Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

I am trying something new with my "mini-sodes", mini-size episodes on the weeks in-between the regular bi-weekly episodes.  These mini-sodes will be about the most recent updates with me, projects I'm working on, seasonal things and any thing else I think of between main episodes.  

If I don't have any new updates, then there will not be a mini-sode - so, I can focus on the main episodes as priority.  

Be sure to check out the show notes on my website at https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate

My youtube channel is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt5FuxwtVqIXMDzdoNAEqEw

Support the show

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

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

EMAIL: [email protected]

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

I recorded this episode on-site in Sarah Clevenger's sewing room!  We had the best time talking about sewing, machines, fabrics and pattern making.  Sarah gives a couple of sewing hacks/tips, and she talks about some of her niche sewing interests like costume and renaissance style sewing, and how she loves sewing coats.  

If you have any hesitation on sewing your own clothing, or think you need a fancy machine to achieve great sewing...listen to this episode.  I was blown away at the impeccable sewing that Sarah continues to achieve on her mechanical Kenmore sewing machine.  I have met several people who sew on a Kenmore machine, and they all say the same thing - it is a workhorse and they love it.

Go to my Show Notes to see photos of Sarah's sewing room, her machines and fabric stash!  https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate

Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast, and reach out and say hi to me!

Support the show

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

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

EMAIL: [email protected]

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

On this episode I give a full recap of the Sew Sweetness Retreat I attended the last weekend of September. There was a guest instructor from Blue Calla Patterns, Celine Alleart, and we made a bag from her pattern, The Boronia Bowler Bag.  Sara Lawson was also an instructor, and we made the cute crossbody/messenger style bag from her pattern called the Satellite Bag.  

Also, I review a couple of subscription boxes I recently started, the fall FabFitFun box, and Grove Collaborative (all natural products)

I finish the episode with a segment on interior painting tips.  Many people in the northern hemisphere are heading back indoors and sprucing up their homes for the holidays.  Learn about paint quality, finishes and choosing colors for your home.  I talk about mostly Benjamin Moore paint, but also give tips on big box store paint lines, as well as introduce you to a high end natural pigment paint from the UK, Farrow and Ball.  

Support the show

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

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

EMAIL: [email protected]

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

Have you ever taught a kid how to sew, quilt or craft? We often hear from adults on how to teach children how to sew and craft, but on this episode, we get a glimpse of what it is like to be a kid learning how to sew from my 10 year old niece, Ava. I started teaching Ava to sew when she was a wee 5 year old, and since then she has learned how to sew an accurate seam allowance, how to thread her machine, fill a bobbin and load it the right direction, and how to keep her machine clean after each use so that it runs smoother for her on each project.Ava also shares her recent makes, and her creative process as she continues to build on her sewing skills and her favorite things to make. She also discovered her new favorite fabric - cork.In addition to Ava, I share updates on new Babylock sewing machine and serger releases this month, Bernina is now selling their gold plated presser foot (anniversary limited edition) online, as well as a prelude to my exciting retreat I am attending this week! I want to hear from you! Please post comments or questions on my podcast page at https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate or on my Facebook page @ stephaniesochadesign or IG @stephanie.socha.design

Support the show

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

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

EMAIL: [email protected]

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

I am so pleased to have my first guests on the Make and Decorate podcast! Dori and Katie are the hosts of the podcast, Hobbies Up To Here, and they also have a YouTube channel, blog and facebook page. In this episode, we hear about how they started their podcast and how their hobbies, crafts and quilting have evolved over the years. Dori and Katie also share information on the sewing machines they use, and what they like/dislike about their machines. A few other topics we discuss are their current WIPS (works in progress) and a recap of the beautiful Beatles quilt that Dori and her husband worked on together and completed this past summer. You can follow the Beatles quilt progress over the past year or so on their podcast, http://Hobbiesuptohere.com Check out the episode's show notes at http://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate

Support the show

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

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

EMAIL: [email protected]

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

What exactly does a serger and a coverstitch machine do? There are many uses for a serger other than overlocking a clothing seam. The serger can be utilized for decorative edge stitches on anything from quilts, blankets and home dec. Learn the wonders of a coverstitch machine for professional looking clothing hems, and fun chain stitch uses. Discover the differences between a serger, coverstitch and a combination serger/coverstitch machine. Visit http://stephaniesochadesign.com for show notes and my blog.

Support the show

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

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

EMAIL: [email protected]

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

I take you on the journey of my sewing and serger/coverstitch machine purchases through the past 20 years! You will hear how I go from naive to savvy as a purchaser of sewing machines of various price points and manufacturers. Get insight on purchasing new from dealers, demos from trade shows to pre-loved/used from online sellers. There are many ways to acquire a "new to you" machine, and I love a good deal on a fancy pre-loved machine. Find out what I think about my newish Bernina machines...are they really that much better than the other guys?

Support the show

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

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

EMAIL: [email protected]

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

The options for sewing machines are endless. It is often overwhelming to choose the right sewing machine for your needs, budget and creativity. Learn how to define your needs and wishlist, features to consider on sewing machines, differences between mechanical, electronic and embroidery machines, and which direction you should go on your sewing machine search, and feel confident with your next sewing machine acquisition!

Support the show

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

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

EMAIL: [email protected]

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!

This is the premier episode of Make and Decorate with Stephanie Socha Design. I introduce myself, Stephanie Socha, and talk about my creative background and why I wanted to do a podcast show. I explain the format of the show, and how it will be evolving as I get more comfortable with the technology that is required with podcasting, as well as how listener feedback will also shape the show.Sewing and quilting will be the center of the show, with a little bit of decorating here and there when possible. I believe quilting and sewing are intrinsic to interior decorating. We can create custom designed homes and lifestyles that reflect our own stories and personalities with deep sentiment with our handcrafted art, and treasures.

Support the show

INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design

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

EMAIL: [email protected]

YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design