Measure Twice, Cut Once

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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 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 for m
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 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 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:
"Take imperfect action" - Don't wait for things to be perfect before moving forward
"Perfection doesn't exist" - Focus on the journey and continuous improvement rather than an unattainable perfect state
Additional Resources
The Panto Shop - Digital pantograph marketp
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 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