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

• YarnCon 2025 and Final Shopping Trip to JoAnn’s - Ep. 123

  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-vendorsThe 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 ArchitectureFinal Shopping at JoAnn FabricsThe 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 showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: [email protected] YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

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• Ep 122: Guest Jenny Kae Parks (Jenny Kae Quilts); Machine Quilting and Color for Quilters

  Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message! You can watch the video recording of this podcast on my YouTube Channel @makeanddecorateIn 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.comhttps://www.etsy.com/shop/JennyKaeQuiltsCohttps://jennykaequilts.com/learn/  for Jenny Kae Quilts online Beautiful Machine Binding CourseTeaching 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 showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: [email protected] YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

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• Deborah Fisher, Ceramic & Textile artist - Fish Museum and Circus - S7 E 121

  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/makeanddecorateMy 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 websiteNew fabric line out now: Night RainbowCeramic 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  Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: [email protected] YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

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• Guest Gail Yellen, Gail Patrice Design

  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/@GailPatriceDesignInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/gailpatricedesign/Pinterest: http://gailpatrice.com/Video on How to finish overstitching in the roundMusic: A Christmas Miracle by One Man Quartethttps://www.epidemicsound.com/track/XDcoSoHW8e/Support the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: [email protected] YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

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• Ep 119: Guest Katrina Walker - Sewing, Quilting and Spoiled Sheep Yarn

  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 segment00:00 Introduction and Meeting at the Sewing Booth01:48 Growing Up on a Wheat Farm and Discovering Sewing06:24 Transitioning from Investment Banking to Sewing13:42 Winning the National Make It With Wool Contest20:11 Becoming an Educator for Faf and Other Brands39:53 Fostering Relationships and Being Genuine in Business43:05 Finding the Right Sewing Machine for Individual Preferences44:56 Don't Be Afraid to Use Sergers01:10:35 Embracing Mistakes and the Learning Process in Sewing01:14:25 The Joy and Satisfaction of Sewing for Oneself01:19:53 The Meaningful Connection Between the Maker and the Materials01:25:46 The Value of Quality Fabrics in SewingCHIT 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 PatternMinky Kim - Pumpkins paternChicago Modern Quilt GuildKraeO Yarn: Big Brother in AutumnalProvisional Cast onPicot edge hat pattern  at Purl SohoSupport the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: [email protected] YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

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