Why I Created the Free Motion Quilting Masterclass
Send us a textIn 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" tabYouTube Channel: "Stitched by Susan" featuring live quilting demonstrations on select FridaysPinterest: "Stitched by Susan" with a board called "My Gallery, Edge to Edge" showcasing quilting designsSpecial Offers:Cozy Earth bamboo sheets: 40% off with code "MEASURE" at cozyearth.comRegistration for the Free Motion Quilting Masterclass opens twice yearly (currently May 2025)Six weeks of bonus live sessions with Susan for new class participantsAbout the Free Motion Quilting Masterclass:Comprehensive training for domestic and longarm machinesTeaches over 25 specific quilting designsFocuses on practice methods to advance skillsTeaches thought processes to create original designsEspecially helpful for quilters intimidated by freehand workEmphasizes affordable "edge-to-edge" designs for everyday quiltsUpcoming Events:Live, informal sessions on YouTube throughout May 2025New "KNOT of Freehand Quilters" group launching soonConnect with Susan:Website: stitchedbysusan.comYouTube: Stitched by SusanPinterest: Stitched by SusanWant 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 membershipFREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive courseALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class And here's where you can find more of my work: YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodesWebsite - for more information on classes and quilting servicesFacebook - current projects and photosInstagram - current projects and photosPinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
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18:08
Meet Blair Stocker of Wise Craft Handmade
Send us a textIn 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 StockerBlair 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 DiscussedThe Ruby RulerA multi-purpose tool Blair created in 2017Functions as both a cutting ruler and a value viewerUses red film technology similar to what landscape painters and photographers useHelps quilters see value contrast (the "sunshine and shadow") in fabric selectionsAlternative to the black-and-white photo technique for assessing valueResources MentionedWise Craft Handmade websiteBlair's Block of the Month programsThe Ruby Ruler for color value assessmentBlair’s first book - Wise Craft: Turning Thrift Store Finds, Fabric Scraps, and Natural Objects into Stuff You LoveSponsorThe episode is sponsored by Susan's Free Motion Quilting Masterclass, an on-demand course foWant 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 membershipFREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive courseALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class And here's where you can find more of my work: YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodesWebsite - for more information on classes and quilting servicesFacebook - current projects and photosInstagram - current projects and photosPinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
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37:26
The Sweet Spot Between Excellence & Efficiency
Send us a textIn this episode, I discuss how excellence and efficiency can coexist in creative entrepreneurship.Episode Highlights:Finding the balance between providing excellent service and maintaining profitabilityThe difference between excellence and perfectionCreating a "sweet spot" where excellence and efficiency intersectThe importance of developing signature techniques and systemsKey Insights:Excellence means quality work without getting trapped in perfectionismEfficiency requires developing systems, signature techniques, and time managementTracking time helps establish fair pricing and improves profitabilityBatch processing tasks (client meetings, invoicing) increases productivityDeveloping expertise in a limited set of designs/offerings creates both quality and speedResources Mentioned:Machine quilting for beginners courseYouTube live stream playlist for quilting shortcutsPricing spreadsheet for quilters: stitchedbysusan.com/pricingSponsor:Cozy Earth bamboo sheets - Use code "MEASURE" for 40% off at cozyearth.comWant 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 membershipFREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive courseALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class And here's where you can find more of my work: YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodesWebsite - for more information on classes and quilting servicesFacebook - current projects and photosInstagram - current projects and photosPinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
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17:35
Meet Erynn Truexx: The Creative Mind Behind The Panto Shop Revival
Send us a textIn 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 DiscussedErynn's introduction to quilting through the Modern Quilt Guild and QuiltConHer experience working with Innova at quilt showsThe acquisition and revitalization of the Panto ShopExplanation of pantographs and digital quilting designsThe challenges and benefits of different pantograph designsErynn's vision for elevating edge-to-edge quilting designsHer experience creating a Chicago jacket from a quilted projectOrganization systems for quilting materials and projectsSpecial OfferErynn is offering podcast listeners 20% off their entire order at the Panto Shop. Use code SBS20 at thepantoshop.comPearls of WisdomErynn 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 stateAdditional ResourcesThe Panto Shop - Digital pantograph markWant 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 membershipFREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive courseALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class And here's where you can find more of my work: YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodesWebsite - for more information on classes and quilting servicesFacebook - current projects and photosInstagram - current projects and photosPinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
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33:49
The Courage to Learn New Things
Send us a textIn 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 PointsMy experience with the "Ava" quilt challenge and how it prepared me for bigger challengesThe Four C's Formula by Dan Sullivan: Courage, Commitment, Capability, and ConfidenceThe importance of giving yourself permission to be a beginner and take time to learnWhy celebrating small gains and progress is essential for growthResources MentionedThe Four C's Formula by Dan Sullivan: Link to bookletThe Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin HardySponsorThis 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 ReflectionWhat 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 membershipFREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive courseALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class And here's where you can find more of my work: YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodesWebsite - for more information on classes and quilting servicesFacebook - current projects and photosInstagram - current projects and photosPinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
....and other life and business lessons learned from quilting. Makers have stories! And crafters have skills! In these casual chats and interviews, I (often with a guest) talk honestly about creativity. The joy, and hope, and even healing it can bring, and the businesses we can build doing the things we love.
New Zealand