Send us a text

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

In this episode, I discuss how excellence and efficiency can coexist in creative entrepreneurship.

Episode Highlights:

• Finding the balance between providing excellent service and maintaining profitability
• The difference between excellence and perfection
• Creating a "sweet spot" where excellence and efficiency intersect
• The importance of developing signature techniques and systems

Key Insights:

• Excellence means quality work without getting trapped in perfectionism
• Efficiency requires developing systems, signature techniques, and time management
• Tracking time helps establish fair pricing and improves profitability
• Batch processing tasks (client meetings, invoicing) increases productivity
• Developing expertise in a limited set of designs/offerings creates both quality and speed

Resources Mentioned:

• Machine quilting for beginners course
• YouTube live stream playlist for quilting shortcuts
• Pricing spreadsheet for quilters: stitchedbysusan.com/pricing

Sponsor:

• Cozy Earth bamboo sheets - Use code "MEASURE" for 40% off at cozyearth.com

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, 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.

Key Topics Discussed

• Erynn's introduction to quilting through the Modern Quilt Guild and QuiltCon
• Her experience working with Innova at quilt shows
• The acquisition and revitalization of the Panto Shop
• Explanation of pantographs and digital quilting designs
• The challenges and benefits of different pantograph designs
• Erynn's vision for elevating edge-to-edge quilting designs
• Her experience creating a Chicago jacket from a quilted project
• Organization systems for quilting materials and projects

Special Offer

Erynn is offering podcast listeners 20% off their entire order at the Panto Shop. Use code SBS20 at thepantoshop.com

Pearls of Wisdom

Erynn shared two important pieces of advice:

1. "Take imperfect action" - Don't wait for things to be perfect before moving forward
2. "Perfection doesn't exist" - Focus on the journey and continuous improvement rather than an unattainable perfect state

Additional Resources

• The Panto Shop - Digital pantograph mark

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

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

Resources Mentioned

• The Four C's Formula by Dan Sullivan: Link to booklet
• The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Susan's Free Motion Quilting Masterclass, an on-demand comprehensive course for mastering freehand quilting skills and design decisions. Learn more at stitchedbysusaon.com/learn.

Questions for Reflection

• 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?

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, 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
• Creates machine embroidered textiles and greeting cards
• Offers in-person workshops at her home studio
• More information can be found on her website at sarahbecvardesign.com

Current Projects

• Spring-themed floral notecards featuring: 
  • Daffodils
  • Primroses
  • Bluebells
  • Lily of the Valley (May birth flower)
• Cards inspired by: 
  • Flowers around her studio
  • Wildflowers from country walks with her dogs
  • Garden flowers (especially dahlias in summer)

Sarah's Card-Making Process

1. Begins with simple line sketches to plan composition
2. Selects small-print fabrics (tiny designs add interest to the finished product)
3. Cuts small fabric pieces without templates
4. Arranges fabric pieces on card to plan placement
5. Uses freehand machine embroidery technique directly on card
6. Sews around fabric pieces while holding them in place with fingers
7. Writes flower names on cards using pencil for a subtle, sophisticated look

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

In this episode, I welcome Amy Lollis, a quilt pattern writer, fabric designer, podcaster, crocheter, and Oklahoma homeschool mom. 

About Amy Lollis

• Quilt pattern writer, fabric designer, podcaster, crocheter
• Oklahoma homeschool mom
• Creator behind Amy Lollis Creative
• 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

Where to Find Amy 

• Instagram: @amylolliscreative
• Website: www.amylollis.com

Sponsored By

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

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:

1. Magnetic Bowls - Deeper than typical pin dishes, perfect for holding pins, especially heavy-duty long arm pins
2. Magnetic Bars - Used to secure quilt tops when floating them on a long arm machine
3. Telescoping Magnetic Handles - Great for retrieving dropped pins or reaching into tight spaces
4. Scissor Sharpeners - For extending the life of all-purpose scissors (not recommended for high-quality sewing shears)
5. 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 

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

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, 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

16:20 The Benefits of Storytelling in Business

17:22 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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 welcomes Carina Gardner, a renowned fabric designer and CEO of multiple companies.  Carina, who has designed fabric for Riley Blake Designs, dies for Silhouette, host of the Make and Design Podcast, creater of Design Suite,  and is the founder of the University of Arts and Design, shares her journey and strategies for building a thriving creative business. 

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? 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