Make and Decorate with Stephanie: Sew, Quilt, Knit & Home Decor

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S8 Ep 130

Stephanie shares practical sewing tips, project organization strategies, and updates on her personal projects, including her experience with foundation paper piecing, hemming, and outdoor decor. Plus, insights into her upcoming plans and the FIFA World Cup excitement.

Key  topics:
Hemming techniques and tips
Foundation paper piecing process and tools
Organizing a sewing room efficiently
Choosing outdoor fabrics and decor ideas
Updates on sewing machine models and features
Personal projects: quilts, needlepoint, outdoor cushions
FIFA World Cup insights and fan experiences
Upcoming episodes on fabric marking pens and sewing machines

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview
01:10 Hemming pants: tips and techniques
04:04 Using blind hem stitch and pressing tips
07:47 Foundation paper piecing: tools and system
13:45 Organizing the sewing room efficiently
23:59 Outdoor fabric selection and project ideas
34:01 Garden updates: dahlias, vegetables, and water features
46:57 Upcoming episodes: fabric marking pens and sewing machines
50:49 FIFA World Cup highlights and personal favorites
56:04 Personal update: knee surgery and future plans

Resources

Make and Decorate with Stephanie Podcast on YouTube https://youtube.com/@makeanddecorate
J Stern Designs Blind Hem Tutorial - https://youtu.be/PkOotHtiW_k?is=ky02W82TJSqijcFm
Tommy Bahama Outdoor Fabric at Michaels - https://www.michaels.com/product/10736404
Add-a-quarter rulers - https://amzn.to/4fp8X1K
Bernina Sewing Machines - https://www.bernina.com/en-US/Machines-US/Series-Overview/BERNINA-4-Series/BERNINA-495-Liberty-Edition

https://www.bernina.com/en-US/Machines-US/Series-Overview/NEW-BERNINA-5-Series/BERNINA-580-Liberty-Edition

Support the show

Connect with Stephanie:

YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

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

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

S8 Ep 129

In this episode, I chat with Melodie Harding who shares her journey from traditional quilting to designing innovative stencil tools for machine quilting.
Our conversation covers practical tips for quilting, the benefits of using stencils, and how to overcome challenges in free motion quilting. Melodie shares her insights on combining different techniques and encourages quilters to experiment and find their unique style.

For 20% off one order of Sew Harmony stencils, enter Promo Code "MakeDecorate20" at checkout.  https://sewharmony.com/collections/all

Links: Some of the links in this video are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the channel!
https://www.havelssewing.com/snip-eze-embroid-snips-carded
https://primitivegatherings.us/primitive-gatherings-binding-needles-12-ct/
https://a.co/d/06Ze39et
Subscribe to Melody's newsletter for product updates - the mini stencils are coming out very soon in June 2026! https://sewharmony.com

Come join me in my Patreon group free or paid. I post quips in free content and ad free episodes as well as behind the scenes posts in paid tiers.  https://patreon.com/makeanddecorate

Support the show

Connect with Stephanie:

YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel

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:

Chit chat: life update, H+H this week, and birthday party decor projects.

•  Mini Topics
•  Pattern Matching fabrics for quilt backings (or for any project)
•  My process for Foundation Paper Piecing the Fairytale Forest BOM by Duckadilly

Audiobook Reviews

•  AudiobookBook reviews on "Local Woman Missing" by Mary Kubica, "The Diamond Eye" by Kate Quinn, and "She's Not Sorry" by Mary Kubica, covering themes, character analysis, and author backgrounds.
•  Movie commentary comparing the "The Housemaid" series book and film, exploring differences and storytelling nuances.

Resources & Links:

• Frieda McFadden Books
• Mary Kubica Books
• Kate Quinn Books
• Sew Harmony - Quilting Stencils
• Smithsonian Article on Mila Pavlichenko
• Reliable Sewing Machines
• Liberty Fabrics at Duckadilly

Support the show

Connect with Stephanie:

YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

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

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

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

Connect with Stephanie:

YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel

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

Connect with Stephanie:

YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel

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

Connect with Stephanie:

YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel

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

Connect with Stephanie:

YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel

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

Connect with Stephanie:

YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel

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

Connect with Stephanie:

YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel

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

Connect with Stephanie:

YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

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