting world, including her experiences with Cherrywood fabrics, teaching color theory, and building confidence among quilters. The discussion also covers practical aspects of quilting, such as machine binding, basting techniques, and the debate between ripping and cutting fabric. Jenny's passion for quilting shines through as she reflects on her recent appearance on The Quilt Show, where she taught binding techniques alongside quilting legends Alex Andersen and Ricky Tims.

Links:
https://jennykaequilts.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/JennyKaeQuiltsCo
https://jennykaequilts.com/learn/  for Jenny Kae Quilts online Beautiful Machine Binding Course
Teaching Online at Virtual Quilt Fest Schoolhouse 11: https://www.quiltfest.com/register/quiltfest-virtual-schoolhouse-11/workshops-by-instructor/jenny-kae-parks-binding-color/

Support the show

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design @makeanddecorate

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

This is the last episode of 2024! Happy Holidays to you and enjoy a very Happy and Healthy New start to 2025.

Check out my Patreon page for a few unlocked Bonus Episodes at patron.com/makeanddecorate

My guest on this episode is Deborah Fisher, a ceramic and textile artist with a background in fine art.  She has an online shop called Fish Museum and Circus where she sells the most beautiful ceramic pin cushions, sewing patterns, miscellany hand made items and also her line of quilting fabrics with Windham Fabrics. 

In this episode, we learn about Deborah's art and creative story.  We also talk about the nuance between fine art and craft.  This is an age old debate that maybe just needs more depth of perception to understand and appreciate more. 

We also chat about Deborah's art, ceramic pin cushions, fabrics and her newest product, the  Landscape Turtle Pin Cushion kit.  Links are below:
Fish Museum and Circus website

New fabric line out now: Night Rainbow

Ceramic Pin Cushions - sign up for Deborah's email list to be notified when she puts new ceramic pin cushions up for sale - they go super fast! I still haven't been fast enough to get one!

New product: Landscape Turtle Pin Cushion

@fishmuseum on IG  

Support the show

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design @makeanddecorate

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

On this episode, I chat with guest Gail Yellen from Gail Patrice Design.
Gail is a sewing educator, pattern designer and specialized in serger artistry.  We talk about her journey in sewing and her love for sergers. She loves exploring the full potential of sergers beyond just finishing seams. Gail shares tips on choosing the right serger, the benefits of air threading, and the versatility of decorative stitching.
Gail offers in-person and online workshops, where she teaches various serging techniques. She also provides free YouTube videos and sells patterns on her website. Gail encourages sewists to overcome their fear of sergers and cover stitch machines and to practice, be persistent, and have patience. She believes that mistakes are part of the learning process and can lead to creative solutions.

Links for Gail:
Website:  https://www.gailpatrice.com/
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@GailPatriceDesign
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/gailpatricedesign/
Pinterest: http://gailpatrice.com/
Video on How to finish overstitching in the round

Music: A Christmas Miracle by One Man Quartet
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/XDcoSoHW8e/

Support the show

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design @makeanddecorate

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

Katrina Walker, an industry sewing educator,  author, and designer, shares her journey into the home sewing industry. Katrina has worked with various brands, including Pfaff and Sulky, and has been featured in magazines and TV shows. She is known for her expertise in silk and wool sewing, as well as her innovative techniques. She also raises sheep that produce wool for her yarn brand, Spoiled Sheep.

Guest Segment Chapters: Note time stamps start at guest segment
00:00 Introduction and Meeting at the Sewing Booth
01:48 Growing Up on a Wheat Farm and Discovering Sewing
06:24 Transitioning from Investment Banking to Sewing
13:42 Winning the National Make It With Wool Contest
20:11 Becoming an Educator for Faf and Other Brands
39:53 Fostering Relationships and Being Genuine in Business
43:05 Finding the Right Sewing Machine for Individual Preferences
44:56 Don't Be Afraid to Use Sergers
01:10:35 Embracing Mistakes and the Learning Process in Sewing
01:14:25 The Joy and Satisfaction of Sewing for Oneself
01:19:53 The Meaningful Connection Between the Maker and the Materials
01:25:46 The Value of Quality Fabrics in Sewing

CHIT CHAT:
Stephanie chats about the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild retreat she went to recently. Creative weekend retreats are a perfect way to schedule sewing (or knitting) time for yourself and to enjoy the experience with like minded makers. 

Chit Chat LInks:

Elizabeth Hartman - Fancy Forest Pattern

Minky Kim - Pumpkins patern

Chicago Modern Quilt Guild

KraeO Yarn: Big Brother in Autumnal

Provisional Cast on

Picot edge hat pattern  at Purl Soho

Support the show

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design @makeanddecorate

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

On this episode, my guest is Carina Gardner, a successful designer and entrepreneur, shares her journey and insights on how to make money as a designer. She emphasizes the importance of being a multifaceted designer and knowing when to pivot into different industries. Karina discusses her Design Suite program, which teaches designers how to make their design businesses profitable by offering a range of courses in various design areas. Carina highlights the misconceptions around building a brand and the importance of understanding distribution channels. Carina just launched her online University of Arts & Design. Online Courses for budding designers and artists that are flexible, fulfilling, and transformative.

Links: 

Carinagarnder.com

Carina Gardiner Shop

Design Bootcamp :  Intro to Design Suite

Design Suite

University of Arts & Design

Stephanie's Guest appearance on Carina's Make and Design Podcast

Chit Chat:

• Finishing an improv quilt project with my niece
• I bought the Addi FlexiFiips DPN w/cables from Amazon (note link is my affiliate Amazon link)
• I also bought the Addi Rocket2 Squared Circular Knitting Needles - 16 inch, US 7 (4.5mm) (note link is my affiliate Amazon link)
• My Patreon group patreon.com/makeanddecorate - I will unlock a paid level bonus episode for a limited time. Check it out!

Special Halloween Outro Music:  Trick or Treat  Written by Dean Palya, performed and produced by PALA

Support the show

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design @makeanddecorate

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate